should i apply early decision

pvbenjamin · 09-30-2009, 11:40 PM

This is for Cal Poly SLO
3.95 weighted
3.8 unweighted
I am going to have straight As at the quarter with 2 APS
sat math 710 reading 590 writing 620
ACT 27
If I get in I am going there. Should I get in with early decision?
Thanks

NBrink · 10-01-2009, 12:43 AM

If you are sure you want to go here, then yeah go with early decision.

gotpeter · 10-01-2009, 01:12 PM

Yes. Not only does it improve your chances, which, depending on your major are quite good, but it removes the whole college admission load of stress much earlier making your senior year that much more enjoyable. My son was very glad he went ED. As NBrink says though, you must be sure Cal Poly is what you want.

Frenchmani · 10-01-2009, 11:06 PM

Why is it SO important to be absolutely sure that you want Cal Poly to apply early decsion? What happens if you get accepted and then several months later change your mind to go elsewhere?

vossron · 10-02-2009, 12:00 PM

The practical reason is that adcom members communicate with other adcom members. If you break your ED commitment, word can get around, and it has happened that the new choice rejects the applicant because of it, and the old choice rescinds admission. You might get away with it, but it's a known risk.

gotpeter · 10-02-2009, 12:23 PM

Exactly, and today's instant communications increases that possibility. I would not risk it.

The Legend · 10-03-2009, 03:44 PM

Is it still early decision if I apply like say next week?

Do I HAVE to go there if I get in? I would like Cal Poly as an option but I am not sold on attending.

gotpeter · 10-03-2009, 04:11 PM

Legend, this was lifted from the Cal Poly web site - Freshman Selection Criteria -Admissions- Cal Poly - and I believe it answers your questions:

"The 'Early Admissions Decision' option allows qualified applicants to know, around mid-December, if Cal Poly will offer them admission to Fall quarter. Applicants selected will have test scores on the higher end of the scale, are in the top 5-10% of their graduating class, and have established strong academic records throughout their entire secondary education.

* Applications must be submitted by the October 31st deadline.
* Cal Poly will use the ACT or SAT1 (math and critical reading only) scores you have right now for the selection process.
* If you are selected for admission, Cal Poly needs your decision by January 15th
* Applicants not selected through this option will automatically be reviewed under the regular admission program."

KoreanBoi92 · 10-04-2009, 01:23 AM

only top 5-10% of class will be accepted? damnit

gotpeter · 10-04-2009, 01:52 PM

The reputation and academic rigor of your school factors into this.

The Legend · 10-04-2009, 04:37 PM

Jan 15?... =(

I guess I will just apply regular.

Thanks for the information gotpeter.

Zungra · 10-05-2009, 01:11 PM

Now, I'm very sure that I want to go to Cal Poly SLO, and I'm going to get working on ED very soon. But what happens if you are rejected? By the time you receive word if you are or not, it's almost too late to apply to other colleges. What happens? Can you still apply to other colleges?

vossron · 10-05-2009, 02:05 PM

No problem, you can apply to any number of schools RD at the same time, but if you're accepted at CalPoly ED you then just withdraw the other apps.

KoreanBoi92 · 10-05-2009, 07:23 PM

Omg, I am screwed. When I was puttin in my classes,I didn't read the side note of only designating uc-approved honor courses and I put honors for all my honors like geometry honors,algebra 2,English 1,etc. Can I call the admissions people?

NTKS17 · 10-06-2009, 09:59 PM

I applied to Cal Poly Slo early decision as an out of stater, not sure if I'd get in at all or not. My GPA was probably about 3.5 or maybe slightly higher or lower, I don't remember, and my ACT score was 28. I got in early decision, I applied to a less competitive major (liberal arts), but I was still surprised. At first I was happy, then I began to regret my decision and I wasn't sure Cal Poly was right for me, but there was nothing I could do about it, then I sort of became neutral about it. When I finally came here though, I knew it was the right choice. WOW week was amazing, the people here are all friendly, and class sizes are generally smaller, which I like. That's just my story and you probably didn't want to hear all that, but I would strongly encourage early decision. Cal Poly is a great school in a beautiful place.