does cal poly slo require an essay

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Cal Poly Requirements for Admission

Choose your test.

What are Cal Poly's admission requirements? While there are a lot of pieces that go into a college application, you should focus on only a few critical things:

• GPA requirements
• Testing requirements, including SAT and ACT requirements
• Application requirements

In this guide we'll cover what you need to get into Cal Poly and build a strong application.

School location: San Luis Obispo, CA

This school is also known as: California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Admissions Rate: 30.3%

If you want to get in, the first thing to look at is the acceptance rate. This tells you how competitive the school is and how serious their requirements are.

The acceptance rate at Cal Poly is 30.3% . For every 100 applicants, 30 are admitted.

This means the school is very selective . If you meet Cal Poly's requirements for GPA, SAT/ACT scores, and other components of the application, you have a great shot at getting in. But if you fall short on GPA or your SAT/ACT scores, you'll have a very low chance of being admitted, even if you meet the other admissions requirements.

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Cal Poly GPA Requirements

Many schools specify a minimum GPA requirement, but this is often just the bare minimum to submit an application without immediately getting rejected.

The GPA requirement that really matters is the GPA you need for a real chance of getting in. For this, we look at the school's average GPA for its current students.

Average GPA: 4

The average GPA at Cal Poly is 4 .

(Most schools use a weighted GPA out of 4.0, though some report an unweighted GPA.

With a GPA of 4, Cal Poly requires you to be at the top of your class . You'll need nearly straight A's in all your classes to compete with other applicants. Furthermore, you should be taking hard classes - AP or IB courses - to show that college-level academics is a breeze.

If you're currently a junior or senior, your GPA is hard to change in time for college applications. If your GPA is at or below the school average of 4, you'll need a higher SAT or ACT score to compensate . This will help you compete effectively against other applicants who have higher GPAs than you.

SAT and ACT Requirements

Each school has different requirements for standardized testing. Only a few schools require the SAT or ACT, but many consider your scores if you choose to submit them.

Cal Poly hasn't explicitly named a policy on SAT/ACT requirements, but because it's published average SAT or ACT scores (we'll cover this next), it's likely test flexible. Typically, these schools say, "if you feel your SAT or ACT score represents you well as a student, submit them. Otherwise, don't."

Despite this policy, the truth is that most students still take the SAT or ACT, and most applicants to Cal Poly will submit their scores. If you don't submit scores, you'll have one fewer dimension to show that you're worthy of being admitted, compared to other students. We therefore recommend that you consider taking the SAT or ACT, and doing well.

Cal Poly SAT Requirements

Many schools say they have no SAT score cutoff, but the truth is that there is a hidden SAT requirement. This is based on the school's average score.

Average SAT: 1335

The average SAT score composite at Cal Poly is a 1335 on the 1600 SAT scale.

This score makes Cal Poly Moderately Competitive for SAT test scores.

Cal Poly SAT Score Analysis (New 1600 SAT)

The 25th percentile SAT score is 1260, and the 75th percentile SAT score is 1450. In other words, a 1260 on the SAT places you below average, while a 1450 will move you up to above average .

Here's the breakdown of SAT scores by section:

SAT Score Choice Policy

The Score Choice policy at your school is an important part of your testing strategy.

Cal Poly has the Score Choice policy of "Highest Section."

This is also known as "superscoring." This means that you can choose which SAT tests you want to send to the school. Of all the scores they receive, your application readers will consider your highest section scores across all SAT test dates you submit .

Click below to learn more about how superscoring critically affects your test strategy.

For example, say you submit the following 3 test scores:

Even though the highest total you scored on any one test date was 1000, Cal Poly will take your highest section score from all your test dates, then combine them to form your Superscore. You can raise your composite score from 1000 to 1400 in this example.

This is important for your testing strategy. Because you can choose which tests to send in, and Cal Poly forms your Superscore, you can take the SAT as many times as you want, then submit only the tests that give you the highest Superscore. Your application readers will only see that one score.

Therefore, if your SAT superscore is currently below a 1450, we strongly recommend that you consider prepping for the SAT and retaking it . You have a very good chance of raising your score, which will significantly boost your chances of getting in.

Even better, because of the Superscore, you can focus all your energy on a single section at a time. If your Reading score is lower than your other sections, prep only for the Reading section, then take the SAT. Then focus on Math for the next test, and so on. This will give you the highest Superscore possible.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

Cal Poly ACT Requirements

Just like for the SAT, Cal Poly likely doesn't have a hard ACT cutoff, but if you score too low, your application will get tossed in the trash.

Average ACT: 29

The average ACT score at Cal Poly is 29. This score makes Cal Poly Moderately Competitive for ACT scores.

The 25th percentile ACT score is 28, and the 75th percentile ACT score is 33.

Even though Cal Poly likely says they have no minimum ACT requirement, if you apply with a 28 or below, you'll have a very hard time getting in, unless you have something else very impressive in your application. There are so many applicants scoring 29 and above that a 28 will look academically weak.

ACT Score Sending Policy

If you're taking the ACT as opposed to the SAT, you have a huge advantage in how you send scores, and this dramatically affects your testing strategy.

Here it is: when you send ACT scores to colleges, you have absolute control over which tests you send. You could take 10 tests, and only send your highest one. This is unlike the SAT, where many schools require you to send all your tests ever taken.

This means that you have more chances than you think to improve your ACT score. To try to aim for the school's ACT requirement of 33 and above, you should try to take the ACT as many times as you can. When you have the final score that you're happy with, you can then send only that score to all your schools.

ACT Superscore Policy

By and large, most colleges do not superscore the ACT. (Superscore means that the school takes your best section scores from all the test dates you submit, and then combines them into the best possible composite score). Thus, most schools will just take your highest ACT score from a single sitting.

We weren't able to find the school's exact ACT policy, which most likely means that it does not Superscore. Regardless, you can choose your single best ACT score to send in to Cal Poly, so you should prep until you reach our recommended target ACT score of 33.

Download our free guide on the top 5 strategies you must be using to improve your score. This guide was written by Harvard graduates and ACT perfect scorers. If you apply the strategies in this guide, you'll study smarter and make huge score improvements.

SAT/ACT Writing Section Requirements

Currently, only the ACT has an optional essay section that all students can take. The SAT used to also have an optional Essay section, but since June 2021, this has been discontinued unless you are taking the test as part of school-day testing in a few states. Because of this, no school requires the SAT Essay or ACT Writing section, but some schools do recommend certain students submit their results if they have them.

Cal Poly considers the SAT Essay/ACT Writing section optional and may not include it as part of their admissions consideration. You don't need to worry too much about Writing for this school, but other schools you're applying to may require it.

Final Admissions Verdict

Because this school is very selective, strong academic scores are critical to improving your chances of admission . If you're able to score a 1450 SAT or a 33 ACT or above, you'll have a very strong chance at getting in.

For a school as selective as Cal Poly, rounding out the rest of your application will also help. We'll cover those details next.

But if you apply with a score below a 1450 SAT or a 33 ACT, you unfortunately have a low chance of getting in. There are just too many other applicants with high SAT/ACT scores and strong applications, and you need to compete against them.

Admissions Calculator

Here's our custom admissions calculator. Plug in your numbers to see what your chances of getting in are. Pick your test: SAT ACT

• 80-100%: Safety school: Strong chance of getting in
• 50-80%: More likely than not getting in
• 20-50%: Lower but still good chance of getting in
• 5-20%: Reach school: Unlikely to get in, but still have a shot
• 0-5%: Hard reach school: Very difficult to get in

How would your chances improve with a better score?

Take your current SAT score and add 160 points (or take your ACT score and add 4 points) to the calculator above. See how much your chances improve?

At PrepScholar, we've created the leading online SAT/ACT prep program . We guarantee an improvement of 160 SAT points or 4 ACT points on your score, or your money back.

Here's a summary of why we're so much more effective than other prep programs:

• PrepScholar customizes your prep to your strengths and weaknesses . You don't waste time working on areas you already know, so you get more results in less time.
• We guide you through your program step-by-step so that you're never confused about what you should be studying. Focus all your time learning, not worrying about what to learn.
• Our team is made of national SAT/ACT experts . PrepScholar's founders are Harvard graduates and SAT perfect scorers . You'll be studying using the strategies that actually worked for them.
• We've gotten tremendous results with thousands of students across the country. Read about our score results and reviews from our happy customers .

There's a lot more to PrepScholar that makes it the best SAT/ACT prep program. Click to learn more about our program , or sign up for our 5-day free trial to check out PrepScholar for yourself:

Application Requirements

Every school requires an application with the bare essentials - high school transcript and GPA, application form, and other core information. Many schools, as explained above, also require SAT and ACT scores, as well as letters of recommendation, application essays, and interviews. We'll cover the exact requirements of Cal Poly here.

Application Requirements Overview

• Common Application Not accepted
• Electronic Application Available
• Essay or Personal Statement
• Letters of Recommendation
• Interview Not required
• Application Fee $70
• Fee Waiver Available? Available
• Other Notes

Testing Requirements

• SAT or ACT Not used if submitted
• SAT Essay or ACT Writing Optional
• SAT Subject Tests
• Scores Due in Office December 1

Coursework Requirements

• Subject Required Years
• Foreign Language 2
• Social Studies 1
• Electives 1

Deadlines and Early Admissions

• Offered? Deadline Notification
• Yes November 30 April 1

Admissions Office Information

• Address: 1 San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
• Phone: (805) 756-1111 x1111
• Fax: (805) 756-5400
• Email: [email protected]

Other Schools For You

If you're interested in Cal Poly, you'll probably be interested in these schools as well. We've divided them into 3 categories depending on how hard they are to get into, relative to Cal Poly.

Reach Schools: Harder to Get Into

These schools are have higher average SAT scores than Cal Poly. If you improve your SAT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.

Same Level: Equally Hard to Get Into

If you're competitive for Cal Poly, these schools will offer you a similar chance of admission.

Safety Schools: Easier to Get Into

If you're currently competitive for Cal Poly, you should have no problem getting into these schools. If Cal Poly is currently out of your reach, you might already be competitive for these schools.

Data on this page is sourced from Peterson's Databases © 2023 (Peterson's LLC. All rights reserved.) as well as additional publicly available sources.

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How to Get Into Cal Poly SLO: Acceptance Rate and Strategies

June 14, 2024

Cal Poly SLO, the shortened name for California Polytechnic State University—San Luis Obispo, is the most selective of the 23 schools within the massive CSU system that serves nearly half a million students. With affordable and well-regarded bachelor’s degree programs in areas such as mechanical engineering, business administration, computer science, and architecture, it’s no wonder the number of applicants to Cal Poly has more than tripled since the turn of the millennium. Given the growing popularity of this increasingly selective public university—and the ever-dropping Cal Poly SLO acceptance rate—you will want to be aware of the following:

• Cal Poly SLO acceptance rate
• SAT/ACT policy and GPAs of admitted applicants
• Admissions stats by College
• Admissions trends at California Polytechnic State University—San Luis Obispo
• The demographics of current undergraduates
• How Cal Poly admissions officers evaluate candidates
• Tips for applying to Cal Poly
• Whether Cal Poly is transfer-friendly
• How to assess whether applying to Cal Poly is even worth the $70 application fee (for you)

Let’s begin with an examination of the most recent Cal Poly admissions data.

Cal Poly Acceptance Rate

The acceptance rate at Cal Poly for freshmen who entered campus in fall 2023 was 30%, nearly identical to the year prior. The applicant pool totaled 63,955 hopefuls. However, for the full picture, you’ll want to also look at admission rates by College (more on that below), which range from 20-48%.

Class of 2028 figures have yet to be released. However, there is reason to believe that the numbers could be significantly lower. A record-high 78,000+ applications poured in to Cal Poly SLO in the 2023-2024 application cycle.

Historical Cal Poly acceptance rates are as follows:

What GPA do you need to get into Cal Poly SLO?

Those admitted into the Class of 2027 possessed a mid-50% GPA of 4.03.

Moreover, 64% of attending students were in the top decile of their graduating high school class (up from 49% the previous year); 87% were in the top quartile. Only 13% of incoming students had a GPA under 3.74, with less than 1% having a GPA below 3.0.

What class rank do you need to get accepted to Cal Poly?

At Cal Poly SLO, 45% of students who entered the university in Fall 2023 placed in the top tenth of their class. 80% placed in the top quarter, and 96% placed in the top half.

What is the minimum SAT or ACT score for Cal Poly SLO?

As a test-blind institution, Cal Poly does not consider standardized test scores. Therefore, GPA is the most important metric for consideration.

For reference, back when tests were still considered, the mid-50% ACT range was 28-33 and the equivalent SAT range was 1240-1420.

Cal Poly- Admissions Stats by College

College of Agriculture, Food & Environmental Sciences

• GPA range: 3.88-4.23
• Acceptance rate: 48%

Architecture & Environmental Design

• GPA range: 4.00-4.25
• Acceptance rate: 30%

College of Engineering

• GPA range: 4.13-4.25
• Acceptance rate: 20%

Cal Poly SLO Acceptance Rate (Continued)

College of Liberal Arts

• Acceptance rate: 31%

Science & Mathematics

• GPA range: 4.08-4.25
• Acceptance rate: 35%

Orfalea College of Business

Admissions Trends & Notes

• All CSU schools have adopted a test-blind policy moving forward. If you submit test scores, the university will not look at them.
• There were 275 international students among the Class of 2027 from 61 different countries.
• Cal Poly also remains the least ethnically diverse school in the CSU or UC system. However, the URM population increased by 10% last year.
• First-time freshmen increased by 159 students, compared to 227 the previous year.

Who Gets In?

Let’s look at the demographics of current students:

Most students hailed from California and paid in-state tuition (only 16% of those who enrolled were non-residents). The most common counties/areas of residence for in-state students in the Class of 2027 were as follows:

• San Francisco: 28%
• Los Angeles: 21%
• Central Coast: 10%
• San Joaquin Valley: 9%

The states sending the greatest number of non-resident students into the Class of 2027 were as follows:

• Washington: 4%
• Colorado: 2%

Looking at ethnic identity, the breakdown of the incoming freshman class was as follows:

• Hispanic: 26%
• Black or African American: 1%
• Multiracial: 8%

International students came in the greatest numbers from the following countries:

The breakdown by gender of the entire student body shows an even split:

• Female: 50%

“Feeder schools” that sent the greatest number of new undergrads to the university in 2023-24 included:

• San Luis Obispo High
• Redwood High
• Millikan Senior High
• California High
• Arroyo Grande High
• Salinas High
• San Ramon Valley High
• Bellarmine College Preparatory

Cal Poly’s yield rate—the percentage of accepted students who elect to enroll, divided by the total number of students who are admitted—was 28%. To compare this school to other California-based public universities, UC Berkeley and UCLA are both above 40%.

How Cal Poly SLO Rates Applicants

There are only two factors that this school ranks as “very important” to their admissions decision process and they are: the rigor of your courses and GPA earned within those courses. They “consider” items such as: extracurricular activities, talent/ability, first-generation status, geographical residence, volunteer work, and paid work experience.

Cal Poly, along with all other California State University schools have gone test-blind, meaning they will no longer consider SAT or ACT scores in the application process. Previously, test scores had been a “very important” component of the review process at Cal Poly.

In the words of the admissions office:

• “For the purposes of your application, we’ll consider your 9th-11th grade weighted GPA. That number is calculated from college-prep coursework as designated on your application. Weight is granted for courses designated as ‘honors,’ ‘college-level,’ ‘advanced placement’ or ‘international baccalaureate’ for up to eight semesters.”
• “Cal Poly takes activities such as work experience, internships, volunteer programs and extracurricular activities into consideration. We are also interested in any leadership roles you may have held in these activities.”
• “All candidates are objectively evaluated by the cognitive and non-cognitive variables under our faculty-mandated Multi-Criteria Admission (MCA) process.”

Tips for Applying

If you plan on joining the 75,000+ Mustang freshmen hopefuls for the next admissions cycle, you should also know the following:

• This university does not offer interviews or consider recommendations, legacy status, or demonstrated interest.
• You will be required to select a major from a list of more than 60 on your application.
• Applications can be submitted any time from 10/1 through 11/30.
• There are no essays required for applicants to Cal Poly SLO.

Should I apply to Cal Poly SLO?

If you earned a 4.0 (or better) weighted GPA in high school, you are a viable candidate for any program within Cal Poly –San Luis Obispo. Students with a 4.1 or 4.2 in a mostly honors/AP curriculum will fare best.

Do I have a better chance of acceptance as a transfer student?

Actually, it’s harder to get accepted as a transfer student. For those entering the university in fall 2023, Cal Poly received 9,216 applications and admitted 1,968 students. This means that the Cal Poly transfer acceptance rate is just 21.3%. Here is a sampling of past transfer acceptance rates:

Read more about the Cal Poly Transfer Rate and Requirements here .

Cal Poly SLO Acceptance Rate – Final Thoughts

Very few students are able to consider Cal Poly as a “safety” these days; all students need to make sure that they formulate an appropriate college list , containing a complement of “reach,” “target,” and “safety” schools. You’ll definitely want to do this in collaboration with a professional who is aware of the latest trends and strategies associated with your prospective colleges.

Additional resources you may appreciate:

• Should You Start College Applications in the Summer?
• What is Demonstrated Interest?
• Do Colleges Look at Social Media?
• College Fair Advice for High School Students
• Application Strategies

Dave Bergman

Dave has over a decade of professional experience that includes work as a teacher, high school administrator, college professor, and independent educational consultant. He is a co-author of the books The Enlightened College Applicant (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016) and Colleges Worth Your Money (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020).

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Cal Poly will select some of the best and brightest students from California and around the world to join us next year. Our undergraduate application is open from Oct. 1 – Nov. 30 through Cal State Apply, the application for all CSU campuses.

Get Started

• Choose a Major You will need to choose a major on your application. Explore our majors and choose your program of study with our Major Finder .
• Review Selection Criteria Review our selection criteria to ensure you are maximizing your opportunity for selection as well as placing the correct information on your application.
• Gather Application Materials In order to complete your application, make sure you have a copy of your transcripts, current and planned class schedules, test scores (not applicable for fall 2022), household annual income and social security number (if available).

You may also want to look through our application resources for tips on how to complete the application.

• Pay Your Fee There is a $70 application fee per campus at the time you apply, unless you qualify for an application fee waiver . The application will notify you automatically whether or not you qualify for a fee waiver at the time of submittal.
• Keep in Touch Make sure you add [email protected] to your contact list. Email is our primary form of communication and how we will keep in contact with you throughout the admissions process. You will be contacted if we need any additional supporting documents such as transcripts or portfolios.

Art and Design and Music Department Applicants Qualified applicants will be notified in mid-January to submit a portfolio or complete an audition. More information is available through the Art and Design and Music Departments . 

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Undergraduate

First-year factors, new transfer factors, application procedures, cal poly application filing periods.

California Promise Program

Former/Returning Students

Other information.

Office of Admissions Building (172H), 2nd Floor,  Room 2-20 Phone: 805.756.2311; Fax: 805.756.5911 Tour Information Line: 805.756.5734 Email: [email protected] https://admissions.calpoly.edu/

Cal Poly comprehensively reviews all applications, seeking students who have strong academic records and are active in and outside the classroom.  Admission to Cal Poly is highly competitive. Beyond the basic California State University qualifications, Cal Poly considers other factors for admission deemed important to the campus and does so in an objective format. Review the selection criteria for undergraduate applicants by starting here: Cal Poly Admissions .

Applicants are notified of a formal decision by April 1.

When a first-year application is reviewed, the following are considered:

• The applicant’s intended program of study (the major to which application is made)
• The applicant’s college preparatory courses in secondary school
• GPA earned in college preparatory courses
• The applicant’s extra-curricular activities and work experience
• Non-cognitive variables deemed important to the campus

For a comprehensive look at Cal Poly’s selection criteria for a first-year applicant, including deadlines, visit Cal Poly Admissions Selection Criteria .

The majors below have additional requirements:

• Art and Design – qualified first-year applicants will be requested to submit an electronic portfolio per specific instructions provided to the applicant
• Music – qualified first-year applicants will be requested to audition either in person or via specified media

When an upper-division 1 transfer application is reviewed, the following are considered:

• The number of units completed
• Completion of CSU and Cal Poly program required coursework with a grade of ‘C’ or better
• General Education (G.E. Breadth) or Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) courses
• Academic performance in college courses (GPA)
• The applicant’s extracurricular activities and work experience

For a comprehensive look at Cal Poly’s selection criteria for a new transfer applicant, including deadlines, visit https://www.calpoly.edu/admissions/transfer-student/selection-criteria .

• Art and Design – qualified new transfer applicants will be requested to submit an electronic portfolio per specific instructions provided to the applicant
• Music – qualified new transfer applicants will be requested to audition either in person or via specified media
• Architecture – qualified new transfer applicants will be requested to submit a portfolio per specific instructions provided to the applicant

Appeals to Undergraduate Admission Decisions - First Year and New Transfers

Cal Poly does not set aside spaces for students who appeal admission decisions. Every denied application has been reviewed for maximum consideration. Therefore, for an appeal to have merit it must bring to light new academic information, as well as information pertaining to extenuating circumstances that was not present in the application information that clearly shows the student to be stronger than had been earlier evidenced.  Neither grades received in the current academic year nor mistakes made by the applicant on the application are a basis for an appeal or the reversal of a decision.

Review the Cal Poly Admissions website for complete information and instructions regarding the process to submit an appeal here .

For admission consideration, Cal Poly requires applicants to submit the online application ( https://www2.calstate.edu/apply ) with the corresponding $70.00 application fee, which is both non-refundable and non-transferable. The application and fee cannot be used to apply to another term.

Applicants should not submit additional information beyond the information submitted on the application unless requested to do so by the Admissions Office. Applicants are advised to submit complete and accurate information on the application for admission. Failure to file complete, accurate, and authentic application documentation may result in denial of admission, cancellation of academic credit, suspension, or expulsion (Section 41301 of Title V, California Code of Regulations).

View detailed online application information at https://www.calpoly.edu/admissions .

Cal Poly accepts undergraduate (first-year or new transfer) applications for the Fall term only.

First-Year Applicants apply through the online process. This process requires applicants to submit Cal Poly’s online application with the corresponding fee during the application filing period of October 1 to November 30.

*Please note: Applicants will receive notification of their admission status by April 1. Those selected must accept or decline Cal Poly’s offer of admission by May 1.

New Transfer Applicants apply through the online process. This process requires applicants to submit Cal Poly’s online application with the corresponding fee during the application filing period of October 1 to November 30.

Offers of admission to Cal Poly are conditional pending satisfactory compliance with the “Terms and Conditions of Admission” found online at Terms and Conditions for First-Year Students and Terms and Conditions for Transfer Students .

The California Promise Program

The California Promise Program enables a specific number of CSUs to establish pledge programs for entering first-time students who are both interested and able to complete baccalaureate degrees in four years. All CSUs have established programs for students with Associate Degrees for Transfer from any California Community College to complete their baccalaureate degrees in two years. The program is limited to students who are residents of California.

Students who commit to enter either the four-year or two-year pledge will be given a priority registration appointment for each state-supported enrollment period and will be provided with routine and thorough academic advisement. In order to remain in the program, students must meet with their advisors as prescribed, develop an enrollment plan and complete 30 semester units or the quarter equivalent within each academic year, including summer. Participating CSUs may stipulate other requirements as well. Interested students entering the CSU should contact university offices or visit The California Promise Program website.  

The California Promise at Cal Poly

Cal Poly has established a pilot pledge program for students with Associate Degrees for Transfer to complete their baccalaureate degrees in two years. The Bachelor of Arts in English is the only major available at this time. Interested students should contact Cal Poly’s Transfer Center ( transfer @calpoly.edu ).

Former Students Returning in the Same Major

Students who were previously enrolled at Cal Poly and who wish to return to the university must follow the guidelines appropriate to their category.

Former undergraduate students who left Cal Poly in good standing (2.0 or higher GPA) , before completing their degree, and who wish to resume their former program (major) at Cal Poly, can essentially be reinstated after submitting a paper CSU undergraduate application and transcripts from any institutions attended after leaving Cal Poly. A returning student is one who has no enrollment record for three consecutive regular terms (fall, winter, spring). If you have missed 2 terms, you may enroll without completing a returning student application. Once you have missed 3 terms, you must complete a returning student application. An application and corresponding fee must be filed or postmarked before the application deadline date listed below for the appropriate term:

Former students who did not leave the university in good standing (i.e., were academically disqualified), will have their application and transcripts sent to their department college for review before reinstatement can occur. Applicants in this category are advised to contact their major's academic department or advising center to begin dialogue about satisfying any requirements before submitting their application. For more details regarding applying as a returning student please visit the Returning Students website .

Former Students Returning in a New Major

Former Cal Poly students wishing to return to Cal Poly in a different major must file an online application with the corresponding fee by the same application deadline as new applicants. Applicants in this category will compete equally with new applicants for the available transfer openings in their declared major.

Consistency with State Regulations

The philosophy of the Cal Poly Admissions Office is consonant with the mission of California Polytechnic State University and is in accordance with Title V, Chapter 1, Subchapter 3, of the California Code of Regulations, and specifically, the California Code of Regulations for the California State University System, Title V, Section 40600.

Graduate Admission Requirements

View online information for graduate admission here .

Determination of Residence for Tuition Purposes

The Cal Poly Admissions Office determines the residence status of all new and returning students for tuition purposes. View comprehensive online information here .

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International Students

Office of Admissions Building (172H), 2nd Floor,  Room 2-20 Phone: 805.756.2311; Fax: 805.756.5911 Tour Information Line: 805.756.5734 https://www.calpoly.edu/admissions Email: [email protected]  

International Admissions

Cal Poly, as part of the California State University (CSU) system, assesses the academic preparation of international students using factors such as academic performance, verification of English proficiency, and financial resources (to meet federal regulations). For this purpose, international students include those who hold U.S. visas as students, exchange visitors, or those in other nonimmigrant classifications. The CSU uses separate requirements and application filing dates in the admission of international students.

Reference the International Admissions section on the Cal Poly Admissions website for detailed information .

 Cal Poly does not have a separate international application. International applicants submit the online application ( https://www2.calstate.edu/apply ) appropriate to their level of entry with the corresponding $70.00 application fee which is both non-refundable and non-transferable. The Cal Poly Admissions Office will contact each international applicant regarding additional requirements once the application has been received. View application information, deadlines and selection timelines by visiting https://www.calpoly.edu/admissions/international-student/dates-and-deadlines .

For more information about international admission in addition to the application for admission requirements:

International First Year Applicants – visit https://www.calpoly.edu/admissions/international-student/selection-criteria .

International New Transfer Applicants – visit https://www.calpoly.edu/admissions/international-student/selection-criteria . Please note: Cal Poly does not accept applications for undergraduate transfer students with less than 60 transferable semester units (90 quarter units) or applications for second undergraduate degrees.

International Graduate Applicants – visit https://www.calpoly.edu/admissions/international-student/selection-criteria .

After all required documents have been received, the Admissions Office will determine eligibility for admission and will notify the applicant of the result. International applicants admitted to Cal Poly will complete a visa questionnaire and receive a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (I-20 form) which is necessary to obtain a student visa to enter the United States or for requesting permission from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for transfer to Cal Poly from another U.S. institution. Other requirements may be imposed by USCIS. Applicants should note the I-20 form is valid for enrollment only at Cal Poly for the term indicated and that it includes an expiration date.

 Undergraduate Deadlines for International Students

Graduate Deadlines for International Students

For detailed information about deadlines, visit https://www.calpoly.edu/admissions/international-student/dates-and-deadlines .

International students should also visit the Cal Poly International Center website at  https://international.calpoly.edu/ for additional international student information and services.

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Academic Skills Center

Writing and learning initiatives, top 5 study strategies.

• Procrastination
• Note Taking
• Time Management Schedules
• Test Preparation

ACADEMIC SKILLS CENTER

In this section.

• Test Essay (PDF)

Preparation

Taking the essay test.

• Glossary of Essay Test Terms

Works Cited

Tests: essays.

Essay or subjective exams may include either short answer questions or long general questions. These exams have no one specific answer per student. They are usually scored on an opinion basis, although there will be certain facts and understanding expected in the answer. The main reason students fail essay tests is not because they cannot write, but because they fail to answer the questions fully and specifically, and because their answer is not well organized.

Essay exams require recall learning. Carefully figure out the major content areas to learn. If you are not caught up, this is not a time to read everything in a frantic manner. Focus on the key source for the test: notes or textbook, or whatever you think will be most heavily covered on the test. It's better to understand and know a few things very well than to have a large quantity of unorganized, poorly learned material. These suggestions may help:

• List all topics sure to be included on the test. List important subtopics for each.
• Skim all the materials to be covered, checking those to be more intensively studied.
• Write down all the key topics covered in class and in your reading up until the test date (probably about 5 or 6 topics at mid-quarter and 9 or 10 at finals).
• Read or reread all materials not understood; use a specific purpose when reading.
• Develop a pool of information for each topic. Answering words like "who," "what," "where located," "how works," "key characteristics, " "cause-effect," and "examples" for each topic will help to cover the critical information.
• Finally, take 2-3 blue books to class and a mechanical pencil that won't need sharpening. If the instructor specifies ink, take a pen with erasable ink.
• Note the number of items, point distribution, range of difficulty, and time available.
• Jot down any immediate answers that come to your mind - lists, outlines, etc. Jot down any other key information you might forget.
• From the parts quickly construct a rough outline.
• Note the instructional words included in the question, e.g., compare or contrast.
• Use the outline as a "map" to answer the essay question. If you don't have time to finish the whole test, this outline may give you some points. More importantly, the outline helps you to stay focused.
• If you know the answer, write only what you are asked.
• Avoid generalities.
• Use part of the test question in your test answer at the beginning of the paragraph. This signals to the reader that you are answering this part of the essay here! This will earn you points.
• Include an introductory statement at the beginning and a summary paragraph at the end.
• Review your answers. Your essay is written under the intensity of a deadline, but it is graded under much more relaxed conditions. Allow sufficient time to check for spelling, grammar, omitted words, incorrect dates, etc. This is when you will be glad you wrote in pencil.

A Glossary of Essay Test Words

ANALYZE:  When asked to analyze, separate (a thing, idea, etc.) into its parts to find out their nature, proportion, function, interrelationship, etc.

COMMENT:  When asked to comment, you are asked to explore the impact and meaning of something; give a note in explanation, criticism, or illustration of something written or said; remark or make an observation made in criticism or as an expression of opinion

COMPARE:  Examine qualities or characteristics in order to discover resemblance's. The term compare is usually stated as compare with, and it implies that you are to emphasize similarities, although differences may be mentioned.

CONTRAST:  Tell how two or more topics are different from associated things, qualities, or events, etc.

CRITICIZE, INTERPRET, and REVIEW:  Express your judgment with respect to the correctness or merits of the factors under consideration. Give the results of your own analysis and discuss the limitations and good points or contributions of the plan or work in question.

DEFINE:  Definitions call for concise, clear, authoritative meanings. Details are not required, but boundaries or limitations of the definition should be cited. Keep in mind the class to which a thing belongs and whatever differentiates the particular object from all others in the class.

DIAGRAM, and ILLUSTRATE : Present a drawing chart, plan, or graphic representation in your answer. You may be expected to label the diagram or add a brief explanation or description.

DISCUSS:  Examine, analyze carefully, and present detailed considerations pro and con regarding the problems or items involved. Often found in essays.

EVALUATE:  Present a careful appraisal of the problem, stressing both advantages and limitations. Evaluation implies authoritative and, to a lesser degree, personal appraisal of both contributions and limitations

EXPLAIN, RELATE:  Clarify and interpret the material you present. State the "how" or "why," reconcile differences in opinion or experimental results, and state causes if possible. In brief, tell how it all happened.

JUSTIFY, PROVE : To justify your answer, provide factual evidence or logical reasons. In such an answer, evidence should be presented in convincing form. Establish your answer with certainty by evaluating and citing experimental evidence or by logical reasoning.

LIST, ENUMERATE:  Present an itemized series or tabulation. Be concise.

OUTLINE:  Give main points and essential supplementary materials, omitting minor details, and present the information in a systematic arrangement or classification.

SUMMARIZE:  Give the main points or facts in condensed form. Omit details, illustrations and examples.

TRACE:  Give a description of progress, historical sequence, or development from the point of origin. Such narratives may call for probing or deductions.

Deese, James and Ellin K. Deese.  How To Study (3rd ed) . New York: McGraw-Hill, Inc., 1979.

Examination Skills and Techniques . Lincoln, Nebraska: Cliff Notes, Inc., 1968.

Millman, Jason and Walter Pauk.  How to Take Tests . New York: McGraw-Hill, 1969.

Pauk, Walter.  How To Study In College (2nd Ed) . Boston: Houghton Mifflin Co., 1974.

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Related Content

Does cal poly slo require college essay?

Also I’m referring to the college application

Calculate for all schools

Your chance of acceptance, your chancing factors, extracurriculars, sdsu vs cal poly: which one should i choose.

Hey everyone, I've been accepted to both San Diego State University (SDSU) and Cal Poly SLO. I'm having a tough time deciding between the two. Can anyone share their experiences or insights on the academics, campus life, and surrounding area of these schools? Thanks for any input!

Congratulations on your acceptances to both SDSU and Cal Poly SLO! That's a great achievement. Here are some general comparisons between the two schools that might help you make your decision:

1. Academics: Both schools have strong academic programs. Cal Poly SLO is known for its "learn by doing" approach, which emphasizes hands-on, practical experience, particularly in engineering and architecture programs. SDSU, on the other hand, is more research-focused, with strong programs in entrepreneurship and international business. Consider your intended major and your preferred learning style when making your choice.

2. Campus life: While both schools have a lively campus culture, their vibes are slightly different. Cal Poly SLO is located in a smaller college town and has a more tight-knit, community feel. SDSU, meanwhile, is a larger campus located in a major city, with a more diverse student population. Think about whether you'd prefer the atmosphere of a smaller town or a larger city.

3. Surrounding area: San Luis Obispo, where Cal Poly SLO is located, is a picturesque college town with a charming downtown area, beautiful landscapes, and lots of outdoor activities. On the other hand, San Diego, home to SDSU, is a vibrant city that offers a wider range of cultural experiences, entertainment options, and professional opportunities. Assess which environment is more appealing to you.

4. Campus resources: SDSU has more extensive campus resources in terms of recreational facilities, clubs, and extracurriculars. Cal Poly SLO, while smaller, has a high level of student involvement and a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental practices.

5. Cost: It is essential to compare the cost of attending each school and the financial aid packages you received. Be sure to consider factors such as tuition, housing, transportation, and cost of living to understand your overall affordability of each option.

Ultimately, it would be best to visit both campuses (either in person or virtually) and try to envision yourself fitting into each environment. Talk to current students, professors, and admissions staff to gain more knowledge about the campus life and academic offerings.

Good luck, and be confident in your decision! Remember that both SDSU and Cal Poly SLO are excellent schools, and either way, you'll be getting a great education.

About CollegeVine’s Expert FAQ

CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.

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A subreddit dedicated to California Polytechnic State University in beautiful San Luis Obispo, California.

Choosing between SLO and other colleges

Hello everyone, I am a California CS student thinking about where I should go to college.

Here are my options that I am considering (not including colleges I got into but wouldn't go to)

Notes: My parents will likely pay all or most of my tuition, but I will not go anywhere that is 35k+ COA

By the end of high school, I will have taken 17 AP tests and 8 college classes, and all of the following colleges take most AP credits, so I will be done with almost all GE when I enter

Pros: Good CS, Indiana seems cool, I got in honors college, Good reputation, honors housing is good

Cons: Did not get fin aid 1 (29k), the weather maybe, apparently only about 50% of CS entries end up with CS degree, pretty big classes, old looking buildings

Cal Poly SLO

Pros: Practical CS rather than theory, in-state tuition (11k), small classes, pretty close to Silicon Valley, a good amount of people I know are going there, start immediately with major-related classes, quarter system

Cons: In the middle of nowhere, not much research, not great East Coast reputation, I don't like the beach, dorm halls only

Pros: Great reputation, great research, weather, architecture is nice, in-state tuition (15k), 7th college is very new, top tier program, quarter system

Cons: Got in for 4th choice college (seventh) and 2nd choice major (data science) 2 , big classes, apparently socially dead, I don't like the beach, big campus, 7th college-specific required GE classes

Pros: ~8 sem Full ride from National Merit 3 , very new college (1969), pretty modern architecture, probably will increase reputation in the next couple decades, college made by a company for CS, Bachelor's + Masters 4-year program, pretty small campus, dorms have private bedrooms and bathroom per 3 people, got into cs 2 honors cs program and honors college

Cons: Hot weather, very little reputation, not much sports life 4 , not a top tier CS program, commuter school, Texas and specifically Dallas housing very overinflated right now and likely in 4-5 years, 90% acceptance rate means that some classes might be too slow or have people who don't care about school

1-I will email to ask for merit scholarships since more people get those than honors college. Both a friend and I got honors college and no scholarship and we both didn't apply for need-based scholarships. I will not consider this college if I don't get any merit aid

2-If I go to UCSD I will only be able to transfer to CS if I win their lottery

3-Full tuition + yearly stipend, students who are in the program say their expenses come out to about $300 a semester, but there is also a $4500 one-time study abroad thing. The National Merit puts me in Honors dorms and gives first priority on classes and housing the whole time, they also do random events for honors students and care a lot about them

4-I don't care for supporting school teams much, but I like to play all sports with friends

I have only visited UT Dallas so far (national merit day), but I will likely visit the ones that I would realistically choose

As of now my rankings are as follows:

UT Dallas > Cal Poly SLO > UCSD > Purdue

Tell me your thoughts on if I am missing something about any of the colleges or whether you think my rankings should be different. Also, please do NOT reply with "do what you feel will be best for you", I am looking for additional input to make my decision, not the same thing I've seen on everyone's "Which should I choose" posts

Thank you and I will check back and reply to replies.

Mustang News

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo's News Source

No essay, no problem — How the CSU application may affect the university’s diversity

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Cal Poly’s application for the Fall 2019 term opened Oct. 1 on the university’s online application portal,  Cal State Apply . Cal State Apply allows applicants to apply to multiple California State University (CSU) campuses with the same application. Unlike many colleges and universities, Cal Poly’s application does not require an essay.

Prospective students can fill out the general application through Cal State Apply and are then redirected to additional admission criteria based on the schools they are applying to.

The 2017  State of College Admission report from The National Association for College Admission Counseling found that a majority of colleges and universities see the essay as moderately important in determining academically qualified students.

Admission essays showcase writing skills, but also help the admission boards to humanize applicants, according to the report. The essay allows students an opportunity to express their goals in life or the obstacles they have faced — something not found through test scores or grade point averages.

“I honestly don’t know how they would know who I am as a person because it’s mainly just putting in your transcript and grades,” business administration freshman Savannah Juel said. “Obviously, you can see that each student here is academically talented, but I don’t think the application process shows much interest in diversity and what people actually do outside of school.”

Juel applied to Cal Poly using Cal State Apply last year.

According to the enrollment data from the  CSU and  University of California  (UC) systems in 2018, Cal Poly had the least racially diverse student population of all California public universities. In Fall 2017, 54.8 percent of Cal Poly’s student population identified as white — the highest of all schools in the 23-campus CSU system and 10-university UC system. The university was also ranked among the worst universities for Black students by the  USC Race and Equity Center.

Race and ethnicity do not play apart in the admission process, according to University Spokesperson Matt Lazier. The use of race or ethnicity in admission processes is against state law according to  California Proposition 209 .

The admissions boards may not be able to use race/ethnicity as a factor when evaluating students, but diversity also accounts for age, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation and much more.

An essay can show the life experiences and personality of an applicant. This can help admissions take into account factors other than grades.

CSU spokesperson Elizabeth Chapin said Cal State Apply does not include an essay, but requires general information such as test scores, transcripts, citizen status, etc. to keep it a uniform application for all 23 campuses. Later on in the application process, more information may be required, but that is up to the campus and program being applied to.

According to Cal Poly Director of Admissions Terrance Harris, one main way Cal Poly’s selection of students differs from the processes of other CSU campuses is its comprehensive review as part of the Cal Poly impaction strategy. Many other CSU campuses use an eligibility index — a  combination of an individual’s high school grade point average (GPA) and score on either the ACT or SAT to create a single number.

Cal Poly’s admission for undergraduate programs is highly impacted and competitive. When applying to Cal Poly, students are required to declare a major. Potential students are evaluated through variables under the faculty-mandated Multi-Criteria Admission (MCA) process.

According to Cal Poly’s MCA process, applicants are admitted based on:

• Intended program of study
• College-preparatory courses in secondary school
• Standardized test scores
• Extra-curricular activities and work experience

Juel said she had to specify how many hours a week she participated in extracurricular activities, like volunteering, leading a club or playing a sport, but was never asked to describe her role in the activities or clubs on Cal Poly’s application.

“Diversity at Cal Poly is impacted by so many factors. One of the best ways to positively impact diversity at Cal Poly is to ensure that the students who are here attending Cal Poly have as positive an experience as possible,” Harris said. “The better the experience of our current students, the better opportunity we have to retain and recruit diverse students.”

Cal Poly only accepts applications for the fall term through the Cal State Apply online application. The application fee is $55.00. Interested students must apply within the window between Oct. 1 and Nov. 30. All applicants will be notified with an admission decision via email by April 1 and students have until May 1 to accept or decline an admission offer. 

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