Tips for transferring from Cuesta College to Cal Poly?

I'm working towards an associate degree at Cuesta College and want to transfer to Cal Poly. What should I know about the transfer process, and are there any specific requirements I need to meet?

Transferring to a four-year institution like Cal Poly from Cuesta College, or anywhere else, requires knowing a few important key elements.

First, Cal Poly-advises transfer students to complete a minimum number of transferable semester units before applying. The university generally expects you to have completed 60 transferable semester units (90 quarter units) by the time of transfer.

To ensure that your courses at Cuesta College align with the requirements at Cal Poly, look up the articulation agreements between the two schools. These agreements help you select courses that will directly apply to your degree program at Cal Poly, which is especially important if you’re looking to shorten your time at Cal Poly. The articulation agreement for Cuesta College and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is available through ASSIST, the official repository of articulation for California’s public colleges and universities.

Secondly, the associate degree program you are currently pursuing at Cuesta College should ideally align with your intended major at Cal Poly. Cal Poly emphasizes major-specific preparation. So not just the total units, but the courses you have taken matter as well. The California Community Colleges and Cal Poly have an agreement which emphasizes that meeting the major-specific criteria for a Transfer Admission Guarantee (TAG) increases your chances of transferring successfully.

Thirdly, keep your grades as high as possible. The admission to Cal Poly is quite competitive and a higher GPA increases your chances. To get an idea of the academic strength typical of admitted Cal Poly transfer students, note that in Fall 2021 admitted transfer students had an average GPA of 3.39, and 82% of admitted transfer students were from a California community college.

Lastly, make sure you meet the deadlines. The application period for Cal Poly opens on October 1 and closes on November 30.

Remember, it's always a good idea to work closely with the transfer advisors both at your current college and at Cal Poly. They can help guide you through the process and ensure you meet all the necessary requirements. Good luck on your journey to Cal Poly!