The Cal Poly SLO
Application
Fall 2015
Background
•  This presentation is based on a presentation given in the Fall
of 2014 by Christine Reed, MESA Coordinator and
Counselor, from Allan Hancock College in Santa Maria.
•  Hancock College has the highest acceptance rate to Cal Poly SLO of all the Calif. community colleges.
•  This presentation is from a CCC perspective – We are using
what AHC believes to be the most effective approach for
maximizing the chances of getting into Cal Poly – SLO.
•  Cal Poly – SLO admission process is unique. They admit
based on four criteria:
–
–
–
–
GPA as calculated from the last three pages of the application.
Specific coursework
GE
Extracurricular and/or work activities
Our Purpose Today
•  Overview of STEM educational planning
for CP-SLO (tools!)
•  Explain how the CP-SLO application
process differs from other CSUs
•  Do’s and Don’ts of the CP-SLO
application process
•  Answer your questions
STEM educational planning tools
•  CP-SLO Transfer Selection Criteria
–  http://admissions.calpoly.edu/applicants/transfer/criteria.html
–  How applicants are evaluated for admissions selection
(competitive)
–  Must have the “required” and “desired” coursework listed in
the Selection Criteria to be competitive.
•  www.assist.org – Articulation
–  Course equivalency for lower division courses required for
GRADUATION from CP-SLO
–  Use assist.org to find those courses at Cabrillo that are
equivalent to the courses shown in Selection Criteria.
•  Transfer Guide
–  Developed specifically by your Community College
CP-SLO admits based on
four criteria
General
Education
•  GE courses are weighted less heavily than major courses
•  Take English Composition and Speech
•  CP-SLO waives Critical Thinking for some STEM
Strategies while working on
course completion
•  Define your major!
•  Develop a plan using (including semester by semester)
–  ASSIST
–  CP-SLO Transfer Selection Criteria
–  Transfer Guide – developed by your CCC
–  GE (CSUGE or IGETC)
•  Get GOOD grades – use tutoring, office hours, good study
habits, group study sessions, etc.
•  Ask yourself what you would do if you never get into CPSLO? Develop your educational plan with a back up in
mind.
Strategies while working on
course completion (cont.)
•  Get connected with CP-SLO VIP page
•  Make regular counseling appointments at Cabrillo
•  Make sure you know how to use ASSIST and the
transfer selection criteria and check them regularly
•  Prioritize your course selection with major
coursework being #1 as well as Area A of CSUGE
(use ASSIST and the Transfer Selection Criteria)
•  GE course completion is secondary
•  Participate in internship/work experience related to
the major and leadership and/or club/extra
curricular involvement
Time to Apply - Tips
•  Understand the uniqueness of the CP-SLO application –
pay close attention to the supplemental pages in CSU
Mentor
•  Have a counselor or someone familiar with the process
review your application before you submit it
•  Wait to submit your application until you can confirm
spring schedule will work (you must pass with a C or
better the spring courses shown in the application
otherwise an offer could be rescinded)
•  Print off confirmation of submission
•  Try to submit before Thanksgiving
•  ALWAYS accept their offer of admissions right away.
Cal Poly Specifics
•  Pages 1-12 of CSU application are same as all
other CSU campuses
•  The last three pages are important and are
unique to Cal Poly - SLO
•  Evaluated in four areas, all weighted differently
•  Compete by major – each major has a different
GPA cut-off depending on demand that year
•  Applying is your first Cal Poly Exam!
“READINGS” OF YOUR APPLICATION
•  1st reading
•  GPA
•  CSU & Cal Poly program required coursework
•  General Ed
•  Extra-curricular activities & work experience
•  2nd reading
•  California resident recently released veterans
•  Service area (Based on high school graduation)
•  California community college junior transfers
•  SB 1440 applicants
•  Father/mother level of education
•  Cal Poly Faculty/staff dependent
www.calpoly.edu
12 CSU Application
www.csumentor.edu
Questions?
kadisney@cabrillo.edu