How hard is it to get into Cal Poly San Luis Obispo?

Hey guys, I've been considering applying to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, but I'm curious about how difficult it is to get in. Can anyone share their experiences or insights to help me understand the admissions process?

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo is a fairly selective school, with an acceptance rate around 28%. While getting in can be challenging, the admissions process is mainly focused on your academic performance. Cal Poly SLO practices a unique evaluation method called Multi-Criteria Admission (MCA) which assigns a numerical score to each applicant based on various factors. The primary factors for MCA are your GPA, courses taken, and class rank.

Since Cal Poly is a polytechnic university, they place a strong emphasis on your grades in math, lab science, and other STEM classes. To demonstrate your academic preparedness, it's important to maintain a competitive GPA and take advanced courses, like AP or honors classes, when available. Note that Cal Poly SLO has gone test-blind, so they will not be considering SAT or ACT scores in the admissions process.

Additionally, Cal Poly values hands-on, project-based learning, so having relevant extracurricular activities or experiences in your intended major can showcase your passion and interest, enhancing your chances of admission. It's also crucial to select a major when applying, as the university admits students directly into specific programs. Admissions for some majors may be more competitive than others, so do some research to understand the demands for your targeted field.

Remember to thoroughly review the application guidelines and ensure that you're meeting all deadlines. While Cal Poly SLO's selectivity can be intimidating, focusing on your academic performance and extracurricular involvement will better prepare you for the application process. Best of luck!