What's the secret to getting into Cal Poly?

Hey peeps, I really want to get into Cal Poly! Can any current students or recent applicants shed some light on what might have made the difference in their application? Tips or advice on how to impress the admissions officers would be awesome!

Hello! Cal Poly is a great school, and it's understandable why you'd aspire to attend. The admissions process for Cal Poly is a bit different from other schools since they don't consider essays or standardized test scores. Instead, they place a heavy emphasis on your GPA and the rigor of your coursework.

Here are some steps to increase your chances of getting accepted:

1. Take challenging courses: Make sure you take a rigorous schedule, including AP, IB, or Honors classes. This will show that you can handle the rigor of Cal Poly's curriculum.

2. Maintain a high GPA: Since Cal Poly focuses on your academic record, it's important to have an impressive GPA. Study diligently and seek help if needed, such as from tutors or teachers, to keep your grades high.

3. Stand out with extracurriculars: Like any college application, you'll want to have a solid list of extracurricular activities to showcase your character, leadership, and interests. Aim for Tier 1 or Tier 2 extracurriculars (as described in the guidelines above), if possible, to stand out from other applicants.

4. Apply to your desired major: Due to Cal Poly's impaction, some majors are more competitive, such as Computer Science or Architecture. Make sure to apply for your desired major, but also consider choosing a less competitive, related field, as a backup option if you're okay with changing majors later or dual majoring.

5. Research your major-related opportunities: Some programs at Cal Poly might require or recommend interviews, portfolios, or additional materials. Do some research and ensure you're providing everything they're looking for.

6. Maximize your MCA score: Cal Poly's admissions committee uses a Multi-Criteria Admissions (MCA) process to rate applicants on various factors, mainly your GPA, class rigor, and extracurriculars. Familiarize yourself with the MCA scoring system and make strategic decisions in your application to ensure the highest MCA score possible.

Following these steps will not guarantee admission, but it should certainly improve your chances of standing out among Cal Poly applicants. Best of luck!