What are the important things to know about Cal Poly admissions?

I'm considering Cal Poly for my major in engineering. Can anyone share insights about their admissions process and what they're looking for in applicants? Also, how is student life there?

Cal Poly places a significant emphasis on an applicant's academic qualifications. So, it's important to focus on maintaining a strong grade point average (GPA) and demonstrating academic rigor throughout high school. Despite being test-blind for the 2024-2025 application cycle, rigorous course loads and high grades in relevant courses (like math and science for engineering) are still highly valued.

Their evaluation is highly numbers-based, and the major you apply to plays a large role in your chances of acceptance. Make sure to consider this carefully when you're applying. Engineering is one of the most competitive programs at Cal Poly, so standing out in a pool of strong applicants can be challenging.

Demonstrating practical experience or passion for engineering can help your application. For instance, involvement in extracurricular activities linked to engineering (like a robotics club or a high-tier summer program) can play a key role in your application.

Additionally, Cal Poly uses the MCA Score (Multicriteria Admission), a formula that factors in elements such as GPA, course rigor, class rank, and extracurricular involvement. Though they don't disclose the specifics of this calculation, it's important to know that a variety of factors are considered.

As for student life, it's said that Cal Poly offers a balanced mix of academic rigor and fun. It's known for its "Learn by Doing" philosophy, which means students often gain hands-on experience in their fields of study. Its location in San Luis Obispo provides students with access to both natural beauty (like beaches and hiking trails) and a downtown area with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Moreover, Cal Poly also has a vibrant campus community, with over 250 student clubs and organizations spanning a wide range of interests.

Keep in mind that Cal Poly is also a larger school, with a certain level of independence expected from its students. The experience can be a little bit different than what you might find at a smaller, liberal arts college.

In all, Cal Poly looks for well-rounded applicants who are academically strong and have a demonstrated interest in their field of choice. A successful applicant will not only meet academic expectations but also fit well within Cal Poly's active and independent community.