Hi all, I'm a high school junior really interested in Cal Poly's software engineering program. I know it's a good program but I'm curious about how competitive it is. Could anyone tell me the acceptance rate for software engineering majors? Additionally, any suggestions to boost my chances would be incredibly helpful!
The acceptance rate for Cal Poly's software engineering program is not published publicly, as the school only releases acceptance rates for the institution as a whole. However, software engineering is an extremely popular major right now, so it’s safe to assume that the acceptance rate is probably slightly more competitive than Cal Poly’s overall rate of about 30%. While it’s impossible to give an exact number, something around 20-25% is likely in the ballpark of what you’re looking at.
To boost your chances of admission, make sure your application is well-rounded and demonstrates your genuine passion for software engineering. Here are some suggestions:
1. Strong academic performance: Cal Poly will consider your GPA and and course rigor to determine how well prepared you are for higher level college coursework. Look to excel in your math and science courses, especially advanced classes like AP Calculus, AP Computer Science A, AP Physics, or other related classes. Keep in mind that Cal Poly, as well as the whole CSU system, is test-blind, which means they do not consider test scores even if they are submitted. For some students, this is a positive, but if you test well and were hoping your SAT or ACT score would boost your chances of admission, unfortunately that option isn’t available to you.
2. Extracurriculars related to software engineering: Get involved in activities that showcase your interest and initiative in this field. For example, join or start a coding or robotics club at your school, participate in hackathons or programming competitions, or attend a software engineering summer program (you can find an initial list of good ones on CollegeVine’s blog: https://blog.collegevine.com/high-school-computer-science-summer-programs).
3. Internships or work experience: If possible, gain some real-world experience in software engineering through internships, part-time jobs, or freelance projects. Practical experiences like these will underscore your dedication to the field.
4. Projects and Portfolio: If you have any personal projects, apps, or websites that you've built, make sure to include them in your application, either in your activities list or as part of a portfolio. Admissions officers love seeing tangible examples of your skills and passion.
By combining these elements, you can present a strong, well-rounded application that highlights your passion and potential for success in the software engineering program at Cal Poly. Best of luck!
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