California Polytechnic State University, often referred to as Cal Poly, is a public polytechnic university in San Luis Obispo, California. It's the oldest of the three polytechnics in the California State University system, known for its strong focus on hands-on learning and its connection to industry.
California Polytechnic State University's acceptance rate is around 28%. It has an undergraduate population of over 20,000 students and offers a variety of amenities and fees for in-state and out-of-state students.
Cal Poly's low acceptance rate reflects its high standards, making a degree from the university valuable to future employers.
Highlights
Founded
1901
Location
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, USA
Campus Size
9,178 acres
Total No. of International Students
484
Number of Undergraduate Programs
More than 60
Number of Graduate Programs
Over 50
University Ranking
#1201-1400 in QS World University Rankings 2024
Top Courses of California Polytechnic State University
https://www.calpoly.edu/undergraduate-education
Program Name
Duration (In Years)
Fees/Year
Food Science Graduate Program
4+1
$13,140
Blended BS Architectural Engineering + MS Architectural Engineering
4+1
$13,638
Master of Science in Architectural Engineering
2
$13,638
Blended BS + MS Aerospace Engineering
4+1
$13,638
Biomedical Engineering, BMS
N/A
$13,638
Civil and Environmental, BMS
N/A
$13,638
Computer Science, BMS
N/A
$13,638
BS and MS in Mathematics
4+1
$13,140
Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degree in Electrical Engineer
4+1
$13,638
Master of Science (MS) in Mechanical Engineering
2
$13,638
Blended Bachelor and Master of Science (BMS) in Mechanical Engineering
4+1
$13,638
Master of Science Degree in Polymers and Coatings Science
2
$13,140
California Polytechnic State University Acceptance Rate Trends
Over the past five years, admission to California Polytechnic State University has grown more competitive, making admission difficult to obtain. Acquiring admission involves more than just achieving high academic standing.
Cal Poly is seeking students who are involved in extracurricular activities, committed to their academics, and enthusiastic about their chosen fields. If you want to stand out from the crowd, you need to be able to articulate your interests and special talents in a way that goes beyond simple intelligence.
Remember that yearly variations in application volumes, admission standards, and other variables may cause acceptance rates to differ.
California Polytechnic State University Acceptance Rate: Comparison With Other Universities
University
Acceptance Rate
QS World University Rankings 2024
California Polytechnic State University
28%
1201 - 1400
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
4%
1
University of Cambridge
21%
2
University of Oxford
22%
3
Harvard University
3%
4
Stanford University
4%
5
Imperial College London
40%
6
ETH Zurich
27%
7
National University of Singapore
23%
8
University College London (UCL)
36%
9
Top institutions' acceptance rates are significantly lower than Cal Poly's, reflecting exceptionally stringent admissions processes and competitive candidate pools. Acceptance rates vary annually due to several factors.
Cal Poly assesses candidates based on the completion of college-preparatory education in high school, taking into account factors such as curriculum complexity and grade point average.
Furthermore, your GPA, especially in fields relevant to your preferred major, is an important consideration in the admissions process.
California Polytechnic State University - Admission Process and Documentation Required
The admission process for the California Polytechnic State University is as follows.
When applying to Cal Poly University, specify your chosen major.
Cal Poly's admissions process considers several traits objectively, with candidates competing within their preferred major.
An applicant's desired course of study and successful completion of college-preparatory curriculum in high school are both accorded significant weight.
The selected major has a significant impact on admission choices, and competition is fierce for all majors at Cal Poly University.
Your application will be evaluated using your 9th-11th level weighted score, which is derived from the college-preparatory curriculum specified on your application.
Over eight semesters, weight is applied to courses categorized as "honors," "college-level," "advanced placement," or "international baccalaureate."
Cal Poly also considers working experience, volunteerism, and other extracurricular pursuits.
As a component of the faculty-mandated Multi-Criteria Admission process, all candidates are given an unbiased assessment based on intellectual and non-cognitive parameters.
Required Documentation:
High School Transcripts
College Transcripts (if applicable)
All copies of official transcripts must be supplied in the native language and supported by an authorized English translation from any of the following:
The Institute of International Education (IIE).
U.S. embassy or consulate.
ACT or SAT 1 scores.
ACT and SAT scores are not utilized in the enrollment process. However, they can be used to determine course allocation and scholarship candidacy.
5 Tips to Get Accepted to California Polytechnic State University
Cal Poly is a selective university, so aim to maintain a high GPA throughout your academic journey.
Cal Poly emphasizes "learn by doing." Highlight experiences that showcase your interest in hands-on learning and engagement outside the classroom.
Research Cal Poly's specific programs and highlight your specific interests within your desired major.
Check the admissions website for current testing requirements.
The USA hosts the largest number of international students from across the world. Over the past few years, it has become one of the most popular destinations for studying abroad. Reasons such as best-ranked institutions, excellent support facilities, flexible academic environment, and cultural diversity contribute to making it the most preferred destination amongst students planning to study abroad.
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She is an experienced writer and journalist who has extensively covered the education sector in India and Abroad. Now helping Indian aspirants realise their foreign education dream by providing them with relevant content and information through upGrad Abroad. Amateur traveller, loves to read Architectural Digest!