Admissions Summary
California Polytechnic State University: San Luis Obispo is selective with an acceptance rate of 30%. Students that get into California Polytechnic State University: San Luis Obispo have an SAT score between 1260–1450 or an ACT score of 28–33. Regular applications are due November 30.
By the Numbers
These ranges reflect what most admitted students scored, but many are outside these ranges.
- GPA Range
- 3.75+88%
- 3.50–3.749%
- 3.25–3.492%
- 3.00–3.241%
- 2.50–2.990%
- 2.00–2.490%
- Below 2.000%
- SAT Total Range1260–1450
- SAT Math620–750
- SAT Reading620–720
- ACT Composite Range28–33
- Acceptance Rate30% (Selective)
- Total Applicants58,944
- Admitted17,885
- Enrolled5,111
Application Requirements
- High School GPARequired
- High School RankNeither required nor recommended
- College Prep CoursesRequired
- SAT/ACT ScoresNeither required nor recommended
- RecommendationsNeither required nor recommended
Application Deadline
Dates are subject to change, so confirm important deadlines by visiting the college website.
Regular DecisionNov 30
Early ActionNot available
Early action applicants don’t have to commit if accepted. Students can apply Early Action to more than one college.
Early DecisionNot available
Early decision applicants agree to attend the college if they are accepted. Students can only apply to one college for Early Decision.
Application Process
- Application Fee$70
- Fee Waiver InfoVisit the college website for special instructions on submitting application fee waivers.
FAQs
What GPA Do You Need for Cal Poly SLO?
Cal Poly SLO is renowned for its academic rigor and competitive admissions. To have a strong chance of being admitted, a high school GPA of 4.0 or above is often recommended. However, it’s essential to remember that the GPA requirement can vary depending on the major you’re applying to. Some of the more competitive programs may have higher GPA expectations, while others may have slightly lower requirements.
In general, the more selective and impacted a major is, the higher the GPA requirement will likely be. Therefore, it’s crucial to research the specific GPA requirements for the program you’re interested in.
Is It Hard to Get Into Cal Poly SLO?
Cal Poly SLO is indeed a challenging university to gain admission to, primarily due to its reputation for high-quality education and limited enrollment capacity. The university has a holistic admissions process, which means they consider various factors beyond just GPA and test scores.
Factors such as extracurricular activities, essays, and recommendation letters play a significant role in the admissions decision. Your chances of getting in may also depend on the number of qualified applicants for your chosen major.
Can You Get into Cal Poly with a 3.5 GPA?
While a 3.5 GPA is considered competitive for some majors at Cal Poly, it may not be sufficient for the most impacted and highly competitive programs. To maximize your chances of admission, it’s advisable to aim for a higher GPA and demonstrate other strengths in your application, such as extracurricular activities and a well-crafted personal statement.
Applicants with a 3.5 GPA should consider applying to less competitive majors or explore the option of transferring to their desired major after enrolling at Cal Poly.
What Is the Hardest Major to Get into at Cal Poly?
Cal Poly offers a wide range of majors, and the difficulty of gaining admission can vary significantly between them. Some of the most impacted and challenging majors to get into include Computer Science, Engineering, and Architecture. These programs often have high GPA and test score requirements due to their popularity and limited spots available.
It’s essential to do thorough research on the specific major you’re interested in to understand the requirements and competition levels.
How Much Is the Cal Poly Application Fee?
As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, the application fee for Cal Poly San Luis Obispo was $70 for domestic undergraduate applicants. However, application fees can change, so I recommend checking the most current fee on the official Cal Poly website.
Can I Apply to Harvard with a 3.5 GPA?
Harvard University, like many Ivy League institutions, has highly competitive admissions. While a 3.5 GPA is a respectable academic achievement, it may not be sufficient on its own to secure admission to Harvard or similar prestigious universities. Harvard looks for candidates with exceptional academic records, standardized test scores, extracurricular involvement, and outstanding personal statements.
To be competitive at Harvard, it’s advisable to aim for a GPA well above 3.5 and to excel in other areas of your application. Remember that admissions decisions at such selective institutions are highly competitive, and many factors are considered beyond GPA alone.
In conclusion, gaining admission to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and other top-tier universities can be a challenging and competitive process. It’s essential to focus on achieving a strong academic record and complementing it with well-rounded extracurricular activities and a compelling application to maximize your chances of success. Research the specific requirements for your chosen university and major to make informed decisions throughout the application process.
