The University of California鈥擬erced, which opened in 2005, may be the most recent addition to the University of California system, but it has quickly positioned itself as a notable center for 鈥渃utting-edge research.鈥 The university features several research institutes and centers with 鈥渟tate-of-the-art lab and research facilities,鈥 and students appreciate the 鈥渁bundance of opportunities鈥 offered 鈥渋n whatever field interests you.鈥 In particular, the Health Science Institute sees a lot of use in connecting undergrads to research, and the Sierra Nevada Research Institute helps students use their environment as an outdoor laboratory. The curriculum offers 鈥渉ands-on experience and community engagement鈥 that 鈥済oes beyond traditional lectures and allows students to apply what they鈥檝e learned in a meaningful way.鈥 UC Merced鈥檚 tight-knit and collaborative community fosters 鈥渘umerous opportunities for mentorship, undergraduate research, and leadership development.鈥 Professors here are 鈥渧ery interactive鈥 and 鈥渧ery knowledgeable in their fields.鈥 The classes tend to be small, so 鈥渟tudents can actually have a relationship with their professors,鈥 which can be instrumental in creating future opportunities. As one student explains, 鈥淚 was able to get into research my first year of college and make great connections with many of my professors.鈥 And notably, students say the experiential learning is 鈥渆xciting and valuable,鈥 as it helps make to make one's 鈥渁cademic experience feel more connected to current trends in education.鈥