Cal Poly SLO Admission Advice?

I've been really intrigued by Cal Poly SLO and I'm serious about applying there. Can anyone give me some pointers or advice on what they value most, like GPA, involvement in clubs, essays, etc.? It'd be great to get some insights from current students or alumni.

Cal Poly SLO is a great choice for students who are interested in a hands-on, project-oriented education. As for the application process, here are some pointers on what the university values most:

1. GPA: Cal Poly SLO places a significant emphasis on GPA, especially in the context of the courses you've taken. They use a calculation called MCA (Multi-Criteria Admission), which weighs your GPA heavily. Aim for a strong GPA in a rigorous course load, including honors or AP classes, to maximize your chances.

2. Academic coursework: Your course selection during high school is very important. Like many universities, Cal Poly SLO prefers applicants with strong academic rigor. Try taking a challenging set of courses in subjects related to your intended major.

3. Involvement in clubs: While Cal Poly SLO doesn't consider extracurricular activities as part of the MCA score, they still play a role in your application. Being part of clubs and organizations related to your major or area of interest—particularly in leadership positions—will help demonstrate your passion and commitment.

4. Relevant experience: Cal Poly SLO values applicants who have career-related experience. For example, internships, research projects, or volunteer work in fields related to their intended major can help strengthen your application.

Since Cal State schools, including Cal Poly SLO, do not require essays as part of the application process, you won't need to worry about writing an essay for your application.

If you're applying for a major in the College of Engineering, be aware that Cal Poly SLO is known for its competitive engineering programs. In addition to the general advice above, students applying to these programs should focus even more on excelling in their math and science classes, participating in relevant extracurricular activities, and gaining hands-on experience in engineering-related areas.

Remember that Cal Poly SLO has a test-blind admissions policy, so they will not consider your standardized test scores during the application process.

Best of luck with your application to Cal Poly SLO! It's a wonderful school with a unique focus on learn-by-doing and project-based learning, which will provide you with valuable practical experience for your future career.