The most important thing to remember is that CPSLO admits by major. Some majors are extremely popular, and some others aren’t very popular. Admission results can look very different from one major to the next, depending on the strength of applicants in the pool for each major.
Within the admissions pool for each major, CPSLO uses a “Multi-Criteria Admission” (MCA) process which takes into consideration a number of factors to compute a score that is used to compare applicants. Years ago, the MCA score calculation was more transparent and there were actually calculators available. At this time, we don’t know exactly how the MCA score calculation works, but it includes at least these factors:
CPSLO GPA
Bonus points for extra years in some areas (math, English, etc)
Work and ECs (number of hours)
A few other factors, such as whether the student lives in the local area.
That would be nice since my son had a 1520 on the SAT and 4/5 on 12+ APs but I don’t believe they consider test results.
EC/work hour has a “max” category which I suspect most top applicants select…
But to be fair, it wasn’t his top choice so I’m not even sure why it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. I just don’t think they have enough data points to select equally qualified candidates… at least other schools and privates have essays, tests scores, letters etc.
Changing majors between colleges, that are not OCOB and CENG, should not be a big deal aka feasible.
IMO, going from CAFES (Environmental, Earth, and Soil Sciences) to CoSM (Biology) is quite doable, as long as your grades at SLO are good.
Getting good grades in “freshman” Biology (161 and 162, needed for Bio major) and Chemistry (127-129) classes will be critical to the change of major and college.
ETA: These are not “gimme” classes. Some will do well, many don’t.
CPSLO’s process is relatively advantageous for some applicants, and disadvantageous for others. Fortunately, we have a wide range of public and private schools available here in CA (and in the US as a whole) so there’s something for everyone.
Once a student is admitted and enrolled, these tests may be used for course placement. From the link I posted above:
These skills assessments are designed to inform entering freshmen of placement in appropriate baccalaureate-level courses based on their skills and needs.
First-time freshmen in need of support as determined by the skills assessment will be placed in supported instruction. Supported instruction is designed to assist students in credit bearing courses. Students may also be required to participate in the Supportive Pathways for First-Year Students Program.
I assumed my second daughter (2029) got in because she did so well on those tests vs my first daughter who didn’t really care about them (2027). Their CSU apps were pretty similar if you take state and AP scores out of the equation.
First daughter didn’t get in and second did. Can’t wait to let them know she won’t go! Cal Poly was my first daughter’s dream school - I will never forgive them! lol
If your two daughters’ CPSLO GPA and other factors were similar, the difference may have simply been a stronger applicant pool in the major and year when your older D applied. Each major has its own applicant pool, and from year to year, that applicant pool might be stronger or weaker.
I got admitted for Electrical Engineering. Is it possible to switch to Computer Engineering before completing my first term since they are both in CENG and have pretty much identical courses for the first few terms?
Decision: Accepted
Major: Construction Management
SLO GPA 4.12
Number of UC approved Honors/AP/IB or DE courses: 26
EC hours and with leadership or job related: 11-16
In-State/OOS/International: In State (Bay Area)
Number of years for the following courses:
English: 5
Math: 5
Science: 4
Foreign Language: 3
Social Science/History: 3
Visual/Performing Arts: 4
College admissions are hard. So many qualified applicants have either not heard back yet or are hoping for a spot on the wait list. And not just at Poly, but UC’s etc. College admission decisions are hard, and mentally draining.
There are many very VERY qualified applicants that have not heard back yet from Poly. Just like your first child a few years back.
If you are “LOL”-ing about letting Cal Poly know your youngest daughter won’t go……try and remember what it felt like when your oldest daughter didn’t get into her dream college.
so…LOL…. All you want. Cal Poly will just open that spot up for a very much equally deserving student (with the same stats). And unfortunately, there will still be SO SO many equally deserving applicants that hav still been denied.
Decision: Accepted
Major: Agriculture Business
SLO GPA 4.00- high rigor
Number of UC approved Honors/AP courses: 9 full yr/18 semesters
EC hours and with leadership or job related: 20, Eagle Scout, 2x team captain
In-State/OOS/International: In State
Number of years for the following courses:
English: 4
Math: 5
Science: 4 lab science
Foreign Language: 3
Social Science/History: 4
Visual/Performing Arts: 1
Accepted: Texas A and M, USD, Boise, Utah
Waitlist: UCSD, Clemson, Tennessee
Denied : UCD, Vanderbilt, Georgia
Waiting: UCLA, Notre Dame
