how can i stand out to cal poly pomona?Answered
hey guys!! just some background information, i'm a current sophomore in arizona, and cal poly pomona is my dream school. i didn't start highschool too hot because i had a 3.1 gpa by the end of freshman year and a 3.1 unweighted 3.5 weighted gpa for the first semester of sophomore year. i'm taking. 2 aps currently and i plan on taking 2 more and 1 dual enrollment next year (junior year) i do plan on doing summer school in order to raise my gpa, but i currently have a 3.6 unweighted 4.0 weighted.
as for my extracurriculars, i currently have 10+ hours in volunteering, treasurer of interact rotary & event planner for our african american culture club & i'm apart of our international culture club
i feel like my current stats are mediocre and below average for cal poly pomona, especially my grades. what should i do to stand out??
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1 answer
To stand out to Cal Poly Pomona (CPP), especially given its “learn-by-doing” polytechnic approach, you should demonstrate a strong mix of academic achievement, hands-on experiences, and personal alignment with CPP’s values. Here’s how to tailor your application:
🎓 1. Excel Academically (but with context)
GPA & Course Rigor: Aim for a strong GPA (typically 3.5+ weighted), especially in STEM fields if applying to programs like Engineering or Computer Science.
AP/IB/Honors: Show you’ve challenged yourself. CPP values academic curiosity and effort.
🛠️ 2. Highlight “Learn-by-Doing” Experiences
CPP’s signature is hands-on learning. So:
Projects or Internships: Talk about science fairs, coding projects, robotics competitions, agri-science work, maker faires, etc.
Personal Passion Projects: Built an app? Restored a car? Created a garden? Document it.
Job Experience or Volunteering: Any work that shows responsibility and real-world skills helps.
📄 3. Craft a Unique PIQ (Personal Insight Questions)
If applying via Cal State Apply, you won’t submit essays unless you're in a special program, but if you're applying for EOP, scholarships, or The Honors College, your writing matters.
Tips:
Be specific: Instead of saying “I like engineering,” say “I designed a bridge model using balsa wood and tested its weight capacity.”
Tie your story to CPP: Mention how CPP’s Innovation Brew Works, BroncoSpace, or Huntley College of Agriculture aligns with your goals.
📦 4. Apply for Specialized Programs
Stand out by applying to:
Honors College: Requires an extra application and shows ambition.
EOP (Educational Opportunity Program): If you’re a first-gen or from an underserved background.
Scholarship Programs: Apply early and write powerful personal statements.
💬 5. Demonstrate Fit and Interest
Mention CPP’s polytechnic focus, diversity, or location in Southern California.
Show interest in clubs (Formula SAE, Bronco Hackathon, etc.), labs, or CPP’s career-ready programs.
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