Demand for an education from the University of California, Merced, remains high, with 22,632 applicants competing for admission for 2,100 undergraduate seats in Fall 2016, an increase of 13.5 percent over last year’s total. The rate of growth is the highest among all campuses in the University of California system for the second consecutive year and more than double the systemwide growth rate of 6.4 percent. “We are excited to continue to witness record interest from those looking to attend our vibrant campus,” Chancellor Dorothy Leland said.