Cal Poly SLO Civil Engineering Program

Hey everyone! I'm a junior in high school and I've been looking into civil engineering programs nationwide. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo seems like a great option. Can anyone share their thoughts on the civil engineering program at Cal Poly SLO? What are classes like, and what's the coop/internship situation?

Hello! It's wonderful to hear that you're interested in the civil engineering program at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. The program is well regarded and is known for its hands-on approach and focus on practical applications. Here, I'll provide some insights to give you a better understanding of what to expect.

Classes at Cal Poly SLO are designed to allow students to explore various fields within civil engineering, such as structural, geotechnical, transportation, and environmental engineering. Professors are known to be knowledgeable, approachable, and dedicated to student success.

The school emphasizes "Learn by Doing," which is a central philosophy at Cal Poly, meaning you can expect plenty of lab work, design projects, and collaborative learning experiences. This approach prepares students well for their future careers and enhances their problem-solving skills.

As for the coop/internship situation, Cal Poly SLO has strong relationships with various engineering firms, both nationally and locally. This opens up a host of internship and co-op opportunities for civil engineering students.

Furthermore, the Engineering Student Services at Cal Poly offers resources, such as job fairs, resume workshops, and networking events, to help connect you with potential employers. Many students secure internships during their time at Cal Poly, which significantly contributes to their career readiness and prospects after graduation.

One thing to keep in mind is that some students find the course load to be demanding, and it's essential to strike a balance between academics and extracurricular activities. So, if you decide to enroll at Cal Poly SLO for its civil engineering program, be prepared to engage fully in the learning process, collaborate with your peers, and take advantage of the opportunities to gain practical experience.

Finally, if you're looking for ways to maximize your chances of being accepted to Cal Poly's civil engineering program, check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which lists a range of reputable engineering summer programs for high school students: https://blog.collegevine.com/high-school-engineering-summer-programs. Many of them will give you the chance to focus on civil engineering in particular, and admissions officers love to see that you're pursuing your passions outside of the classroom!

I hope this information helps you with your decision-making process. Good luck!