California Polytechnic State University Acceptance Rate 2024

Updated on 20 September, 2024

Sachin Pundir

Sachin Pundir

University Admission Expert

California Polytechnic State University Acceptance Rate

California Polytechnic State University, often referred to as Cal Poly, is a public polytechnic university in San Luis Obispo, California. It's the oldest of the three polytechnics in the California State University system, known for its strong focus on hands-on learning and its connection to industry. 

California Polytechnic State University's acceptance rate is around 28%. It has an undergraduate population of over 20,000 students and offers a variety of amenities and fees for in-state and out-of-state students. 

Cal Poly's low acceptance rate reflects its high standards, making a degree from the university valuable to future employers. 

Highlights

Founded 1901 
Location San Luis Obispo, CA 93407, USA
Campus Size 9,178 acres
Total No. of International Students 484
Number of Undergraduate Programs More than 60
Number of Graduate Programs Over 50
University Ranking #1201-1400 in QS World University Rankings 2024

Top Courses of California Polytechnic State University

https://www.calpoly.edu/undergraduate-education 

Program Name Duration (In Years) Fees/Year
Food Science Graduate Program 4+1 $13,140
Blended BS Architectural Engineering + MS Architectural Engineering  4+1 $13,638
Master of Science in Architectural Engineering $13,638
Blended BS + MS Aerospace Engineering 4+1 $13,638
Biomedical Engineering, BMS N/A $13,638
Civil and Environmental, BMS N/A $13,638
Computer Science, BMS N/A $13,638
BS and MS in Mathematics  4+1 $13,140
Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degree in Electrical Engineer 4+1 $13,638
Master of Science (MS) in Mechanical Engineering $13,638
Blended Bachelor and Master of Science (BMS) in Mechanical Engineering 4+1 $13,638
Master of Science Degree in Polymers and Coatings Science $13,140

California Polytechnic State University Acceptance Rate Trends 

Over the past five years, admission to California Polytechnic State University has grown more competitive, making admission difficult to obtain. Acquiring admission involves more than just achieving high academic standing. 

Cal Poly is seeking students who are involved in extracurricular activities, committed to their academics, and enthusiastic about their chosen fields. If you want to stand out from the crowd, you need to be able to articulate your interests and special talents in a way that goes beyond simple intelligence.

Remember that yearly variations in application volumes, admission standards, and other variables may cause acceptance rates to differ.

California Polytechnic State University Acceptance Rate: Comparison With Other Universities 

University

Acceptance Rate

QS World University Rankings 2024

California Polytechnic State University 28% 1201 - 1400
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) 4% 1
University of Cambridge 21% 2
University of Oxford 22% 3
Harvard University 3% 4
Stanford University 4% 5
Imperial College London 40% 6
ETH Zurich 27% 7
National University of Singapore 23% 8
University College London (UCL) 36% 9

Top institutions' acceptance rates are significantly lower than Cal Poly's, reflecting exceptionally stringent admissions processes and competitive candidate pools. Acceptance rates vary annually due to several factors.

  • Cal Poly assesses candidates based on the completion of college-preparatory education in high school, taking into account factors such as curriculum complexity and grade point average.
  • Furthermore, your GPA, especially in fields relevant to your preferred major, is an important consideration in the admissions process.

California Polytechnic State University - Admission Process and Documentation Required 

The admission process for the California Polytechnic State University is as follows.

  •  When applying to Cal Poly University, specify your chosen major.
  •  Cal Poly's admissions process considers several traits objectively, with candidates competing within their preferred major.
  • An applicant's desired course of study and successful completion of college-preparatory curriculum in high school are both accorded significant weight.
  • The selected major has a significant impact on admission choices, and competition is fierce for all majors at Cal Poly University.
  • Your application will be evaluated using your 9th-11th level weighted score, which is derived from the college-preparatory curriculum specified on your application.
  • Over eight semesters, weight is applied to courses categorized as "honors," "college-level," "advanced placement," or "international baccalaureate."
  • Cal Poly also considers working experience, volunteerism, and other extracurricular pursuits.
  • As a component of the faculty-mandated Multi-Criteria Admission process, all candidates are given an unbiased assessment based on intellectual and non-cognitive parameters.

Required Documentation: 

  • High School Transcripts
  • College Transcripts (if applicable)
  • All copies of official transcripts must be supplied in the native language and supported by an authorized English translation from any of the following:
    • The Institute of International Education (IIE).
    • U.S. embassy or consulate.
  • ACT or SAT 1 scores.
  • ACT and SAT scores are not utilized in the enrollment process. However, they can be used to determine course allocation and scholarship candidacy. 

5 Tips to Get Accepted to California Polytechnic State University

  1. Cal Poly is a selective university, so aim to maintain a high GPA throughout your academic journey. 
  2. Cal Poly emphasizes "learn by doing." Highlight experiences that showcase your interest in hands-on learning and engagement outside the classroom.
  3. Research Cal Poly's specific programs and highlight your specific interests within your desired major. 
  4. Check the admissions website for current testing requirements.
  5. Do well on standardized tests. 

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Sachin Pundir

University Admission Expert

With over10 years of experience in the ed-tech sector, Sachin holds expertise in operations management, ensuring the smooth functioning of study abroad programs. He has deep understanding of the global university systems, acceptance rates, and selection process.

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