Undergraduate
https://admissions.calpoly.edu/
Admissions
Cal Poly comprehensively reviews all applications, seeking students who have strong academic records and are active in and outside the classroom. Admission to Cal Poly is highly competitive. Beyond the basic California State University qualifications, Cal Poly considers other factors for admission deemed important to the campus and does so in an objective format. Review the selection criteria for undergraduate applicants by starting here: Cal Poly Admissions.
Applicants are notified of a formal decision by April 1.
First-Year Factors
When a first-year application is reviewed, the following are considered:
- The applicant’s intended campus location and program of study (the major to which application is made)
- The applicant’s college preparatory courses in secondary school
- GPA earned in college preparatory courses
- The applicant’s extra-curricular activities and work experience
- Non-cognitive variables deemed important to the campus
For a comprehensive look at Cal Poly’s selection criteria for a first-year applicant, including deadlines, visit Cal Poly Admissions Selection Criteria.
The majors below have additional requirements:
- Art and Design – qualified first-year applicants will be requested to submit an electronic portfolio per specific instructions provided to the applicant
- Music – qualified first-year applicants will be requested to audition either in person or via specified media
New Transfer Factors
When a lower-division2 transfer application is reviewed, the following are considered:
- Have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 (C) or better in all transferable units attempted;
- Have completed, with a grade of C- or better, a course in written communication and a course in mathematics or quantitative reasoning at a level satisfying CSU General Education Breadth Area A2 and B4 requirements, respectively;
- Be in good standing at the last institution attended; and
- Meet any one of the following eligibility standards.
Transfer Based on Current Admission Criteria
The applicant meets the freshman admission requirements in effect for the term for which the application is filed; - OR -
Transfer Based on High School Eligibility
The applicant was eligible as a freshman at the time of high school graduation and has been in continuous attendance in an accredited college since high school graduation; - OR
Transfer Based on Making Up Missing Subjects
The applicant had a qualifiable eligibility index at the time of high school graduation (combination of GPA and test scores if needed), has made up any missing college preparatory subject requirements with a grade of C- or better, and has been in continuous attendance in an accredited college since high school graduation.
One baccalaureate-level course of at least 3 semester (4 quarter) units is usually considered equivalent to one year of high school study.
(Note: Some CSUs may require lower-division transfer students to complete specific college coursework, for example the four basic skill courses, as part of their admission criteria.)
For a comprehensive look at Cal Poly’s selection criteria for a new transfer applicant, including deadlines, visit https://www.calpoly.edu/admissions/transfer-student/selection-criteria.
The majors below have additional requirements:
- Art and Design – qualified new transfer applicants will be requested to submit an electronic portfolio per specific instructions provided to the applicant
- Music – qualified new transfer applicants will be requested to audition either in person or via specified media
- Architecture – qualified new transfer applicants will be requested to submit a portfolio per specific instructions provided to the applicant
- 1
Cal Poly (San Luis Obispo) only considers new transfer applicants at the junior level (60 or more transferable semester units or 90 quarter units by the time of transfer [end of previous spring term for Fall admission]). Cal Poly (San Luis Obispo) does not accept applications for these categories:
- Lower-division new transfer applicants (less than 60 transferable semester units or 90 transferable quarter units upon transfer)
- Students seeking a second baccalaureate degree
- Students seeking professional growth or professional development
- 2
Cal Poly Maritime Academy (Solano) may consider new transfer applicants at the lower division level or applicants seeking a second baccalaureate degree.
Appeals to Undergraduate Admission Decisions - First Year and New Transfers
Cal Poly does not set aside spaces for students who appeal admission decisions. Every denied application has been reviewed for maximum consideration. Therefore, for an appeal to have merit it must bring to light new academic information, as well as information pertaining to extenuating circumstances that was not present in the application information that clearly shows the student to be stronger than had been earlier evidenced. Neither grades received in the current academic year nor mistakes made by the applicant on the application are a basis for an appeal or the reversal of a decision.
Review the Cal Poly Admissions website for complete information and instructions regarding the process to submit an appeal here.
Application Procedures
For admission consideration, Cal Poly requires applicants to submit the online application (https://www2.calstate.edu/apply) with the corresponding $70.00 application fee, which is both non-refundable and non-transferable. The application and fee cannot be used to apply to another term.
Applicants should not submit additional information beyond the information submitted on the application unless requested to do so by the Admissions Office. Applicants are advised to submit complete and accurate information on the application for admission. Failure to file complete, accurate, and authentic application documentation may result in denial of admission, cancellation of academic credit, suspension, or expulsion (Section 41301 of Title V, California Code of Regulations).
View detailed online application information at https://www.calpoly.edu/admissions.
Cal Poly Application Filing Periods
Cal Poly accepts undergraduate (first-year or new transfer) applications for the Fall term only.
First-Year Applicants apply through the online process. This process requires applicants to submit Cal Polys online application with the corresponding fee during the application filing period of October 1 to November 30.
*Please note: Applicants will receive notification of their admission status by April 1. Those selected must accept or decline Cal Polys offer of admission by May 1.
New Transfer Applicants apply through the online process. This process requires applicants to submit Cal Polys online application with the corresponding fee during the application filing period of October 1 to November 30.
*Please note: Applicants will receive notification of their admission status by April 1. Those selected must accept or decline Cal Polys offer of admission by May 1.
Offers of admission to Cal Poly are conditional pending satisfactory compliance with the “Terms and Conditions of Admission” found online at Terms and Conditions for First-Year Students and Terms and Conditions for Transfer Students.
Finish in Four, Through in Two Program (formerly California Promise)
The Finish in Four, Through in Two Program enables a specific number of CSUs to establish pledge programs for entering first-time students who are both interested and able to complete baccalaureate degrees in four years. All CSUs have established programs for students with Associate Degrees for Transfer from any California Community College to complete their baccalaureate degrees in two years. The program is limited to students who are residents of California.
Students who commit to enter either the four-year or two-year pledge will be given a priority registration appointment for each state-supported enrollment period and will be provided with routine and thorough academic advisement. In order to remain in the program, students must meet with their advisors as prescribed, develop an enrollment plan and complete 30 semester units within each academic year, including summer. Participating CSUs may stipulate other requirements as well. Interested students entering the CSU should contact university offices or visit Finish in Four, Through in Two website.
The Finish in Four, Through in Two at Cal Poly
Cal Poly has established a pilot pledge program for students with Associate Degrees for Transfer to complete their baccalaureate degrees in two years. The Bachelor of Arts in English is the only major available at this time. Interested students should contact Cal Poly’s Transfer Center (transfer@calpoly.edu).
Former/Returning Students
Former Students Returning in the Same Major
Students who were previously enrolled at Cal Poly and who wish to return to the university must follow the guidelines appropriate to their category.
Former undergraduate students who left Cal Poly in good standing (2.0 or higher GPA), before completing their degree, and who wish to resume their former program (major) at Cal Poly, can essentially be reinstated after submitting a CSU undergraduate application and transcripts from any institutions attended after leaving Cal Poly. A returning student is one who has no enrollment record for three consecutive regular quarter terms (fall, winter, spring) or two consecutive regular semester terms (fall, spring). Once you have missed 3 quarter terms or two semester terms, you must complete a returning student application. An application and corresponding fee must be filed or postmarked before the application deadline date listed below for the appropriate term:
| Term | Deadline |
|---|---|
| Fall | July 1 |
| Spring | October 1 |
Former students who did not leave the university in good standing (i.e., were academically disqualified), will have their application and transcripts sent to their department college for review before reinstatement can occur. Applicants in this category are advised to contact their major's academic department or advising center to begin dialogue about satisfying any requirements before submitting their application. For more details regarding applying as a returning student please visit the Returning Students website.
Former Students Returning in a New Major
Former Cal Poly students wishing to return to Cal Poly in a different major must file an online application with the corresponding fee by the same application deadline as new applicants. Applicants in this category will compete equally with new applicants for the available transfer openings in their declared major.
Other Information
Consistency with State Regulations
The philosophy of the Cal Poly Admissions Office is consonant with the mission of California Polytechnic State University and is in accordance with Title V, Chapter 1, Subchapter 3, of the California Code of Regulations, and specifically, the California Code of Regulations for the California State University System, Title V, Section 40600.
Graduate Admission Requirements
View online information for graduate admission here.
Determination of Residence for Tuition Purposes
The Cal Poly Admissions Office determines the residence status of all new and returning students for tuition purposes. View comprehensive online information here.
International Admissions
Cal Poly, as part of the California State University (CSU) system, assesses the academic preparation of international students using factors such as academic performance, verification of English proficiency, and financial resources (to meet federal regulations). For this purpose, international students include those who hold U.S. visas as students, exchange visitors, or those in other nonimmigrant classifications. The CSU uses separate requirements and application filing dates in the admission of international students.
Reference the International Admissions section on the Cal Poly Admissions website for detailed information.
Application Procedures
Cal Poly does not have a separate international application. International applicants submit the online application (https://www2.calstate.edu/apply) appropriate to their level of entry with the corresponding $70.00 application fee which is both non-refundable and non-transferable. The Cal Poly Admissions Office will contact each international applicant regarding additional requirements once the application has been received. View application information, deadlines and selection timelines by visiting https://www.calpoly.edu/admissions/international-student/dates-and-deadlines.
For more information about international admission in addition to the application for admission requirements:
International First Year Applicants – visit https://www.calpoly.edu/admissions/international-student/selection-criteria.
International New Transfer Applicants – visit https://www.calpoly.edu/admissions/international-student/selection-criteria.
Please note: Cal Poly (San Luis Obispo) does not accept applications for undergraduate transfer students with less than 60 transferable semester units (90 quarter units) or applications for second undergraduate degrees.
International Graduate Applicants – visit https://www.calpoly.edu/admissions/international-student/selection-criteria.
After all required documents have been received, the Admissions Office will determine eligibility for admission and will notify the applicant of the result. International applicants admitted to Cal Poly will complete a visa questionnaire and receive a Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Student Status (I-20 form) which is necessary to obtain a student visa to enter the United States or for requesting permission from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) for transfer to Cal Poly from another U.S. institution. Other requirements may be imposed by USCIS. Applicants should note the I-20 form is valid for enrollment only at Cal Poly for the term indicated and that it includes an expiration date.
Deadlines
For detailed information about deadlines, visit https://www.calpoly.edu/admissions/international-student/dates-and-deadlines.
International students should also visit the Cal Poly International Center website at https://international.calpoly.edu/ for additional international student information and services.