Cal Poly SLO Transfer Acceptance Rate by Major

Hey guys, I'm a community college student looking to transfer to Cal Poly SLO. I've heard that the transfer acceptance rate can vary by major, so I was wondering if anyone knows what it's like for different majors? My major is mechanical engineering, but any other info is welcome too!

Hello! You're correct that the transfer acceptance rate at Cal Poly SLO can vary depending on the major. For mechanical engineering specifically, the acceptance rate for transfer students tends to be more competitive than the overall acceptance rate, due to the popularity of the program and the high demand for spots.

While I don't have exact acceptance rates for each major, here are some general trends:

- Engineering majors (including mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering) typically have lower acceptance rates because more students are interested in majoring in these areas.

- Computer Science and Business majors also tend to be quite competitive, as these are also popular fields of study.

- Majors within the College of Agriculture, Food, and Environmental Sciences, as well as the College of Architecture and Environmental Design, often have somewhat higher transfer acceptance rates due to fewer applicants and less competition for spots.

- Liberal arts (humanities and social sciences) majors under the College of Liberal Arts may have varying acceptance rates, with some being more competitive, some being less. Given the broadness of this school’s offerings, it’s harder to make a general statement about their acceptance rate.

Of course, keep in mind that these trends are not set in stone, and the acceptance rate for a specific major may change from year to year. To increase your chances of being accepted, make sure your academic performance is strong, and demonstrate your interest in your desired major through additional coursework and extracurriculars. Those strategies will benefit you more than overanalyzing general data. Additionally, meeting or exceeding Cal Poly SLO's recommended preparation for your major and the college's transfer requirements can help you stand out to the admissions team.

Good luck with your transfer application!