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Cal Poly Reviews
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Rebecka from Carmel Valley, CA
08/02/2009Reviewer is A current student here.
41 out of 44 people found this review useful. 1 of 154
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Cal Poly is a perfect stepping stone between high school and the so-called real world. If you are ready for big cities and fast paced living this may not be the place for you. It has all the thrills a college town needs, but all the comforts of home. Fraternities and Sororities do exist, but the houses are small and not school sponsored. The typical Cal Poly student is found in jeans and a T-shirt listening to music and waiting ot get to the beach. Yet I would feel comfortable saying that anyone can find themselves a place to fit within the school.
Tips for prospective students LIVE ON CAMPUS. The greatest way to meet peers, stay in contact with faculty, and get adjusted to a new environment is to live in the dorms freshmen year. PARTICIPATE IN WOW. WOW, or Week of Welcome, is the week-long orientation program offered to all new students. Students are put into groups of 10-15 which are led by upperclassmen leaders who spent their entire Spring quarter training for the week. Through WOW students lean the entire campus, all its entertainment possibilities, are taken downtown for dining and tours of the city, and other adventures such as kayaking, beaches, bonfires, etc. There is also an emphasis on Cal Poly's Respect and Awareness programs. The WOW board spends all year making this week truly fantastic! DON'T PICK A MAJOR YOU DON'T ENJOY. It is excruciating to switch majors. While not impossible, you could say it is frowned upon. Don't go in with a major you think will get you accepted and then hope to switch to Kinesiology or Aerospace engineering. TALK TO YOU ADVISER. Selcting classes and registering can be absolutely terrifying so stay in touch with your assignd counselor or adviser! They will help you stay on track with your 4-year plan and form a flow chart for your classes.
Bang for the buck While Cal Poly is the most expensive state school, it is strikingly more affordable than a UC. However, I have found that you sacrifice nothing of education value, standard of living, or excitement. Cal Poly gives a great education with student-teacher interaction and a focus on hands on learning. The school strives to keep students entertained as well, and it boasts a variety of musical guests, improv shows, slam poetry, and other fantastic on campus events. On campus living can get expensive when meal plans and parking are accounted for, but it is more than worth it.
Am enjoying being here I have just finished my first year at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and can honestly say I can't possibly imagine being happier with a school. To be perfectly honest I wasn't initially thrilled to be going to Cal Poly, but my family's financial situation made the ultimate decision for me. Cal Poly has proven to be everything I wanted and more. With each class having around 4500 students, I find the school to be large enough as to be able to have your own identity, yet small enough to have a familial feeling about it. Classes are also well sized, especially for smaller majors like liberal arts. All of my teachers have come to know me personally, and I felt as though I had a respected voice in class. There is a general feeling of acceptance and comfort that flows throughout campus, and it is an incredible community to be a part of. The town leans towards the quaint and quiet side, but it is without a doubt a college dominated area. Cal Poly does a beautiful job of welcoming new students to the campus and the town. It's overall a homey environment, while offering the education of a UC without the cost. Away from school, I find most of my time to be spent at the beach or downtown. Pismo, Avila, and Morrow Bay are all within 15 minutes, and all have adorable towns to spend the day in. The downtown area of SLO is even within walking distance, although bus transportation is free for all students. SLO is piled high with restaurants fit for students with everything from Thai cuisine to Italian to renown barbeque. I must throw in one last source of entertainment as it is one of the most talked of events on campus--Thursday night line dancing. A weekly affair, the downtown Graduate hosts country music and dancing for 8$ from 8:00-2:00 giving us all a chance to step out with our boots on.
Am learning a lot Having only taken 3 quarters of classes so far, I have mainly completed General Education classes. While getting adjusted with the school and learning how to work out selecting classes and registering, I just got into a major class in the Spring quarter. However GE classes are not a bad thing at all! In fact they give you an incredible opportunity to find out interests you may have beyond your intended major. I was able to explore such fields as Astronomy, Psychology, and Spanish while adding units to my graduation requirement. The GE options are abundant when you learn how to best work the system and spend time looking up classes that interest you.
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Ashley from Sun City, CA
07/07/2009Reviewer is A current student here.
20 out of 20 people found this review useful. 2 of 154
Categories Comments Great for these types of students ANIMAL SCIENCE (Pre-Vet especially) ANY Agriculture student ANY Engineering student
Tips for prospective students Though it is primarily an Engineering and Agricultural school, our other majors have a lot to offer..take Liberal Arts for instance. Our Performing arts Centers...yes that's plural...and Music facilities and Band are state of the art and Best of the West as you can get. If there are any Animal Science perspective Aggie's for Cal Poly i can answer any question you may have as well. Also! Any incoming Freshmen have questions about the school or the town I am also bursting with info as a 2009 Week Of Welcome orientation Leader aka WOW! and one more thing....if your coming to Cal Poly? WOW is a must!! ~firstname.lastname@example.com
Bang for the buck As an Engineering and Agriculture school (primarily), and being dubbed The Best In The West college for years, it has its price tag, but when you get here and realize the quality or education and how much it offers opposed to other colleges...there really isn't anything better as far as a State University goes.
Am enjoying being here The school itself is amazing as I said before. but the people are even better. They all want to be here, and its easy to see why. Being in such a college oriented town really makes you feel like a big part of a good thing. There's Farmer's Markets every Thursday, Concert in the Plaza every Friday, and so many activities at Cal Poly itself its hard to pick which to be in! The group of friends i have here are going to be my friends for life because going to Cal Poly is a life bond we all share. Everyone in the college and town is supportive and want you to succeed. The students are so spirited you need more fingers to count the amount of Cal Poly you'll see walking the campus and town.
Am learning a lot I LOVE CAL POLY!! The great thing about this school is starting from freshmen year you jump right into your Major courses instead of having to go through only GE's for your first year or two. Here, you start learning about your interest in the first year! As a Pre-Vet and Animal Science Major, I wouldn't go anywhere else. Yes it's a challenge on a Trimester system, but you learn so much more than any other college because of that, and the professors know their stuff. Plus we have student projects you can take for units that further your Major interest!
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Rebecca from San Luis Obispo, CA
12/16/2009Reviewer is A current student here.
16 out of 17 people found this review useful. 3 of 154
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Every type! Like I said before, I think anyone can find something there into here. Academically speaking, it's one of the best schools you can possibly go to Achitecture or Engineering.
Tips for prospective students If you are considering going to Cal Poly, you will hear these things a lot, but I'll say them anyway. Go to WOW and live on campus! WOW will introduce you to tons of people that may or may not end up being your friends, but more importantly it shows you all the things to do in town and the clubs on campus. It basically introduces you to your new home. Everyone does WOW; if you don't you will definitely be left out. Also, there's nothing like the experience of living on campus. It's hard to meet people your first year if you don't. I would recommend dorms over the apartments because the dorms are much more social. Other tips: If you aren't in love with your major, consider other options and do it early! The longer you are in a major at this school, the harder it is to switch. It's not as hard as they make it sound, but it is still pretty difficult. It will also depend on how drastic the switch is. If you're switching from Mechanical Engineering to Electrical Engineering, it should be relatively easy. If you're going from English to Physics you will have difficulties. Don't overload yourself the first quarter! If you go to SOAR, they will probably tell you to take 16 units (depending on your major) and make it sound like you are way behind if you don't. I took 13 my first quarter and I'm still right on track. Take time to get involved, try different clubs, and just have fun your first quarter. You'll probably end up getting distracting with the stuff either way, and you don't your GPA to suffer for it. Be organized! The quarter system is FAST! You have to plan ahead and know when assignments are coming up.
Bang for the buck This is actually something I talk to my friends about all the time! I think it is the best bang for your buck you can possibly find. The tuition is about half of what you would pay at a UC and nothing compared to a private school. The education you are getting is still top notch. It's the best school in the west whose highest degree is a Master's. It's also very highly ranked for Architecture and Engineering. I don't know much about the quality for Liberal Arts majors, but I think it's also very good. I know for anything technical or related to science it's the best ranked school you can go to for the smallest price tag.
Am enjoying being here I definitely enjoy being here, but my impression of what college would be like wasn't entirely accurate. I was really looking forward to WOW and dorm life. I thought between those two things I would get there and have instant friends just like at home. They are both great at getting you to meet a lot of people, but those people are mostly acquaintances and not necessarily people you will relate to and keep as friends. You will find those people, but real friendships take time. I didn't really start enjoying school until about half way into the quarter when I settled into my group of friends. I think one thing I love about this school is that I really feel like anyone can find those people with time. No matter what you are into, someone else here will be too. If you want to party, it's definitely out there (yes, it is a party school), but if you don't you can also easily ignore it and involve yourself in other things. For example, we have one the largest Campus Crusades (Christian clubs) of any college and they have events all the time. Line dancing and farmer's market on Thursday nights can both also be a lot of fun if you want to skip out on the parties. I really think whatever you're looking for you will find.
Am learning a lot I have only been at Cal Poly for one quarter so far, but I do think I am learning a lot. Through services at Cal Poly (like career service and my advisor) and my intro class, I think I learned more about what I can do with my degree after college than anything else. I did also learn a lot in my classes. I didn't think the GE classes were worthwhile, but one good thing about Cal Poly is that you start major classes right away which are usually more interesting.
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Elizabeth from Roseville, CA
12/25/2009Reviewer is A current student here.
14 out of 14 people found this review useful. 4 of 154
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Great obviously for engineering students and architecture students, but for other majors as well. Though Cal Poly isn't known for it's other colleges like business, agriculture and liberal arts they are all very strong programs at this school.
Tips for prospective students Cal Poly is one of the few CSU's that take extra curricular activities into account in their applications so make sure you add them all in! Definitely visit the school to get a feel for the campus which is absolutely beautiful, I fell in love with it the moment I laid eyes on it for the first time. My main tip though is APPLY TO CAL POLY. A lot of students are put off by the fact that it is a CSU and not a UC but the level of education and the value for it is unparalleled in the UC system.
Bang for the buck Though Cal Poly is the most expensive of the CSU's, it is an excellent bargain. You truly do receive a UC level education at a CSU price tag. Cal Poly is a better school than many UC schools and though it isn't cheap, it is priced far below most UC schools.
Am enjoying being here What can't one enjoy about San Luis Obispo. The weather is 70 degrees it seems like constantly and the sun is almost always shining. It is 15 minutes away from gorgeous Pismo Beach as well as other attractions like Hearst Castle. There is definitely a lot to do around the campus as well, like the huge farmer's markets every Thursday night. Though San Luis is a small town, there is always something to do. As far as campus goes there is always some event going on (last month I got to see tibetan monks performing!) and many you can even participate in like the monthly poetry readings in the UU.
Am learning a lot Every class I have been in has had exceptional teachers. My freedom and equality in American history teacher is insanely passionate about the subject and can always relate some of her graduate studies to daily lecture. My economics teacher is always doing some sort of research that he offers his students to participate in for some cash rewards and extra credit. My beginning news writing teacher is a 3 time pulitzer prize winner, wrote for the L.A. times for decades and turned down a spot at the Washington Post just to teach at Poly. The quality of my teachers has made my time here one full of learning.
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Garrett from Sunnyvale, CA
04/28/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
10 out of 10 people found this review useful. 5 of 154
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Hard workers; it's not a school that you can coast by in, as you'll quickly come up on difficult GEs and initial major classes (for me, I can think of freshman Bio, Chemistry, and Computer Science.) It's good for someone who loves being close to the beach, hiking, or staying in shape! This school is fantastic at accommodating all types of students, however; whether you're a computer nerd who is looking to make a career out of it, a business student who wants to live in a fantastic city, or anything in between, Cal Poly will definitely fit your needs. Come and take a tour! They're going on all spring and I guarantee you'll be impressed.
Tips for prospective students Study. Study. Study. Also, study. Did I mention study? There are countless freshmen who go on Academic Probation the first semester every year because they weren't using good study habits. I was one of them, frankly. What I've learned, however, is that you need to set a time and a place, EVERY DAY, to study. I go to the library at 4:00pm every day after class and study for at least an hour. This always guarantees I'm getting my work done, and often ensures I'm working on projects and studying for midterms and finals ahead of time. Get on top of your studies, then you're free to do whatever you want on the weekend (safely and legally of course ;) ) Work hard play hard, that's the unofficial motto here at Cal Poly.
Bang for the buck It is expensive, but for engineering at least, it's Ivy-League quality education at a CSU-level price. 'Nuff said.
Am enjoying being here I have a lot of friends at different colleges (UC Berkeley, Merced, BYU, BYU-Idaho, UC Irvine, NYU) and I can honestly say I have it the best of all of them. The weather here is fantastic. Downtown San Luis Obispo is, simply stated, amazing. It has a big-city feel without the traffic! Just visit one day and see for yourself. The beach is a short car ride away (you can even take the bus!) Bus travel around SLO is free for Cal Poly students. The student leadership this year has live performances almost every week (today we had Zion I & The Grouch perform for free!) There are beautiful hikes all around the area. Everyone here is extremely friendly and understanding. Simply stated, I view it as the best city I could ever be in. Even Oprah agrees - it was voted happiest city in America in 2011!
Am learning a lot I'm currently in the middle of my last freshman semester here at Cal Poly. It has been an incredible experience being a student here! The teachers are very knowledgeable and most of the time are very understanding. Every professor has office hours several times a week for students to come in and ask questions, and for the most part class sizes are in the 35-40 student range. It really makes it easy to ask questions and get clarifications during class. There are even study groups and workshops led by upperclassmen that meet several times a week to help with homework and material!
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Luke from Parkton, MD
12/17/2009Reviewer is A current student here.
9 out of 12 people found this review useful. 6 of 154
Categories Comments Great for these types of students math and science kids - arch, engingeering, math and science agriculture - its the best in CA and we have so much land and facilites for ag. californians - its 93% instate the kids at cal poly are smart but still cool, its not a nerd school, but its not a bunch of screw-offs as long as you can stand california, its the best undergrad university in the west for polytechnic majors like arch, eng, ag, etc
Tips for prospective students take classes in hs related to your major like drafting ad cad for architecture. and if your out of state ca calls gpa a 5 point scale, which pretty much no other state does, the go by weighted gpa.
Bang for the buck Its the #3 Architecture school in the nation and the #2 engineering school whose highest degree is a masters and its one of the cheapest, it is the definition of bang for you buck. (according to us news and world report) I pay as much out of state as i would in state at u of maryland
Am enjoying being here There is a serious diversity problem at Cal Poly, its 93% in state. Way to many californians, but they are going to start admitting more out of state students to make it 15% out of state. I'm really getting sick of California.
Am learning a lot I am a 2nd year architecture student at Cal Poly. Cal Poly is a great polytechnic because of our motto, Learn By Doing. At Cal Poly you learn how things actually work not just theroy, how things should work. At Cal Poly you can expect to be doing all sorts of projects. Field trips to job sites in san luis obispo. A variety of great teachers really know what they're talking about. Cal Poly is the place to be for undergrads
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Shannon from Honolulu, HI
05/01/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
7 out of 7 people found this review useful. 7 of 154
Categories Comments Tips for prospective students Get the meal plan with the most plus dollars because there are only 4 places to use the actual meal credits and 2 of those places basically serve the same food. Plus, the places where they only accept plus dollars have a higher quality of food.
Bang for the buck As an out-of-state student, I feel that the quality of the education that Cal Poly provides to its students is definitely worth the price. I'm getting an awesome education from professors who care about your success and constantly challenge your knowledge and critical thinking ability. It's cheaper than the UC schools and a lot of private schools, yet I feel that I'm getting a better education here than if I went to school elsewhere with a higher tuition.
Am enjoying being here Cal Poly is placed within the beautiful town of San Luis Obispo. The town is definitely catered to the college students with a central downtown area that is home to multiple boutiques, shops, small and delicious restaurants, and the famous farmers market. Aside from the town, Cal Poly also has a life of its own. Although the athletic program isn't as popular as I thought it would be, it still manages to hold a good crowd to keep students busy. The cultural and racial diversity at Cal Poly also isn't as diverse as I thought it would be, but each culture has its own club to represent their pride at Cal Poly. Overall, the vibe of Cal Poly is extremely welcoming and pleasant. I wouldn't have it any other way.
Am learning a lot Before attending Cal Poly, I had no idea what it looked like or the specifics of many aspects of the school. Luckily, upon arrival I realized the beauty of the school. Besides the beautiful campus and welcoming people, the school really challenged me in comparison to high school. I entered without any AP credit, so I felt like I was somewhat behind academically, but the quality of the education at Cal Poly is proving to help me raise to the high academic level that my peers are at. The professors are always approachable and willing to help you, especially the professors within your specific majors. I really enjoy the fact that we get to start taking classes within our majors from the very beginning because you start learning about your field earlier than most college students. As an out-of-state student, I feel that the quality of the education that Cal Poly provides to its students is definitely worth the price.
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Jessica from Lompoc, CA
09/01/2009Reviewer is A current student here.
6 out of 6 people found this review useful. 8 of 154
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Any student that wants to major in Engineering or Agriculture should come here! It is one of the top engineering schools in the nation!! It's in a dry county, small college town, & Cal Poly has police officers that patrol the school. It's a very safe town/college.
Tips for prospective students Definitely bring a bike because you will use it. It's a quick way for you to get to class or downtown. Attend WOW. Week of Welcome is a weeklong event that happens every year before classes start. New freshmen come a week before classes start and move into their dorms. They are placed in groups of 8 or 9 students and their WOW leaders show them SLO and what it has to offer. It's a great way to learn about where you'll be living for the next 4 years at least. WOW taught me alot about SLO that I never knew.
Bang for the buck Compared to other California colleges, I was surprised to learn that Cal Poly was on the cheaper end of the stick. It still costs alot of $ to attend but its worth it. The teachers & curriculum you can't find anywhere else.
Am enjoying being here Being from the area, I thought I knew what a college town was like but I was wrong. Every Thursday you can find other students at the Farmer's Market on Higuera St. Everything is within walking or bike distance.
Am learning a lot Last year when I came to Cal Poly I expected my first year to be a breeze. But when I came here I didn't expect to learn so much about the school, city, and myself so fast. I am starting my 2nd year in Biomedical Engineering, I like the curriculum and what it has to offer. I liked how focused most students are here, which explains why we're always in the library!
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Justin from Boulder Creek, CA
05/31/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
4 out of 4 people found this review useful. 9 of 154
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Motivated students who want to rise to a challenge. Students who want to get involved with things on or off campus. Cal Poly has over 200 clubs! The opportunities are endless!
Tips for prospective students It's helpful to know what field you would like to pursue. But it doesn't have to be exactly what you want to do. Just don't pick something you are going to hate :)
Bang for the buck Although Cal Poly (along with every other school in CA) is experiencing budget cuts and increased tuition, it is still very affordable compared to other state schools as well as UC's. Plus Cal Poly has an extremely high graduation rate as well as job placement percentage.
Am enjoying being here This is Central Coast California. If you haven't seen the rolling hills in the early spring and summer you are missing out. It's beautiful here and the weather is generally really warm. The school architecture isn't the greatest but its acceptable. Besides downtown has some unique buildings. Night life is pretty limited as far as things to do. But that should inspire you to get involved in clubs or something to meet the awesome people of Cal Poly.
Am learning a lot This school is fast paced and there is a ton of information to absorb in and out of school. The best part about Cal Poly, as far as learning goes, in my opinion and experience is the learn by doing curriculum. I love the hands on aspect of my major and it has really helped facilitate an understanding of what a related job may entail. Cal Poly has always been reviewed as a school with a unique learning style and commitment to developing work force skills.
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Zoe from Santa Barbara, CA
03/16/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
4 out of 4 people found this review useful. 10 of 154
Categories Comments Campus Safety I ALWAYS feel safe on campus and I know that it's easy to contact University Police from a blue pole or by calling at any time.
Greek Life A lot of people are into the Greek Life at Cal Poly but in my experience, it's definitely not as big as at most other universities. We don't have a frat/sorority row and a lot of the frat parties happen at smaller satellite houses and aren't as crazy as at other schools.
Clubs and Activities So many options for clubs and activities on campus. You can find literally ANYTHING you want to do!
Great for these types of students A lot of diversity in the types of students. Cal Poly definitely has the frat/sorority types, the athletes, the nerdy engineers, the hipsters, the agriculture students/cowboys, and so much more! There is not one type that best fits in here!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus The University Union is a great place to hang out, study, or relax!
Bang for the buck Cheaper than any UC and getting a degree from Cal Poly (at least in engineering) is more valuable than many UC engineering degrees!
What to do for fun Off campus food, great party scene off campus, sports events, hiking, and going to the beach.
Food and Dining Dining on campus isn't great. There are a few okay options, but overall, my friends and I would MUCH rather go off campus for food. The dining plan is tough to get used to. Definitely go for less meals and more plus dollars when choosing a dining plan!!!
Dorm Life The Red Brick dorms are generally less crazy than Yosemite or Sierra Madre, but have more of a diverse collection of students who study, party, exercise, and go to events.
Academic Rigor For majors like engineering, the academics are really tough, and a degree in engineering from Cal Poly is really valued in industry. Other majors, however, are much easier and require much less work.
Tips for prospective students Get ready to work hard if you are studying a major such as engineering, and make sure that you are doing what you are interested in! If you like what you're learning, you'll be prepared to work hard for your degree. Try to take advantage of EVERYTHING Cal Poly has to offer!!!
In three sentences Cal Poly is fantastic for education, social life, and extracurricular activities. My classes have always been great with good teachers and interesting coursework. It's also so much fun, from the party scene to opportunities to get involved on campus!
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Henry from San Luis Obispo, CA
04/05/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
4 out of 4 people found this review useful. 1 person found this inaccurate. 11 of 154
Categories Comments Campus Safety We have our own police force....
Greek Life Its essential
What to do for fun Go to the beach, go to farmer's market, go downtown, go line dancing, see concerts, great nightlife, great hiking all around.
Food and Dining It gets old but it is really not that bad. People just complain about it because they are used to their parents making them really nice meals.
Dorm Life Its awesome! Enough said
Academic Rigor I would say it is very hard compared to other state school but there are definitely more prestigious schools. Cal Poly offers the best education for the cost.
Tips for prospective students Do the Week of Welcome Orientation!!!! It is the best thing that ever and really helps you grow in to SLO!!
In three sentences It is the best college in the United States. It has an amazing engineering program for the relatively low cost. It is in the happiest place in the USA according to USAtoday. http://travel.usatoday.com/destinations/story/2011/04/San-Luis-Obispo-Its-the-happiest-place-in-the-USA-/45900412/1
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Current Student
10/12/2010Reviewer is A current student here.
3 out of 3 people found this review useful. 12 of 154
Categories Comments Great for these types of students It is great for any self motivated student who can work hard and adapt to a fast paced learning environment. It is a great school for any student interested in Agriculture or Enginerring, but many students have no interest in either and are satisfied with the school as well. It is great for anyone out of state because they will get a good tast of California. Our demographic includes students from both Northern and Southern California, which contributes to the uniques blend of students Cal Poly has to offer.
Tips for prospective students First make a chart of what you are looking for in a college. Then as you visit each college fill in the chart by listing the characteristics that the particular college had to offer. Write down your initial reaction about the college you just visited because you will forget. Compare the diffrent colleges on your list and select the one with the most qualities of your ideal college. Remember to keep location from home, expenses, and major in mind when selecting.
Bang for the buck Cal Poly is one of the more expensive state schools but you receive the quality of education offered at a UC School. UC's does not have much to offer that you cannot find here at Cal Poly. No, we do not offer graduate school, but we also do not have graduate students teaching our classes. The professors here are passionate, knowledgeable and experienced instructors. Cal Poly is by far the best deal because of the great location; price compared to similar schools, and the great education you will receive.
Am enjoying being here There are not many colleges located in such a diverse environment with great opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. We are close to the beach but our campus is also surrounded by great mountains to hike and view wildlife. The location is great because Cal Poly attracts students from all over the state because of the central location of California. The people are friendly and diverse, which allows you to meet people who may have a different background from you. This diversity challenges you to think about who you are as a person and forces you to evaluate your own morals and viewpoints.
Am learning a lot College isn't just about learning information from a book. There is so much to learn outside the classroom, and I really feel that Cal Poly gives you that opportunity, because they are focused on engaging students into the community. Wow week is a must for all incoming students. Our orientation program goes far beyond most schools to make new students feel welcome and familiar with the community. Upper classman are eager to share tips and helpful information about college life to anyone who needs help. We are on the quarter system which moves at a faster pace than other state schools on the semester system. Due to the fast pace of the classes here at Cal Poly, students are constantly learning and absorbing information because there is not time to slack off or miss an opportunity to learn information that they will be tested on within the next couple of weeks.
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06/08/2011Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
3 out of 3 people found this review useful. 13 of 154
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Every single person I met there has been so friendly. Everyone is outgoing, fun, social, and active. I am a very laid back and social person, so I can't wait to become a part of this great community.
Tips for prospective students For prospective students, make sure you know what you want to major in because it is required. Not only this, but you are also locked into the major you applied with for at least two years and they make it very hard to change if you really do want to.
Bang for the buck Being a state school, Cal Poly has really good prices. The tuition and costs are about that, if not cheaper, than an average UC school, making it MUCH cheaper than any private school. It is very much worth the investment and financial managing, not to mention it hopefully wont create as much debt as private schools can!
Will enjoy being here I have visited the school 4 times now and am absolutely in love with not only the whole campus, but the entire area. The whole San Luis Obispo area is so beautiful and offers so much to do. Last time I went up, I visited the Thursday Night Farmers Market which was so much fun! There was not only food but entertainment such as dancing and live bands. I can't wait to move there in the next few months!
Will learn a lot I think Cal Poly has so much to offer, hence why it is my top school and the school I will be attending this Fall. I think I'm going to learn a lot because not only is the school on the quarter system (something that is becoming more and more rare) but also because of their slogan learn by doing. The quarter system will allow me to take alot of classes. Their slogan also tells how they are a very hands on school. Personally, I learned much better by actually doing something than say reading about it in a textbook, so I am excited to learn this way.
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Alyssa from Huntington Park, CA
04/07/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
3 out of 3 people found this review useful. 14 of 154
Categories Comments Bang for the buck The most expensive Cal State, but a great deal in terms of the education you are getting while paying less than a UC.
What to do for fun There are many peaks great for hiking and downtown for shopping.
Food and Dining School dining has some good options, but overall the food is not the best. However, there are various options on campus.
Dorm Life There are two options for freshmen in terms of dorming: traditional dorm rooms and the Cerro Vista Apartments. The apartments are much newer and you get your own room, a communal kitchen and living room with your suitemates. The dorms vary from 2-3 people per room.
Academic Rigor Professors are knowledgeable and labs support what is being taught in the classroom.
Tips for prospective students When taking AP courses in high school, research which passing grades you will get credit for and if those classes apply to your major. Also, research the major you will be choosing to enroll with because you start taking classes within that major your first quarter.
In three sentences Cal Poly is an academically challenging school who does well in providing its students with the necessary resources to move forward in their major. The staff is truly supportive of any concerns and do their best to help in any way. Cal Poly is also situated in San Luis Obispo, and environmentally dynamic city with much to discover.
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Meghan from San Juan Capistrano, CA
05/30/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
3 out of 3 people found this review useful. 15 of 154
Categories Comments Campus Safety Cal Poly is a very safe campus. Although not recommended, the school makes sure that students feel safe walking across campus at all hours of the night. Campus police patrol the streets throughout the day and night, and there are multiple emergency call stations set up across campus if anything does indeed happen.
Greek Life Greek Life is also somewhat weak. Don't choose to come to Cal Poly if you want that huge sorority/fraternity experience. But what I have found is that all of the fraternities or sororities that I have visited all contain very fun individuals coming from a variety of backgrounds. Many of my friends have chosen the Greek Life and believe it is worth every penny as they are enjoying it thoroughly and having the time of their lives.
Clubs and Activities Compared to most schools, Cal Poly has a rather weak athletic system. It is Division 1, but once the soccer season ends there really aren't any major sports events to go to. The football team is somewhat terrible. Honestly, any individual that decides to come to Cal Poly has to prepare themselves for some major deprivation of the ideal huge sports events that such schools as USC or UCLA can offer. Clubs, however, are very active. Most students decide to participate in multiple clubs each semester, and Cal Poly does offer a large variety of clubs for each major.
Great for these types of students Cal Poly is a great school for any engineers, architecture, agriculture, science, or math majors. Most programs focus on funding the school for what it is known for and what it is good at, which is being phenomenal in those fields. However, I know that Cal Poly is not technically focused on the business and liberal arts majors, but it tends to be the business and liberal arts teachers that are the most fun to have and who possess the best polyratings (ratings by students).
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus The P. On one of the hillsides on campus there is a giant, white P. If you look up at the P during different events and celebrations you can see that it is painted different colors according to each occasion. There is also architectural graveyard: a very unique, artsy, outdoors area where architecture engineers are able to build different structures for senior projects and such. Both the graveyard and the P have some phenomenal star-gazing at night, nothing like what you would see at any of the schools in much more urban areas.
Bang for the buck Granted, San Luis Obispo is somewhat expensive, but your money is spent well. As a biology major I desired to have classes where I could get very hands-on, and Cal Poly has provided that for me. If you are paying in-state tuition it is one of the cheapest of the Cal state schools while also being one of the most prestigious. Out-of-state tuition however does get rather more pricey, but I believe that it is money spent well as you are getting a great education and most other schools are nearly twice as expensive for the usual out-of-state student.
What to do for fun Downtown! Downtown San Luis Obispo is that perfect college town that you always imagined visiting while in college. There are a multitude of quaint clothing shops, along with some major shops such as Urban Outfitters and Sports Authority. The food is fantastic downtown. You have countless restaurants to choose from, all with a solid menu. You can get fresh produce every Thursday night at farmers if you want to be somewhat of a hippie and stick to all organic. The beach is a mere 7 miles away, or about a 10 minute drive. The city almost revolves around campus with college kids making up the majority of the population.
Food and Dining The food is terrible. That's all there is to it. If you plan on going on any sort of dining plan, make sure you have many many plus dollars to spend. They do have a couple of good places on campus that tend to use plus dollars rather than meals. However, you have to be careful. Plus dollars tend to go faster than you think.
Dorm Life The dorms are rather small compared to other campuses. But I rather enjoyed getting to know my dorm-mates. There are always featured events put on by your specific dorm, which allows you to meet a lot of people very quickly. The red bricks are much more major-based and tend to have more strict RA's when it comes to writing people up. However, the RA's in Sierra Madre and Yosemite are all very laid back for the most part. During the week the dorms are quiet due to the masses studying. However, on the weekends, for the most part, dorms tend to stay awake till all hours of the morning.
Academic Rigor The academics are a bit intense. Cal Poly does only accept some of the best students, and these are the students you will be competing with in all of your classes for the top grades. You will be expected to study a lot, but you are not the only one. Everyone studies. It's what's expected of you as a student at one of the top schools in California.
Tips for prospective students Study! With the 10 week quarter system, you hit the ground running and remain running until after final exams. You are forced to learn a lot of information in a rather short time, but at the end of the year it all pays off with how many units you end up completing.
In three sentences Overall, Cal Poly is a fantastic school. I came to school completely blind without seeing campus or looking at any reviews, and I fell in love with it. Although it is a bit more academically competitive than other schools, you receive a phenomenal education cheaper than what you would pay for most California state schools.
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Andrew from Roseville, CA
08/08/2009Reviewer is A current student here.
2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 16 of 154
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Smart, engineering type students who like to party
Tips for prospective students Like I said above, live on campus for your first 2 years and plan your study time so that you can still party and have a good time. Participating in WOW is a must because you can set up friendships right away and they really get you ready for school.
Bang for the buck This is the only section that I down graded the school because the learn by doing education does come with a hefty price tag. I think tuition is around $5500 a year now, which is pretty high for a CSU. If money is a really important factor then I would recommend transferring from a JC where tuition is $25 a unit. Otherwise I would recommend going there for all 4 years because your degree progress is set up such that you would have to go back and fill in gaps in the learning. The flow chart/ class schedule isn't really compatible with the transfer students, although they can still do the same things that freshmen do.
Am enjoying being here The weather in SLO is great, and so is being 10 minutes by freeway to Avila Beach. The night life in town is pretty awesome, too.
Am learning a lot As an Electrical Engineering major at Cal Poly, I do think that I am learning a lot in a lot of different subjects. We learn about Chemistry, a lot about Physics and Math, and a little bit of C programming. There are a lot of concepts to grasp but if you study and do your homework then every student should do ok. You also learn a lot about life in general, and non-school related stuff especially if you live on campus, which is what I recommend. On campus for your 1st and maybe your 2nd year puts you close enough to the school to focus on work but then you can have a great time with your neighbors in the dorm and still go to parties off campus.
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Chloe from San Francisco, CA
08/10/2009Reviewer is A past student here.
2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 17 of 154
Categories Comments Great for these types of students The graphic design program is amazing here. Also great for those interested in rushing a frat or sorority. There's parties at least three nights a week if you're into that. A couple big Christian clubs on campus. Great if you're into nature and smallish towns. It is the SLO life, after all.
Tips for prospective students Don't procrastinate! I have never in my entire life been more stressed or busy than I was during third quarter finals. Make sure your work is done or close to being done before you go out on the weekends (or weeknights) because Sunday will most likely be an all-nighter for you.
Bang for the buck Everyone knows Cal Poly offers one of the best educations in California, and you definitely pay a lot less than you would at a UC. The school is great for engineers and agriculture majors, but it's a bit lacking in the liberal arts area compared to architecture and other majors. Art is definitely one of the most expensive majors, with at least one book for every class in addition to software, photography equipment, and other various art tools.
Did enjoy being here While I made some great friends here, I am definitely more of a city girl. I moved to San Francisco after my freshman year at CP to attend school. The scenery is beautiful in SLO, but Cal Poly is definitely a party school, and there's not much more to do besides that when the weekend comes around. I know most people who go to SLO definitely love it, but many of the other photography students and I didn't.
Did learn a lot I felt my general education classes were useful. I loved my public speaking teacher and really became more comfortable with presentations. Math 112 was straightforward and relatively simple; because it was a GE class for liberal arts students, the teacher understood we weren't very into the subject, so he made it simple and relevant to real life. I would definitely recommend the class, as it fulfills a general education requirement and isn't too time consuming, if you're not into math. My art classes were only so-so. It was my major, but the photography teachers were sub-par. One cancelled nearly one class a week, and the other two would either tell irrelevant stories or act like they were the best thing sense sliced bread.
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Kelsy from Granite Bay, CA
08/20/2009Reviewer is A current student here.
2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 18 of 154
Categories Comments Tips for prospective students Get involved around campus. Join clubs that catch your interest and explore your potential. Clubs are a great way to meet new people. WOW is also a fabulous experience: getting introduced to the campus, the people, and the surrounding area while also meeting new people that share similar interests.
Bang for the buck The cost of attendance is constantly increasing, but, compared to a UC school, it is a great deal. Cal Poly also has the same level of education if not better than most of the UCs so the price is definitley reasonable.
Am enjoying being here I love it!! It is a small college town so in comparison to a college like UC Berkeley, it seems like there is not really much to do, but you get used to it and can always find something be it hiking, shopping, going to the beach, etc. The small size of campus makes it feel very homely and you are guaranteed to run into at least one person you know while walking to your classes. It is very close to the beach, which, from all the times I've been there, is never too crowded, and the water temperature is wonderful. The classes are all very informative and geared toward the undergraduate student. The class size is generally very small, giving the students a more hands on approach to learning as well as allows for the teacher to give the students more individual time.
Am learning a lot The classes are very informative and teach you to think outside of the box. As a design student, there is lot of work involved, but it definitely expands a person mind. There are some classes that don't have the most amazing teachers but, overall, the learning experience at Cal Poly is incredible.
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Kaylyn from San Luis Obispo, CA
08/20/2009Reviewer is A current student here.
2 out of 3 people found this review useful. 19 of 154
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Any student who is confident that they know what major they would like to pursue should consider Cal Poly because they would get to start with their major classes right away.
Tips for prospective students Before applying to Cal Poly be sure of what major you want to pursue. Changing majors at Cal Poly is very hard and I know a lot of people who have had a hard time once they found out the major they originally picked wasn't for them.
Bang for the buck I am an out of state student, so it is hard paying more for my education than my fellow students. Money is pretty tight, but I feel like I am getting a great education so I am going to tough it out at Cal Poly because I know it will be worth it in the end.
Am enjoying being here It is sometimes hard for me to be in such a small town, but San Luis Obispo is a very charming town. Overall I have met some great people and the small town thing is growing on me.
Am learning a lot I am currently in my second year in Cal Poly's architecture program. I really love the program, and I am constantly being challenged. I started right away with my major classes, which is what I love about Cal Poly. I get to take the classes that pertain to my goals right away, and I found out right away that architecture was the thing for me.
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Elsa from Santa Maria, CA
08/27/2009Reviewer is A current student here.
2 out of 4 people found this review useful. 20 of 154
Categories Comments Great for these types of students students that like Learn By Doing
Tips for prospective students Time management. Quarters go by fast spend your time wisely and be aware your studying habits might need to change.
Bang for the buck Since it is a public state it is somewhat affordable but the school itself doesn't give out very many scholarships
Am enjoying being here The campus is beautiful, there is hills everywhere. The dining situation we have is great. They give an allowance in the way and we have a bunch of different dining places to choose from, including starbucks and chic-a-fil
Am learning a lot Since I am a Computer Engineer it is great to know Cal Poly has the #1 public college of engineering, ranks #3 in Business, and is like 5th or 6th in architecture. I also love the learn by doing philosophy. I am out there doing things instead of just listening to lectures.
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Emily from Sacramento, CA
10/13/2010Reviewer is A current student here.
2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 21 of 154
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Someone who is laid back, likes to be involved, and loves meeting awesome new people :)
Tips for prospective students It is getting harder to get into Cal Poly because of the budget cuts, so make sure you do well in high school, but still leave time for fun. When you get here don't try to be super ambitious and take a full class load because the best part of being a first year is exploring the area and campus and getting to know new people which would be impossible if you were stuck in the study lounges doing homework all the time... oh and don't procrastinate!
Am enjoying being here SLO is an amazing place to live. The downtown area has a lot to offer and everything is relatively close to campus so you can walk, bike, or take the bus for free. The only problem is the beaches are a 10 minute drive away, but it's not bad at all.
Am learning a lot I personally am not a fan of history at all in a form, but my Freedom and Equality in American History class is amazing. Dr. Murphy is awesome! She actually makes learning about the colonial periods interesting because she is so excited about the subject. I have learned so much here in my few short weeks here and couldn't be happier. All of my teachers so far have been very helpful and engaging making the class periods fly by!
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Ruth from Riverside, CA
12/01/2010Reviewer is A current student here.
2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 22 of 154
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Cal Poly is a good school for students that are majoring in agriculture, architecture, and engineering. It is the number one school for agriculture and the saying for it is learn by doing because you really go learn a lot by hands on experience.
Tips for prospective students If you have trouble meeting people the first day you come to Cal Poly a good way to meet others is by doing WOW, which is week of welcome, or OUR, which is orientation of united raza for latino student. Our was the one I did and it was really fun. Also students should get involve in this at Cal Poly. I know people are really shy the first few days but by getting involved you can find out what you like to do for fun and meet others that have similar qualities as you. Another tip is to go see you professors and teachers during their office hours. They really help you with any questions that you may have for class.
Bang for the buck This school is really expensive but anything is possible if you put your mind to it. Don't let money stop you from doing what you want to do in life. San Luis Obispo is an expensive area to be in and so is the school, bu it is a nice location.
Am enjoying being here This school is really amazing. It is in a good location and the weather is really nice sometimes. The environment is really nice it has a good vibe to it. It is really fun to be here and hang out with friends. Also the people here are really nice. They make you feel welcome and it kind of feels like home sometimes.
Am learning a lot I have learned so much in this school since I have been here. It has almost been a quarter here and I really enjoy this school. The professors and teachers here are really nice. Their office hours really help you in a lot of things. I have learned to meet a lot of friends here and there is so much to learn here.
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Sophya from San Luis Obispo, CA
12/02/2010Reviewer is A current student here.
2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 23 of 154
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Engineering and Agricultural Students. Great for students who like cute towns. Great for students who LOVE to surf/LOVE the beach.
Tips for prospective students Don't slack off when you get here. It will bite you in the butt.
Bang for the buck I feel like all colleges are getting more expensive and accepting less and less students each year. It's mainly California's budgets, but Cal Poly does try to keep students costs at a minimum.
Am enjoying being here San Luis Obispo was rated the happiest town in the United States. I definitely enjoy being here; the scenery is beautiful and the air is not polluted like the city where I'm from. It's a very friendly town.
Am learning a lot Cal Poly has a motto: learn by doing. All the professors encourage hands-on learning and place a huge emphasis in understanding the curriculum.
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Ashley from Folsom, CA
09/20/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
2 out of 2 people found this review useful. 24 of 154
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Students that like a balance of social and academic activities. Hard-working and motivated students will generally do very well at Cal Poly.
Tips for prospective students Make sure you have a good high school GPA and ACT score. It's hard to change your major once it's declared so it's good to know what you want to do. Be prepared for a lot of work but also a lot of fun.
Bang for the buck Despite the budget cuts, the CSU system does its best to keep tuition fees for students as low as possible. I think that going to Cal Poly is a great financial decision because while you pay less than UC and most private universities, the degree you earn is just as respectable.
Am enjoying being here So far, my experience at Cal Poly has been incredible. The location is perfect for me because it is close to the beach and the weather is beautiful year-round. The people are extremely friendly and our downtown area is fun to explore. San Luis Obispo was named The Happiest Place in America by Oprah and I completely concur.
Am learning a lot I am currently a sophomore Journalism major at Cal Poly. After just one year, I learned an immense amount about my future career field as well as gained valuable skills that I have already utilized during the internships I had this past summer. Cal Poly's Learn by Doing motto is great because it really prepares your for your future career.
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Liz from Fremont, CA
06/30/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 25 of 154
Categories Comments Great for these types of students Studious Laid back A mix of studious and Laid back Outdoor lovers Coffee/food snobs
Tips for prospective students Talk to your professors! Get to know them, they are nice Find a group that interests you and get involved Experience the Tri-Tip and Pulled Pork Sandwiches
Bang for the buck Yeah things are getting expensive. Parking is ridiculous, the police just wait around to give you parking tickets. Good thing I can get around by bus extremely easily.
Am enjoying being here The atmosphere is so relaxed, yet there is still an intellectual vibe. The weather is wonderful, the downtown area is very charming, and we are only a few minutes away from the beach, beautiful hikes, and other outdoorsy things. Everything has a small town feel, and the community works really hard to be environmentally friendly, sustainable, and an overall great place. Oh, and BBQ galore. Mmmm
Am learning a lot I came into college thinking that I was med school bound, but after taking just one quarter of general chemistry I figured out that chemistry was what I had a passion for. Our motto is learn by doing, and I am definitely learning a ton, hands on. I am already doing research for one of my chemistry professors. That's something not everyone gets to do.
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Sheila from Earlimart, CA
06/03/2012Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 26 of 154
Categories Comments What to do for fun There are many things to do on or off campus in Cal Poly. The beach is a few miles away from campus and the best part is that the school provides transportation. Downtown is really fun, college students always host dances to enjoy on the weekends. On campus they have a really big recreation center for students to work out and enjoy. There are many more things to do in Cal Poly, but that is something you're going to have to find out for yourself.
Food and Dining The food at Cal Poly is yucky :P ! But you can always go downtown, were all the delicious foods are at.
Dorm Life Cal poly supports students with on campus living for the first few years. Living in a dorm is really cool because you create new friends and make many lasting memories with the people who live around you. I slept in one of the dorms for a day and i thought it was really comfortable, because it made me feel as if i were home.
Academic Rigor Cal Poly provides a combination of rigorous academics through Learn by Doing academic philosophy and career development opportunities.
Tips for prospective students Visit the school and learn about what you want to major in and even take the time to learn about the many programs that fill your interests. Get involved great a VIP page on the Cal Poly website and don't be afraid to ask questions. Remember college will be your new home after your high school graduation, so make sure that life inside the school fills your requirements of a home. p.s. You will fall in love with the campus when you visit!
In three sentences Cal poly is a wonderful school! The students, faculty, and the city create a whole new different learning atmosphere, when compared to other colleges. The school is really close to the beach, and their downtown is full of many magnificent views.
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Devon from Belmont, CA
06/11/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 27 of 154
Categories Comments Campus Safety There are always cops patrolling on and off campus. This is annoying most of the time, but great because they're trying to keep you safe. We have buttons throughout campus that you can press if you need help.
Clubs and Activities Join clubs right away and stay active. Use them to make friends with people with similar interests.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus First tuesday of the month: Bike night. Hop on your bike and ride through SLO. It's crazy. Every thursday: World-Famous farmers market downtown. Also every thursday: Line dancing night at a local venue. All ages! On one of the hills by campus we have a big P which is lit up when we win a home game. On top of that, when there are holidays or special events, people are welcome to go up there and paint the P however they want (i.e. rainbow for Pride Month)
Bang for the buck San Luis Obispo is a pretty rich town, so mostly everything is overpriced. But if you look hard enough, you can stumble across some great finds.
What to do for fun San Luis Obispo is beautiful. There are beaches, great hikes, and various outdoorsy things. We have a great downtown with shops, food, and movie theaters.
Food and Dining Awful. Choose the Freedom Plan, because that one gives you the mnost plus dollars and the least amount of meals, which allows you more variety because only certain places on campus accept meals, while everywhere accepts plus dollars. Also, plus dollars roll over throughout all the quarters, while you lose all the meals you don't use at the end of every week. The campus food is not the best, but we do have Starbucks, Chik-fil-a, and Jamba Juice which is really nice.
Dorm Life I feel like I cannot accurately review this section. There are three types of dorms you can live in- most abundantly, there are the red bricks. Then there are the super social Towers. I've heard great things about both of them. I lived in the North Mountain dorms. These dorms are primarily for engineers and are incredibly anti-social. I did end up meeting my best friends there and wouldn't change that for the world. But my first quarter was really tough because those dorms don't make it very easy to make friends.
Academic Rigor Cal Poly expects you to do your best, and if you got into the school they already know that your best is above average so you're going to have to work hard. But it's rewarding. If you're taking a couple tough classes, don't be afraid to only register for 12 units as opposed to the usual 16. Taking a few 12 unit quarters is completely acceptable and will definitely save you a few long nights.
Tips for prospective students Don't slack off with your grades during your last year. Take the SAT as many times as you need in order to get an above average score. Tour the campus before you commit. Tour the city as well because you will be living here for the next 4 years so you want to make sure you'll enjoy where you're living. Talk to other prospective students online; make friends early on. Take advantage of WOW week.
In three sentences Cal Poly is an amazing school. It's learn by doing way of teaching allows students to have hands-on experience within their major. On top of that, the city of San Luis Obispo is amazing by itself!
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Miles from Valley Village, CA
07/26/2012Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 28 of 154
Categories Comments Campus Safety Ever since Carson, a freshman from the class of 2012, died of alcohol poisoning campus safety has become a top priority. Since it is a small town it is tight-knit, so if something happens its spreads quickly.
Greek Life If you are in greek life you love it, and if you aren't you still love it. These are the groups throwing the biggest parties on campus.
Clubs and Activities Plenty of things to get involved with on campus, there is something for everyone. And if you can't find it you can start it.
Great for these types of students Great for any type of kid who loves a small beach town with a lot of hidden magic.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus The Poly P on the mountain is painted different colors by ASI, and a giant V is assembled next to the P if the soccer teams beats UC Santa Barbara. Bubble gum alley, which is in downtown San Luis, is an alley covered in people's gum. Since Cal Poly is a great agriculture school there is a dairy plant, a water processing plant, a stable, a pasture, and the architecture students have a long-living cemetery of all the architecture projects from alumni.
Bang for the buck It's a CSU price for a top notch education.
What to do for fun Hiking, Rock Climbing, Beach Volleyball, Soccer, Football, Running, Surfing, hundreds of clubs, Martial Arts, Scuba diving, ATVing on the beach, and partying (of course).
Food and Dining There is a lot of healthy food options, but there also a lot of fast food options that are easier to obtain than the healthy food options.
Dorm Life Everyone at San Luis Obispo is great to live with. LIke anywhere there are a few problems that need to be confronted with and dealt with at first but the facilities and resources for the dormies keep everyone happy. If you are a very health conscious person, you may want to apply to live in the apartment housing for freshmen because it is the only housing option with a full kitchen for freshman.
Academic Rigor These professors will humble you and make you study unless you are like me and already act this way.
Tips for prospective students Get curious and make sure to ask your school a lot of questions. For move-in day reserve your hotel extra early because they book quickly, and San Luis Obispo is a small town with a limited number of hotel rooms.
In three sentences San Luis Obispo is a beautiful small town, with a warm feeling, good food, a slow pace, and a wonderful university. The school is a big part of the town and everyone who lives there is very friendly to the students and genuinely happy to help. It is a great place to focus on studying and have a lot of fun doing it.
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Elizabeth from San Diego, CA
07/30/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 29 of 154
Categories Comments Campus Safety I lived on campus for my first two years at Cal Poly and I felt relatively safe during those years. The dorms are great because there are always people and cars going by. Poly Canyon Village (sophomore apartments) are located farther away from the center of campus and the walk home at night was very dark. I would love if they installed more lights and blue police call buttons to make me feel safer.
Greek Life I am extremely happy that I went through recruitment at Cal Poly and joined a sorority. Although this experience is not for everyone, I have made incredible friends and have learned to grow and collaborate. The greek system is not large, so it's easy to get to know other houses. Everyone has been really friendly and I definitely giving it a try!
Great for these types of students Engineers, Ag students, and business majors
Bang for the buck This education is certainly worth the money spent. Compared to other out of state schools and private universities, tuition at Cal Poly is a great value.
What to do for fun Every Thursday there is a world famous farmer's market downtown. There are tons of vendors selling local produce, delicious food and even some dream interpretation. During the warmer months its really fun to take the bus there from campus and grab a bite to eat at McClintock's as you walk around. (Yes their BBQ is worth the wait!)
Food and Dining Bring snacks to college... Cal Poly dining has changed the dining system a little since I was a freshman but I can attest that the food is still pretty gross. The buffet style cafeterias serve tasteless food and even so each dish has way too many calories. I tried to switch to salads but I got food poisoning twice from the spinach.
Dorm Life The dorms at Cal Poly are old which is one of the major setbacks of living there. The cinder block and concrete walls don't exactly feel like home sweet home but they'll do. I was in a double which was comfortable, not too small. The triples however, are super cramped. Avoid these at all costs. Some of the dorm buildings are broken down by major. Although I am a business major I was placed in the engineering dorm which was not so fun in the end. I believe that a lack of a adequate housing survey is to blame for this.
Academic Rigor Declaring your major upon arrival can be difficult for students who are still indecisive about their future, but if you know what you want to do, Cal Poly's system is perfect. They start you in your first major classes fall quarter of freshman year. This means that you really need to kick in into gear right at the start if you want to start out with a high GPA. Some of the requirements for GE's seem unnecessary but because public speaking for example, is taken by everyone, it's a fun class to suffer through with friends.
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Lauren from Mission Viejo, CA
11/23/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 30 of 154
Categories Comments Greek Life Not very big. There is no actual greek row, there is just a street of houses owned by fraternities and sororities spread out.
Clubs and Activities Variety of different clubs to choose from with a wide range of interests. Intramural sports is a great way to get involved on campus. PolyEscapes does weekend trips to hike/kayak/rock climb which is really fun.
Great for these types of students Studious and dedicated but also like to have fun and do outdoor activities.
Bang for the buck Rated #1 West Coast public university for their academics.
What to do for fun Go to the beach and surf, lay out by the pool at the rec center, go on weekend trips to hike/kayak/rock climb.
Food and Dining You get sick of on-campus food very quickly.
Dorm Life Depends on where you live. Sierra Madre and Yosemite are the party dorms. Cerro Vista are freshmen apartments with a lack of social life.
Academic Rigor Class workload can either be barely any or a ton depending on your major. Math and science majors have the hardest classes. Then majors like art, psychology, parks & recreation, and communications have the easiest classes, for obvious reasons.
Tips for prospective students If you want to get in, keep up your GPA, do well on standardized tests, and have lots of extracurriculars. It is not easy to get into this school.
In three sentences An academically prestigious school known for it's alumni network and ability for graduates to get jobs right out of college. Perfect weather 306 days out of the year, great for going to the pool or the beach. All-around fun place to live.
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12/05/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 31 of 154
Categories Comments What to do for fun Walking through downtown SLO, going to the beach, hitting the rec center (which is amazing,) and eating at local spots.
Food and Dining It takes some getting used to, but it is much better than last year! Metro has an amazing cereal bar as well.
Dorm Life Dorm life is great. Living in the freshman residence halls is a cool experience, and it's easy making new friends!
Academic Rigor Classes can be challenging, and the quarter system does make students work faster, but the teachers are wonderful and helpful. Staying on task is the key.
Tips for prospective students Visit and get to know the campus before you make any decisions. Also make sure you've got a good idea of what you want to major in, Cal Poly is fast paced so it's a little difficult to change your major once you get started.
In three sentences Cal Poly SLO is outstanding. So many academic, extracurricular and social experiences are provided. There's no doubt in my mind that this is the best college for me.
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12/14/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 32 of 154
Categories Comments What to do for fun You can go to the beach, downtown SLO, nearby shopping centers, go on hikes, etc. The new rec center is also very nice.
Food and Dining There isn't much variety so the food gets boring really quickly. Plus, the quality and service of campus dining isn't too great.
Dorm Life I live in North Mountain and I really live my living situation. I'll honestly miss living in the dorms when I move out.
Academic Rigor Classes are very manageable and can be challenging. Having major classes right off the bat keeps things interesting.
Tips for prospective students Make sure to do adequate research when declaring your major because freshmen jump right into major classes.
In three sentences I'm really glad I chose Cal Poly. I can actually say that I enjoy going to school and am in love with the campus and the people. There's something for everyone here at Cal Poly.
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Samantha from Escondido, CA
12/19/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 33 of 154
Categories Comments What to do for fun SO MUCH TO DO. The school is so close to downtown and the beach.
Food and Dining NIce to have plus dollars but everyday meals aren't great.
Dorm Life Lots to do all the time but you see everyone all the time like high school.
Academic Rigor Not hard but very time consuming. You must be willing to put in the effort.
In three sentences I LOVE IT! People can be kind of snotty in the dorms but everyone is super sweet at first.
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ZACHARY from Long Beach, CA
01/29/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 34 of 154
Categories Comments What to do for fun San Luis is the coolest place I have ever been. There is always something to do. The beach is close, surf all day, BBQ at night. Go hike the local trails or mountain bike on them as I do. The mountains aren't too far and they often have student discounts to go snowboarding or skiing. The downtown life is super fun and there are plenty of neighborhoods to explore while skateboarding around or riding a bike.
Food and Dining On campus food for freshman isn't the greatest of quality. It is all done on a school dollar system that is kind of weird but use the full allotted dollar amount for each meal and stock up on the good stuff in your room.
Dorm Life It's a blast. Coed dorms help you branch out and meet tons of people that you will be friends with for the next four years, or at least have connections with.
Academic Rigor Not extremely difficult at all times but some classes are simply harder than others, do the studying you see fit for yourself and be prepared ahead of time.
Tips for prospective students Prepare your class schedules for the next quarter on PASS as soon as you can. Save a priority registration for each year you will be at Poly. And when you cannot get into classes due to registration issues, don't fret, email teachers immediately and see if they can help
In three sentences This school provides a wonderful environment for students. The students and staff are all friendly and willing to help out whenever and wherever needed. The surrounding city/county is the most amazing place I have ever lived.
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Mary from El Cajon, CA
02/11/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 35 of 154
Categories Comments What to do for fun Beaches, horses, shopping, line dancing, farmers' market. Even though it's kind of a small town, there is a lot to do during the week and weekends.
Food and Dining Meal plans are required for freshmen. If you're living in the dorms, I suggest getting the least meals, that way you can use your Plus Dollars other places and get good food. Most of the food in dining halls is really greasy and not very appealing.
Academic Rigor You'll have to work hard for good grades, but it's definitely possible. As long as you don't slack off and try hard, you'll be fine. Some professors are more difficult, but as long as you do the readings they assign and study for tests, you will pass.
Tips for prospective students Bring a bike! The campus and town are pedestrian-friendly, but you can get anywhere in town on a bike. Also, check out the campus and area before signing on. I love it here, but if you don't want to be in a small town, then this isn't the school for you. Work hard in your senior year and don't get lazy!
In three sentences Cal Poly is a great school in an amazing neighborhood. The faculty genuinely care about the students and their success, and are always willing to help out. The school has a very homey feel, and everyone is pretty friendly.
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Zachary from Westminster, CO
02/23/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 36 of 154
Categories Comments Campus Safety Personally, I feel very safe on campus the police have a very visible presents on campus.
What to do for fun There are plenty of outdoor activities to participate in, from swimming, volleyball, rock climbing, and tennis at the rec center. Also there are a ton of clubs on campus for all sorts of people from fencing, dancing, robotics, to concrete canoe racing. Also the beach is only about 10 minutes away.
Food and Dining The food here is fine. Its not excellent but there are quite a few options and places to eat on campus, and down town SLO is very close like a 5 minute ride away.
Dorm Life The options for dorms is very wide and varied, there is a dorm for everyone here. Weather it is the more traditional dorms, apartments, suite style, or a combination of the three.
Academic Rigor No matter the major there the courses here are all very competitive, and the education you will receive is excellent.
Tips for prospective students Just keep your grades high and take some honors classes. Weighted classes will really improve your chances for getting in.
In three sentences This is a great school, with amazing opportunities for students. The campus is beautiful, and the weather is mild. Yet, the food here is a tad sub par.
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Daniel from Tracy, CA
09/05/2013Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 37 of 154
Categories Comments Bang for the buck The tuition cost is relatively low, about 9,000 for the whole year. What really gets you is the housing and dining costs, those add up really quick.
What to do for fun If you can't find something around campus or in town to do when you want to have fun, then you're not looking right. It's all right there, especially the beach.
Food and Dining The food can get a little repetitive, but that's a problem at any college campus. Overall there are quite a few places to eat, and they're very good.
Dorm Life There's something for everyone between the traditional dorms, and the apartment style dorms.
Academic Rigor The classes are hard, but the professors are helpful and supportive.
Tips for prospective students Don't feel like this school is any less important, just because it is a CSU and not a UC. All the professional engineers I've talked to have had great things to say about Cal Poly graduates. The point that comes up the most, graduates from Cal Poly know how to get it done. This school will give you and education that will be useful in getting you a career for the rest of your life.
In three sentences Not the best looking buildings, but the campus is amazing with all the trees and mountains. The new science building that was just finished looks amazing. There are two whole buildings full of Engineering Labs that I can't wait to try out.
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Danielle from San Luis Obispo, CA
09/13/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 38 of 154
Categories Comments What to do for fun Rec center, Downtown, Beach, Hiking
Food and Dining Food gets really old after a while. I heard they were going to improve on the food but last year I couldn't stand the food by the end of the first quarter. We have three quarters.
Dorm Life Dorms are fun depending where you end up. Sierra madre and yosemite are more of the party dorms while the red bricks are more reserved. It also depends if you like the people but my overall experience was great.
Academic Rigor I've had a year at Cal Poly and I can safely say all the professors have a love for what they are doing. The professors expect a lot out of the students because they make
Tips for prospective students If you know what your dream major is then Cal Poly is the place. You start taking major classes right away and you feel like your actually learning something useful.
In three sentences Learn by doing is the greatest thing about Cal Poly. Everyone is super friendly and willing to help you even if they don't know you very well. Its also a very exercised crazed school so its very easy to be active at Cal Poly.
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Kyle from San Luis Obispo, CA
11/17/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
1 out of 1 people found this review useful. 39 of 154
Categories Comments Campus Safety As a guy, I feel pretty safe on campus. Some areas could use better lighting, but we have our own police station and escort van service.
Greek Life Many fraternities and sororities have chapters near campus. Check Poly website.
Clubs and Activities Over 300 clubs exist on campus with a variety of types: academic, athletic, professional, community service and fun
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Architecture Graveyard, Spider Building, The P
What to do for fun There are many activities you can do. The rec center on campus was renovated in early 2012 and is very nice. Cal Poly subsidizes the SLO bus system, so you can travel anywhere around town for free. Beaches, outlet shopping and an interactive comedy show are a 15 minute drive away. We are halfway between LA and SF.
Food and Dining Campus food is not that great, but you can survive on it. More options are available than your high school cafeteria. For a change of pace, you can go into San Luis Obispo and dine at one of the many restaurants there.
Dorm Life Being in the freshman dorms is like a never ending party. You have the freedom to eat, sleep, shower and study whenever you want, but in moderation. Everyone has been friendly. Being in the academic dorms, I am with people mainly from my college, so if I need homework help, they are close by.
Academic Rigor My major is not very difficult compared to some others in my college. The major and time you want to spend here will determine your workload. More freedom and time between assignments is granted, but I recommend you do the work as soon as you get it.
Tips for prospective students Do well in high school. A well-rounded life of school, extra circulars, sports and fun are recommended. You can get in if you're not in the top 5%. I got into Cal Poly with mostly A's, but some B's and a couple C's. You can do it.
In three sentences Cal Poly is both famous and a good school. The surrounding community is beautiful and very active in the outdoors. School is focused on engineering and agriculture, but there are more majors offered than just the ones from that college.
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RHIANNON from Aptos, CA
05/02/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Great for these types of students Academic, social, and goal driven
Tips for prospective students This isn't high school, you definitely need to have a strong work ethic, because if you slack off for a bit you could fall far behind.
Bang for the buck Cal Poly SLO is worth every single penny that goes into tuition.
Am enjoying being here The atmosphere that i am in while at cal poly has allowed me to get all aspects of the college experience covered. I have made great friends, learned a lot for my future career as a vet, and learned to prioritize.
Am learning a lot So far in all of my Animal Science classes, i have been able to work with the species that the class is about. Recently, i was able to watch a horse castration in my equine science class.
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Megan from Corona, CA
05/02/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Great for these types of students This school is great for social students that are also hard-workers at the same time. Engineers and agriculture majors take up the majority of the population at Cal Poly
Tips for prospective students I highly recommend doing extra-curicular activities and taking AP classes to enhance your GPA. If you are trying to get into Cal Poly as an engineer, you are going to want to have above a 4.0. Maintain your grade point average, and keep yourself busy.
Bang for the buck I haven't had a problem with getting the classes that i want when i want them each quarter, but i have heard of other students having issues with getting classes. As a freshmen, you have so many classes that you need to take anyways that you will get a class that is necessary even if it wasn't your first option.
Am enjoying being here I really do enjoy everything that San Luis Obispo has to offer. Basically everyone here is lively and happy and all that they want to do id enjoy themselves. There are so many things here to do, with access to some of the beautiful beaches in California. Theres a farmers market every Thursday night and line dancing every Thursday night. Downtown is a fun place to just spend the day shopping or watching a movie. Plus Oprah called San Luis Obispo the happiest place on Earth and who can go against Oprah?!
Am learning a lot Cal Poly gives the best of the best for every subject and major that they offer their students here. Every class and grade that i took was fair and i earned the grades that I got. After talking to my friends who have also gone away to college, I have learned and experienced more than they have in comparison. Really every teacher is here for the purpose of making you successful. It may feel like in high school that every teacher is purposefully trying to make it hard, but in college the professors just want to see you succeed. I haven't had one teacher that hasn't made themselves available for my use. All in all, I am getting a great education and really recommend Cal Poly if you what the best education you can receive.
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Katelyn from Escondido, CA
05/15/2011Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
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Categories Comments Will enjoy being here This is my dream school and I cant wait to go in the fall. I have explored the campus many times and i have no complaints about anything
Will learn a lot Im super excited to attend Cal Poly because I know man people who graduated from here and I have heard no bad reviews about it
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Dennis from Alhambra, CA
05/28/2011Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
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Categories Comments Bang for the buck Cal Poly offers programs that are really student oriented. I feel better knowing that I am receiving a world'class education while paying so little
Will enjoy being here While attending the Polycultural Weekend, I enjoyed meeting many different people. They were all really nice and friendly. None of them hesitated to help answer a question or twenty.
Will learn a lot Just by being in the classrooms, I felt as if I was learning already. It was an amazing experience.
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Karol from Reseda, CA
06/13/2011Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
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Categories Comments Will enjoy being here I have met alot of people with similar beliefs and interests attending this school but even though we share alot in common alot more is different and makes everything exciting and mentally stimulating. I love the weather the teachers I met so far and the opportunities this school has to offer and the town is just as cool! I can't wait to go!!
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Nestor from Lompoc, CA
07/12/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Great for these types of students Cal-Poly would be a great school for people who enjoy the outdoors and the amazing California weather but most importantly for a student who wants to be challenged while attending university. All of the colleges here at Cal-Poly are great but the emphasis here at Cal-Poly lies in engineering, agriculture and architecture.
Tips for prospective students The biggest thing to realize when coming to Cal-Poly is that this is a demanding university that will challenge you. The university suggests that you study 30-40 hours per week and realistically sometimes that is not enough. In order to be a successful student here at Cal-Poly one needs to get into the habit of focusing greatly on their classes while also balancing their social lives.
Bang for the buck As I mentioned before the professors here at Cal-Poly are great. Although Cal-Poly is a state school it is recognized nationwide in the engineering world for educating the new generation of engineers in a learn by doing fashion. A lot of classes consist of a lecture and a lab so a student can apply what he has learned in class in a lab and get a better understanding of the material being taught. There are a lot of on campus resources to help students succeed such as free tutoring, study skills seminars and many more.
Am enjoying being here Cal-Poly is an amazing campus and San Luis Obispo is a very beautiful area. There are many clubs and activities on campus which give students the opportunity to get involved with extra-curricula activities and get involved in the community. San Luis Obispo is a very soothing environment and offers a pleasant downtown area as well as various outdoor opportunities and amazing beaches. There is very little to no crime in San Luis Obispo and the city is very well maintained so it makes being here a very pleasant experience.
Am learning a lot Although Cal-Poly engineering classes are very challenging and demanding they do present a lot of useful information that can be applied directly to your field of study. A lot of the professors are very focused on helping students succeed and ensuring that they understand the material clearly before exams. Some of the material may seem repetitive in classes but it makes you learn the material very well. Some classes focus more on theoretical applications rather than realistic applications so it makes learning the material rather difficult at times.
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Fredrik from Santa Clarita, CA
07/20/2011Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
0 out of 1 people found this review useful. 46 of 154
Categories Comments Will learn a lot I hope I can get in to their ARCE program. I LOVE CAL POLY
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Alexa from Santa Clarita, CA
07/22/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Great for these types of students I honestly think that this school is great for everyone. The people here are really chill and accepting of everyone. Of course everyone has their group and preferred type of person, but overall, I've found that people are so accepting of people from all different ethnicities, personality types, genders, sexual orientation, etc etc etc. If you are looking for a cultural experience at a school with a lot of diversity, Poly is probably not the best school for that. As much as Poly is accepting of all different diversities and things of that sort, there is not much diversity here. If I am correct, nearly 90% of the student population is caucasian. Not exactly diverse.
Tips for prospective students 1. Go to office hours. Teachers love to see that you try and that you want to learn it. I've had teachers give me an A when I have an 89% because they know I've been busting my butt to do well. I've had teachers give me a spot in the class because they know me and know I've succeeded in their classes before. It honestly does help when the teachers can put a face to the name and have a good impression of those students. 2. Don't fall behind. With the quarter system... if you fall behind, it is INCREDIBLY difficult to catch back up before the end of our 10 week quarters. 3. Participate. Even if your friends don't want to go to an event you've been looking forward to, go. It is so easy to meet new people and make new friends that you will probably not leave that event without having a great time and without meeting someone new. Go to every event you can and thoroughly live up your years here. Besides that, your fees pay for all the events, you might as well see how they are putting your money to use and take advantage of all the free events. 4. Don't be afraid to make NEW friends. Yes, your friends from high school are great, and you might stay friends with them forever, but honestly, the friends you make in college are the friends that you're going to truly keep forever. You are going to meet so many new people and it will be a great experience for you to get out and meet a whole new group and type of people.
Bang for the buck Considering Poly is one of the cheaper universities you can attend, it is great. I am currently frustrated with their budgeting priorities though. Our tuition fees have increased, yet our staff is being laid off and classes are harder to get than ever. They are about to finish a brand new gym, but I will hardly be able to enjoy it because I am graduating this coming year which is frustrating because it's been all my fees that have paid for it. As much as I love this school, this is one thing I think they need to work on... their budgeting priorities.
Am enjoying being here Events, events events! There is almost ALWAYS something going on. Every week almost we have concerts in the UU Plaza. In the past we've had artists such as Ingrid Michaelson, Rebelution, Pepper, Zion I & The Grouch, Chase McBride, Citizen Cope and so many more incredible artists. Poly really does put on great events because the main events coordinators are students so they really put on events that appeals to the student population.
Am learning a lot This school is a fantastic school if you are looking to truly improve your knowledge of your area of study. Many other schools are all about textbooks and doing much more busy work type of assingments. Here at Poly, they truly do follow their Learn By Doing motto. Nearly every major has classes where a lab is required along with a lecture. The labs give students a chance to do hands on work to learn the information and to truly understand how it all works. The professors are great as well. Almost all the professors I have had in the past three years has been absolutely wonderful in trying to help me understand and really learn the material so that I know it in the future, not just for the exams. They always have office hours where they dedicate at least an hour, if not more, to helping any student who takes the time to walk over to their office for a little extra help. They really try and do everything they can to make sure you succeed. I think that is one of the biggest factors in determining how well you'll learn... how much the professors love what their doing and how willing they are to help you learn it.
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Garren from Napa, CA
08/01/2011Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
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Categories Comments Great for these types of students Its a difficult school and you wont be able to procrastinate with the quarter system
Tips for prospective students Its very exclusive, your sat gets super scored and your going to need very high scores. Also keep a high gpa
Bang for the buck The 4+1 program seems like it will save students looking to get their masters a lot of money. The 4+1 is basically a 5 year plan to get your masters degree.
Will enjoy being here The people on the campus were very social and it seemed like ir had an overall great almost family atmosphere.
Will learn a lot I was super impressed that cal poly offers so much hands on experience in your major very early in your college life.
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A thrilled student
08/12/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Tips for prospective students In addition to the great academics at Cal Poly, the campus is beautiful, and the people are super friendly. as some other reviewers mentioned, it is very important, I think, to live on campus for the first year. You meet so many people and make great connections and you have much quicker and easier access to resources such as the library and your professors.
Am enjoying being here Another thing that you should consider, wherever you are looking, is the atmosphere of the town in which the college is. San Luis Obispo is an amazing little city. Downtown is great with many shops and places to hang out and study. Farmer's market on Thursday nights is a lot of fun and definitely something to look forward too. Also the beach is pretty close and another fun option to have while going to school here. I am in love with this school and I wouldn't be happier with my decision to attend Cal Poly!!! Good luck to you in your college search!!
Am learning a lot I absolutely love it at Cal Poly. I have nothing but good things to say about it. Not only is it a beautiful campus, but the people there are very friendly. One great thing that I underestimated when doing my college search and that I really lucked out with upon attending Cal Poly SLO, is the small class sizes. There are some classes and labs that are larger, in lecture halls and such, but for the average class it is not unusual to have less than 40 students. This makes it much easier to communicate with each other and with the professor. Also, as some other reviewers mentioned, it is very important, I think, to live on campus for the first year. You meet so many people and make great connections and you have much quicker and easier access to resources such as the library and your professors. I am in love with this school and I wouldn't be happier with my decision to attend Cal Poly!!! Good luck to you in your college search!!
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Brianna from Nipomo, CA
08/27/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Great for these types of students Cal Poly is a top school for all kinds of Engineering, Graphic Design, Architecture and Environmental Design, and Agriculture. If High School wasn't super difficult for you, at Cal Poly you will be in classes with people who felt the same way. It's both challenging and educational to be in classes with the students there. I find myself learning from them as well as from the professors.
Tips for prospective students The quarters move by very quickly, so start your projects as soon as you possibly can after getting them. Try to stay a little ahead of schedule for as long as possible. After falling behind, it's very difficult to catch up at that pace, especially in major courses with labs.
Bang for the buck When I was first looking for colleges, I found myself choosing between a very expensive private college and Cal Poly. Not only is Cal Poly a fraction of the cost, but it has a wider selection of majors than the private school did.
Am enjoying being here Cal Poly feels more like home now. I don't actually live on campus (I commute), but I definitely find myself growing more proud of Cal Poly. On a field trip to Stanford for one of my classes, I heard some visitors insulting Cal Poly and I was surprised to find myself defensive. Some of my favorite places on campus are Mustang Lanes, the Poly Plant Shop, and Lone Pine Arboretum. Plus, the climate in SLO is great!
Am learning a lot It's unbelievable how much a person can manage to absorb in one quarter, let alone one year at Cal Poly. Most of the professors I've had are terrific; and I've never had a teacher's assistant instead of the professor listed on the class. I'm sorry that my Botany teacher retired; he was quite the artist with colored chalk and had such a thorough knowledge of plants that he rarely looked at any notes while lecturing.
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Victoria from Alhambra, CA
11/07/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Great for these types of students Great for students that want to learn but can't afford a UC or private school education.
Tips for prospective students Get used to seeing white people if you are a minority and there is definitely a different class from people in engineering/math/science and liberal arts.
Bang for the buck It is alright priced because I am a CA resident, but out-of-state students have to pay nearly triple for out-dated labs. I personally think tuition can be cheaper (the other Cal Poly tuition is slightly cheaper).
Am enjoying being here A lot of people rave about being at Cal Poly because of the prestige, but being from an entertainment area (Los Angeles), i feel that Cal Poly is too old. There isn't much to do unless you like biking, and things costs a bit more than what I am used to. I am also hungry for good food, there is no good mexican and korean here food. Some japanese food, and nasty chinese food.
Am learning a lot Mechanical Engineer. Cal Poly really strives on the idea of Learn by Doing, but with some more budget cuts being implement this year, I feel that I am using outdated equipment when I get a chance to do a lab. Most of my teachers like teaching, but you don't get the chance to learn by doing, but rather to play around with old junk (I had broken drill bits for my ME intro lab)
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Nicole from Sammamish, WA
11/29/2011Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
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Categories Comments Great for these types of students Excited to learn by hands on projects
Tips for prospective students Visit the campus, and don't be deterred by the construction! Construction at a state school is an excellent sign that it is well-funded -- a major incentive. And that adds to your bang for the buck
Bang for the buck Out-of-state can get pricey, but it's better than a private school. They have many opportunities to meet industry professionals and many students graduate with jobs, so that's something to consider when looking at the price tag.
Will enjoy being here Great campus, housing, and weather year around. The beach is ten minutes away, and the town is awesome.
Will learn a lot Their programs focus more on Learning by Doing, rather than lecturing so for kinetic learners, this school is for you.
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Sylvia from Elk Grove, CA
12/21/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Great for these types of students This college is fantastic for so many students! It has a campus that supports many different kinds of students and backgrounds, making anyone feel welcome. Agriculture students, architects, and engineers are abundant here, but the college isn't limited to only these kinds of people. As long as you are committed to your work and studies, this college can be a great fit academically and socially.
Tips for prospective students Don't give up! First of all, for high school students, it might seem easy to give up in your senior year. If you try hard during your four years of high school, you have a good chance to getting into this college. Don't just focus on academics though! Be sure to expand your college resume with jobs, volunteering, and extra-curricular activities. You never know what might help you get into the college of your dreams! Transfer students, don't despair. There are plenty of students at Cal Poly that came from other colleges, and they're doing great and plan to graduate on time. Just keep your grades up, and apply on time. Deadlines are important!
Bang for the buck In today's economy, it's important to get the best you can with what you have. While this college is a bit expensive, there are many, many colleges that cost so much more. In addition, I feel that if you want to go to college at all, it helps to have financial aid. If you apply for different scholarships, this obviously helps lower your personal cost when it comes to going to college. With financial aid in the form of grants and scholarships, this college is definitely affordable.
Am enjoying being here I couldn't be happier with my choice of college. The students, faculty, and even those outside of the college are kind. The scenery is amazing, and expands from the mountains to the forest to the sands of the beaches. The air is clean, and the environment is perfect for any student trying to adjust to their first year of college or simply finishing school. The icing on the cake is the downtown area, which has a farmer's market every Thursday and is bustling with friendly faces and great buys. San Luis Obispo is amazing!
Am learning a lot I recently completed my first quarter at Cal Poly, and it was intense! I have learned so much when it comes to my Animal Science major. The professors are helpful in terms of outside assistance with office hours, and they also provide valuable career guidance. The curriculum isn't set in concrete and is quite flexible.
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Laurene from Sacramento, CA
12/22/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Great for these types of students Cal Poly is great for students who are independent and are ready to experience something new and willing to take their education to the next level.
Tips for prospective students For prospective students joining clubs and getting active on campus is huge. An active student in multiple clubs and maintaining a 3.0 or up is crucial. Don't expect to come to Cal Poly if your going to slack in classes. Majors in the sciences, or in engineering tend to be more rigorous.
Bang for the buck Cal Poly is also a top university, but not nearly at the cost of other top schools in California such as UC Berkeley or UCLA.
Am enjoying being here This is a fun campus if you rather learn by doing, this is the campus for you. It is located in a small college town where the amount of possibilities of things for you to accomplish are crazy. This is a great campus to maintain a social life, while still getting a great education.
Am learning a lot I am currently a freshman and I just finished my first quarter there. I am learning more information than I thought I needed to know. This school insures students are well rounded and knowledgeable in every field.
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Maira from Colfax, CA
12/26/2011Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Great for these types of students Cal Poly is perfect for students who thrive on short, fast-paced classes; the quarter system allows students to focus on three to five classes at a time, which only last 9 weeks. It is also ideal for students who want to attend a large school, already have a major selected, and are very active. Overall, though, Cal Poly is a versatile campus that is great for many types of people.
Tips for prospective students Here are some specific tips for prospective students based on my personal experience: 1. Live on campus your first year. You will develop long-lasting friendships, potential roommates for subsequent years, and a sense of community. 2. Get the freedom meal plan. This gives you the perfect number of meals per week and plenty of PlusDollars to spend on food as you choose. 3. Don't take more than 12 units your first quarter. This is the perfect number of units to transition smoothly into college life. However, if you're up for it, 16 units is definitely possible. 4. Good luck through the application and acceptance process! Just take it one step at a time.
Bang for the buck This particular issue depends mostly on one's own perspective. On one hand, Cal Poly is relatively inexpensive compared to UCs and private schools, and it is nearly as prestigious as a UC. On the other hand, after living there for three months, I have noticed some downsides to Cal Poly that might make attending seem less valuable than the tuition and housing costs. To me personally, the housing costs are too high, considering the quality of living arrangements and especially food, while tuition is very reasonable.
Am enjoying being here Cal Poly is absolutely the perfect college for me. It has a beautiful location, a wide variety of classes, and though it is a large school, it doesn't feel that way. The sense of community in the dorms is ideal for the difficult transition into college life, and so far I have noticed that the general atmosphere in the dorms, Cal Poly, and the entire city of San Luis Obispo is friendly and welcoming. Whenever someone at home asks me if I'm enjoying college, I always smile broadly and say It's so amazing.
Am learning a lot So far, I have only taken three courses (12 units) at Cal Poly, and I've already learned so much. Being on the rigorous quarter schedule isn't easy, but it is satisfying to know that I'll be learning more in a shorter amount of time than others on the semester schedule.
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Colette from San Luis Obispo, CA
01/11/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments What to do for fun Anything and everything.
In three sentences A wonderful school. Full of opportunities and dedicated students. Great for someone who knows exactly what they want to do.
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Breanne from San Luis Obispo, CA
01/19/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety there are rarely any problems with safety. the majority of incidences occur off campus and are due to excessive consumption of alcohol.
Greek Life similar to clubs, greek life has a lot to offer. there are different sororities and fraternities for all interests. there are ones based on major, culture, and more. there are also social or professional; social being more so about having fun with people who share your interests and professional being about having fun but also building up your resume and connections for the future.
Clubs and Activities each major has it's own clubs and all other majors are welcome. there are so many different things to choose from and so much to do.
Great for these types of students cal poly is a great place for all students. especially those interested in agriculture or engineering. our campus is well known for both of these programs. it's nice for those that don't want to live in a big city environment but still offers a taste of the big city type of life.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus the arboretum located behind the horticulture unit is amazing. there are several pathways that take you through plants, trees, and flowers found all over the world. it's a great place to go explore and take a break from school and your studies. the uu (university union) is also a fun place to be. there are concerts every thursday between 11 and 12pm during uu hour. campus market is also a nice place to hang out and eat lunch with friends.
Bang for the buck tuition is not ridiculously expensive but it is worth it. you have free admission to all sporting events. you can visit the health center for free if you get sick. there is also a large diversity in the clubs and greek life.
What to do for fun there are so many things to do. the bike trails are endless, hiking, going to the beach, shopping downtown...the list goes on and on!
Food and Dining the food is not spectacular in all dining halls but there are places that are open late so if you're up late studying, you can stop in for a midnight snack.
Dorm Life it may be loud at times but the dorm is where you are going to meet the most people. there are always activities to participate in and new opportunities to meet people. some of your best friends will come from living in the dorms.
Academic Rigor some of the general education classes are a bit dull but classes specified for your major are going to be great. the professors really know what they are doing and encourage you to learn by doing.
Tips for prospective students apply to live in the dorms. each college has it's own dorm so students can meet and work with other students in their major (for example, students in the college of agriculture would apply to live in fremont hall). also, before applying for cal poly, make sure you are well rounded. grades are important but so are leadership activities and community service.
In three sentences this is an amazing school. most major classes are decent sized and professors are always there to help. it is a great place to be and an easy adjustment into college life for incoming freshmen.
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01/31/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety there are police all over campus, and it feels pretty safe to me. however, you do hear about bad stuff happening fairly often.
Clubs and Activities clubs are huge here. join one, or start a new one in the unlikely case that what you want doesn't already exist in club form. asi, which is the student government on-campus also runs all kinds of activities. there's an outdoors division for those interested in camping/backpacking/climbing/kayaking/etc... the rec center offers free sports/fitness classes.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus there's a huge p on one the hills above campus, and it regularly gets modified to let people know about events on campus.
Bang for the buck cal poly is definitely one of the best schools if you want a good deal. as a state school, it's considerable cheaper than a uc, and less than half the cost of a private university. it has some of the highest starting salaries around, especially for engineers, and it's in the top few schools in the country for job placement rates following graduation. if you want a guaranteed job, study engineering here. it's also a pretty large school, so tons of different classes are offered. i'm looking forward to taking beekeeping and bowling.
What to do for fun lots of stuff to do outdoors: -hiking -biking (mountains are right there! also, roads straight to the beaches) -rock climbing (student organization-run trips regularly go climbing. you don't even need your own equipment) -surfing at the performing arts center, there are concerts or shows every weekend, and there's live music downtown every night. there's a huge farmer's market every thursday, where the prices on produce are actually lower than at the grocery store. there are hundreds of clubs to join. i haven't had any trouble getting involved with the things i'm interested in. everyone is positive and friendly, and non-judgmental, and usually willing to help out. maybe it's all the sun.
Food and Dining food is alright. some things are pretty bad, some things are pretty good, but most of it is very mediocre. there's an all-you-can-eat place with lots of different options. you can get made to order sandwiches at another, and a subway is slated to open very soon. it should be an improvement overall. most students go for the meal plan with the most plus dollars, and which can be spent at any food place on-campus, any time, and the fewest meals. living in the apartments, i've found that i cook enough for myself that i don't use all of my meals every week, and i'll probably have lots of plus dollars left over at the end of the year.
Dorm Life i live in the on-campus apartments, and there really isn't much dorm life. i've heard it's a lot better in the actual dorms. i do get my own room, a shared bathroom, kitchen, and living room, though. i definitely wouldn't give it up for the dorm life. it shouldn't be hard to make friends, if anyone's worried about that. events are put on by ras all the time, but they're usually not too interesting.
Academic Rigor be prepared to work very hard. the quarter system means everything goes by fast, and classes will be over before you know it. it's only 10 weeks per test, and most classes have 2-4 big tests. don't be surprised to have your first midterm after just 2 weeks of class. talk to your teachers. they all actually like helping you.
Tips for prospective students the application is fairly straightforward. get good grades and do well on standardized tests and you'll probably get in. admissions are by major, so keep that in mind when applying. they'll tell you it's difficult to switch majors once you're in, but in my experience, that's just not true. don't worry too much when you have to decide the next four years before you get here. definitely try to visit the campus. the campus itself isn't too pretty, but slo is a great town. there's lots to do, and it's close to mountains and beaches.
In three sentences cal poly is one of the best schools around for almost anything, but is exceptional for engineering, the sciences, and business. officially a liberal arts school, there's plenty of everything. san luis obispo is a great place to be, but there are definitely drawbacks to being at a public university.
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Rebekkah from Salinas, CA
02/11/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety cal poly is extremely safe. university police is always around and on the look out. there are upd vans that will bus you around late at night if you don't want to walk in the dark as well. i feel much safer on the streets of slo than any other town i've been in.
Greek Life greek life is relatively significant here. cal poly is a dry campus, but that doesn't stop its fraternities and sororities from having a good time!
Clubs and Activities there are a vast number of sports clubs, greek life, church-related activities, and clubs for every interest.
Great for these types of students students thrive at cal poly when they are active, enjoy socializing, yet still know the importance of studying for a difficult education, and love the sun!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus architecture graveyard is a collection of old student projects in the hills. it's great to explore and hang out at!
Bang for the buck the quality of life in slo is high! everyone is kind and very happy. in addition, the education and opportunities that come from going to cal poly is unmatched. despite all of this, tuition is rising. however, i wouldn't leave for anything.
What to do for fun there are is an endless amount of fun things to do in san luis obispo and neighboring towns! san luis obispo county has incredible hiking, surfing, shopping, dining, and more. my favorite thing to do is go downtown on thursday nights to hit up the local farmer's market, get frozen yogurt and amazing coffee, and then head to the grad for linedancing until 2am.
Food and Dining there are numerous options on campus for food and coffee. salad bars, the pizza restaurant, and chick-fil-a are very popular as well as tasty.
Dorm Life in no way did i expect to become part of a community almost instantly. i was social and eneded up living not with strangers, but with all of my friends.
Academic Rigor it certainly depends on your major. general ed classes tend to be easier to handle and major specific courses are very much do-able and interesting.
Tips for prospective students networking is a large part of cal poly. once you get into classes, make sure to meet with your professors to get to know them.
In three sentences cal poly offers and incredible amount of hands-on opportunities. class sizes are smaller than most california schools which gives students more of a chance for success. in addition, the community of san luis obispo is welcoming to its college students and caters to individuals of all ages.
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Lindsey from Holtville, CA
02/26/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety the campus police do a great job in protecting its students. we even have a shuttle that will take students home from school to ensure that every student is safe.
Greek Life there are a lot of different sororities and fraternities to join. in the end it is all up to you if you want to join one.
Clubs and Activities there are literally hundreds of clubs and activities at cal poly. you have all the different clubs from each college as well as others. we also have a place called poly escapes where you can go on planned hikes, learn to surf, and much more.
Great for these types of students it is great for an array of different types of students.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus we have a place called the architect graveyard. it is a little walk by some apartments on school. there are some really amazing senior projects out there, like a smurf house.
Bang for the buck cal poly is definitely worth the money. college is going to cost a lot in the end; however, education is worth it, and cal poly does a great job.
What to do for fun you can go to the beach, hike, go to the new gym, go downtown, and a lot of more fun things nearby.
Food and Dining the food apparently got better since i've been in the dorms. it is not bad food, just gets tiring after a whole year of the same options.
Dorm Life the dorms are great for meeting new people. it is important to make sure you get yourself out there and create connections. you will be using these connections throughout college.
Academic Rigor classes seem harder than you are use to. however, it is really good information and you learn a lot.
Tips for prospective students make sure you do not mess around and stay positive. college is not as bad as many make it out to be, just have to have good time management. also make sure you use the recommended hours of studying.
In three sentences cal poly has a great agricultural sciences program, as well as other. it has an amazing learning environment and is always improving itself. altogether, i would recommend cal poly to many prospective students.
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Hanna from San Luis Obispo, CA
02/27/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Greek Life definitely evident on campus!
Clubs and Activities club fairs, so many ways to become involved.
Great for these types of students hardworking, determined, looking for a fun experience.
Bang for the buck very costly for out of state students though.
What to do for fun there are so many things to do for fun. cal poly has thousands of acres of hills for hiking and camping. downtown has very many fun options as well. the new rec center is our greatest pride with tons of equipment and even a leisure pool!
Tips for prospective students if you are considering cal poly, make sure you are ready to work hard. the work is a challenge, but definitely worth it when you get a degree from the sixth hardest school to get into in the nation. you can't go wrong with cal poly!
In three sentences cal poly is an amazing school with a beautiful campus. the motto here is learn by doing. labs are very fun and teachers are extremely knowledgeable.
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Sarah from San Jose, CA
02/27/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety extremely high
Greek Life very welcoming and fun!
Clubs and Activities there are so many clubs on campus: collegiate ffa, tractor pull, line dancing, ski club, wine club.
Great for these types of students people who love the sun! people who want to work hard and have fun at the same time. everyone has their own niche.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus the p- a giant cement p on the hill; perfect for hiking to, or stargazing. architextural graveyard- a place hidden in the hills where past architextural projects reside. very cool for midnight hikes. dexter lawn- a great lawn for relaxing and catching some rays in between classes.
Bang for the buck cal poly has such a good reputation and you do get a really good education for the price you pay.
What to do for fun slo is such a fun town with so many adventures to the beach, hiking, kayaking, bowling, shopping, etc. there's something for everyone.
Food and Dining it's campus dining, what can you expect? but a wide variety.
Dorm Life really fun! you get to know your dorm and community. everyone is really nice and always doing fun things together.
Academic Rigor classes challenge you. the quarter system keeps you learning things constantly and at a quick pace.
Tips for prospective students if you are set on a major or career, then you should definitely give poly consideration. if you don't know what to do, then maybe it's not the best since you have to declare a major to enter and changing majors later can be a laborious process.
In three sentences it is a great school with such an innovative, fresh, healthy attitude. it offers so many opportunities to learn both in the classroom and by doing. i am so happy i came here
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Alexander from Modesto, CA
02/29/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus hiking up the p to watch the sunset is always a great experience
Bang for the buck as one of the top rated engineering colleges in the nation and also a state school, cal poly is a great and affordable way to get a wonderful education and yet not be riddled with huge loans
What to do for fun being less than 15 minutes away from the beach and mountains, there is always plenty to do. downtown slo is lovely and has many shops and eateries for the adventurous.
Food and Dining the food here is not terrible but not outstanding. it depends on where you go to get food. choices are many however so everyone will find something they like.
Dorm Life there is a dorm for every type of person. the residence halls for the social night owl and the on campus apartments for those who like peace and quiet.
Academic Rigor depending on what major you apply into, the rigor will range from easy to challenging. engineering is harder than theater for example.
Tips for prospective students keep your grades and study habits up and you will be just fine. having lots to do can be a distraction. headphones recommended.
In three sentences cal poly is one of those colleges that one just falls in love with. nestled in the beautiful town of san luis obispo, this college really works its magic on you. every person encountered has a big smile and warm personality
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Kristina from Carmel, CA
02/29/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety i feel very safe on campus.
Greek Life greek life is popular at cal poly, but not just the traditional one. there are also minority group frats, academic based ones, and even religious ones.
Clubs and Activities there are so many clubs and activities to join. and you can always create one of your own.
Great for these types of students engineers truly succeed at cal poly.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus cal poly is the first school i know of from my other college friends where the students are truly happy to be there. slo was voted by oprah as the happiest town in america.
Bang for the buck i believe for the level of education, you do get a great bang for your buck. the facilities are great.
What to do for fun slo is great for fun opportunities. you can hike, go line dancing, go to the beach, and just enjoy the beautiful college-feel town.
Food and Dining improvements are beginning to be made, but i believe we could learn from the other csus and ucs in california.
Dorm Life the atmosphere is fun and engaging, but the facilities could use some updating.
Academic Rigor i believe the school is very tough and prepares the students for their futures.
Tips for prospective students i recommend you love your major or else cal poly isn't the school for you.
In three sentences cal poly is engaging, interesting, and fun. classes challenge you and prepare you. the students have access to programs, clubs, and a great life in slo.
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Veronica from San Luis Obispo, CA
02/29/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety i have to say i have never felt unsafe on this campus. i have night classes and often have to walk home by myself at night but i always feel pretty confident. like any other college campus though you should always try to be in the safest situation possible.
Greek Life greek life is definitely part of life here at cal poly but there are definitely a lot of people who aren't involved in it and still find lots of fun things to do. if you like to party and you are a guy though you may want to consider it. if you are a girl, its not necessary.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus we have a place called architecture graveyard which is a piece of land where architecture students are allowed to design and build different structures which are then left there for people to explore and play on. also there is a big p on one of the surrounding hills which stands for poly and when our football team wins a game they light up a v next to it.
Bang for the buck i think that here you definitely get the most bang for your buck. cal poly is technically considered a csu which means that its among the cheapest universities but it has an increasingly high prestige that sets it apart. also cal poly's learn by doing approach lets you do a lot of hands on work and real learning in your field of choice so you are definitely getting your money worth.
What to do for fun if you are an outdoor person than you will love this area. there is tons of hiking and beautiful places to explore, downtown is super cute and the food is amazing, plus the beach is right here too. also on weekends the party scene here in slo is pretty big and really fun.
Food and Dining food is not great. there are multiple places where you can choose to get food which is nice but they will all get old really fast. einsteins bagels is probably my favorite place to eat.
Dorm Life the dorms here aren't necessarily the nicest facilities but the environment is so much fun! people are so fun and it is really easy to meet people and make tons of friends. i highly recommend living on campus.
Academic Rigor my classes are extremely demanding. i was a smart kid in high school who didn't really have to study yet still did well on tests but now i find myself challenged every day. compared to others peoples experiences i think i can safely say that cal poly is a lot more difficult than many universities.
Tips for prospective students you should definitely visit the school to know if it is right for you. also be prepared for the academics, it is not easier than high school. take into account that cal poly has a very high standing and is among the cheapest universities.
In three sentences best decision ever. very difficult academically but great school all around. the surrounding area is beautiful.
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Sergio from Salinas, CA
03/04/2012Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
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Categories Comments In three sentences i love it, hands down the college of my choice.
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Caleigh from Chula Vista, CA
03/04/2012Reviewer is A past student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety always feel safe on campus (despite the fact that students have been raped, which is very uncommon though).
Clubs and Activities there are so many different clubs to become members of and they are all very involved on campus and the community.
Great for these types of students those who love the outdoors, those who like to bike or walk to campus, and those who like to work hard and be challenged but have fun too.
Bang for the buck even though it is a state school, it has a reputation of being like a uc. so it is like getting a university california education but for the price of a non-research school.
What to do for fun hike, go to the beach, do water sports like surf and kayak, camp, go downtown to hang with friends or shop.
Food and Dining food choices aren't that healthy and the same food is sold every week so there is not much variation.
Dorm Life a must. the dorms are kept relatively clean, there are a million people to meet, and you create close friendships.
Academic Rigor the classes can be demanding but everyone is on the same page and are willing to help each other out.
Tips for prospective students live in the dorms your first year and you will make a lot of friends that way. go to office hours and get to know you professors and study in groups to get the most out of your studies.
In three sentences cal poly is a tight community of students considering its population size, and has excellent professors.
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Jonathan from Pittsburgh, PA
03/05/2012Reviewer is A past student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety san luis obispo is a small city, so there aren't that many crimes to begin with, and cal poly has its own police force.
Clubs and Activities there are more clubs at cal poly than one could possibly find time to be active in and maintain good grades.
Great for these types of students very smart and academically inclined.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus every year, students from both cal poly campuses design and build a rose float in the pasadena tournament of roses new years day parade.
Bang for the buck cal poly is a public school, so the state of california pays for part of the tuition. however, there has been a trend in california over the last 10 years of shifting tuition costs from the states to students.
What to do for fun san luis obispo is a small town, so if you are from a big city, you'll need to get used to it. there used to be a farmer's market every thursday night on higuera street, and i used to go there when i could and see a movie afterwards.
Food and Dining it has been years since i lived on campus there, so i cannot answer this effectively.
Dorm Life it has been years since i lived on campus there, so i cannot answer this effectively.
Academic Rigor this is a very tough school academically, as they are consistently rated in the top 10 undergraduate engineering programs. cal poly is also on a quarter system, so whatever you do: do not get behind in your studies and assignments.
Tips for prospective students make sure that you love physics and calculus, as you will need to take one year of physics and two years of calculus (and beyond) there.
In three sentences cal poly lives by the motto learn by doing. all of the engineering projects are hands on, and there are a plethora of engineering clubs for students to get hands on experience outside of classes.
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Lauryn from Valencia, CA
03/10/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety we have our own campus police station. they are always around.
Greek Life greek life is growing every year. there is a good amount of frats and sororities who are really involved on and off campus.
Clubs and Activities there are a ton of clubs and activities for any interests. if you enjoy decorating rose floats, playing with cats, going off-roading, working on tractor-pull, advancing in your major, getting to know people, greek system, anything! we've got it.
Great for these types of students engineers, architecture, ag majors, early childhood development, parks and recreation. any student who's major is provided at cal poly and that love the outdoors.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus the uu and library are always full of people socializing and studying. the gym has been re-done and re-opened just this year, so it's brand-new, state-of-the-art and beautiful.
Bang for the buck it's a great school for setting you up for a fairly high-paying first job. for that reason, it's a good bang for your buck. tuition is pretty fair but it's super expensive to live in a house around slo. that's where the cost gets you.
What to do for fun where do i start? there's the beach (avila, morro, montan de oro, pismo, shell, etc). there's hiking (the p, mission mt, bishops, etc.) and a lot of fun you can get into downtown.
Food and Dining it's really not as bad as everyone complains it to be. i don't mind it at all. but it is extremely expensive. if you aren't on a food plan, you're crazy to buy food on campus.
Dorm Life cal poly has the wonderful option of first-year housing with other students in your college. i lived with first-years in the college of agriculture and food sciences and i absolutely loved it!
Academic Rigor it definitely depends on the course and teacher. sometimes you'll get into a ge class with a teacher who thinks their subject is the most important and you will spend more time on this class than your major classes. it happens! just be prepared that the difficulty of each class truly depends on the teacher's view of their subject.
Tips for prospective students my tip for prospective students is to think hard about choosing your major. you must have a decided major before applying to cal poly and it can be difficult to change when you're here. also, even though it is a public university, cal poly is very competitive, so write down all extra-curricular activities when applying.
In three sentences cal poly slo is a highly esteemed public university who believes in hands-on learning. their motto learn by doing is applied successfully throughout all majors. students of cal poly love the beautiful natural environment and the useful experience gained through their studies.
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Emily from Santa Paula, CA
03/12/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety there are usually people everywhere, and we have blue lights throughout the campus. i have taken multiple labs that lasted until 10pm and i felt relatively safe walking home. we are next to a men's colony, which has posed some safety concerns in the past.
Clubs and Activities as an animal science student, i have done everything from artificially inseminating cows to bottle feeding orphan lambs. there are so many opportunities to learn in real-life situations, and all the activities have really helped to prepare me for vet school.
Great for these types of students cal poly is perfect for agriculture students. we learn so much about t he industry through different activities, and are well-prepared for work when we graduate.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus we have a hiking trail up to the p, and the majority of students hike to it during wow week, which is orientation.
Bang for the buck cal poly tuition is going up to maintain our high-quality hands on learning, but is still relatively inexpensive compared to ucs.
What to do for fun cal poly has it all. we are close to beautiful beaches and amazing hiking trails. if you love the outdoors, you can go kayaking, mountain biking, or surfing. cal poly even has organized trips for students to do activities like camping and skiing. if you prefer to be indoors, downtown san luis obispo has a lot of places to shop, and cal poly has a great craft center.
Food and Dining campus food is decent, and first year students living on campus do have to purchase a meal plan. they have similar options everyday and i got sick of the food really fast.
Dorm Life cal poly has two options for first year students living on campus: dorms and apartments. i chose to live in an apartment. there were four girls living there, and we each had our own bedroom and shared two bathrooms. we had a kitchen and living room. i loved the apartment-style living.
Academic Rigor every class is different when it comes to academic rigor, but the majority of the classes i have taken require a lot of studying.
Tips for prospective students be prepared to put in a lot more study time than in high school. come with an open mind and an excitement for learning, and you will love cal poly!
In three sentences cal poly has amazing hands-on learning opportunities for students of all majors. as an animal science major, i have been able to participate in many activities that most students do not experience until vet school.
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Jonathan from La Mesa, CA
03/13/2012Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
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Categories Comments Food and Dining in my visit to this campus, i did get to try out the food, and it is excellent. campus food isn't always too appetizing, but cal poly stands out in my opinion.
Dorm Life haven't been to the dorms yet, but i have heard good things about them. plenty of room, and it's a great social environment from what i hear.
Academic Rigor definitely one of the tougher csu's. but it is well worth it, as this school houses many top-tier students who develop solid work habits because of the rigorous courses offered here.
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Celeste from Creston, CA
03/23/2012Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
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Categories Comments In three sentences Cal Poly has a lovely campus and is in an amazing community. I have lived in San Luis Obispo county my entire life and the amount of compassion the residents have is fabulous. The school has great staff and many wonderful opportunities.
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Jacob from Scotts Valley, CA
03/31/2012Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
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Categories Comments What to do for fun ANYTHING. IT iS A COLLEGE TOWN!
In three sentences AWESOME.SCHOOL.!!!
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Jose from Watsonville, CA
04/06/2012Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
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Categories Comments Food and Dining I expect the food to be decent and hope the prices aren't so high.
Dorm Life I expect to have a great experience in the dorms
Academic Rigor Has a great reputation for molding great professional engineers.
In three sentences Cal Poly is an exceptional school, with great faculty members. The school has a learn by doing attitude that allows students to achieve high goals.
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Samantha from Santa Ynez, CA
04/15/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety Campus safety I give it four stars.
Great for these types of students I think this school is great for all type of students.
What to do for fun I like reading and watching movies with my roommates. I also like cooking.
Food and Dining I do my own cooking, their is alot of places on campus to get food and they are all good. I give it four stars.
Dorm Life I don't live in the dorm. I took a job at the dairy and have housing their. It is really good, I live with four other girls and like it.
Academic Rigor Academic rigor I give it a four star ranking. It has kept me busy but not over whelm.
Tips for prospective students Go to the school and check it out. Make appointment to see the counselor. Make sure they have your major and see how they rank on it.
In three sentences I have talked about going to here since I was five years old. This school is really excellent and I have learned alot.
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Joel from San Luis Obispo, CA
04/20/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety Safe campus! you hardly hear about any incidents!
Clubs and Activities Take advantage for all the awesome clubs available on campus!
What to do for fun Cal Poly is in a great location. You can enjoy the best beaches of the central coast., or drive a few minutes to the awesome sand dunes! For students that love to relax and go out clubbing, there is a lot of clubs and bars at downtown which is a walking distance. Awesome weather!!!!
Food and Dining to be honest, the food court at cal poly is one of the worst! There ain't much on campus, suggest you go out to the town and eat there! There are a lot of good restaurants!
Dorm Life When it comes to dorms it depends on which onews your are put into. There's basically two areas, the dorms closest to campus are the old dorms. these are very reduced in size, can only afford to bring a few changes and that's it. If you get the new dorms, these have 4 rooms good spacing and living room with kitchen.
Academic Rigor Cal Poly is know to be one of the best in Architecture and Engineering, therefore be prepared to do all-nighters, difficult courses but it should something you should expect.
Tips for prospective students Get involve in clubs, collaborate and work on projects.
In three sentences Its a great school!! Has alot of programs and clubs, and has alot of connections with outside companies, industries, and local businesses. You learn by doing slogan does not kid around, you do a lot of hands on work which is the best experience you could possibly have to be a better candidate for jab opportunities!
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anonymous from San Jose, CA
04/25/2012Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
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Categories Comments Bang for the buck If you compare the amount of money you'll be paying at a UC to the amount you'll be paying at Cal Poly, you'll realize that you're getting the same education with a cheaper price tag... Perhaps an even better education because the teachers are closer to you and know your names.
What to do for fun Downtown SLO or beach! <3
In three sentences The moment I stepped on their campus, I knew I was meant to be at Cal Poly for the next four years. It's a beautiful school and the best bang for your buck if you're considering majoring in engineering or architecture. Also, downtown is the perfect hang out place with awesome, friendly, and down-to-earth people!
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Kelsey from San Luis Obispo, CA
04/27/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety There are the occasional warnings and safety alerts, but it is an extremely safe town and campus.
Clubs and Activities There is a large variety of clubs and activities, as well as the option to start anything they don't have.
Great for these types of students Outdoorsy, active students. The town is on the small side, so city-oriented people have a harder time adjusting, but it is a nice relief from the real world.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus The campus has a large section of agriculture, including many animals and botanical gardens. It also includes Poly Canyon, which is a nature-surrounded trail in a small canyon on the edge of campus. The campus has these refreshing escapes from school life.
Bang for the buck For a state school cost, Cal Poly strives to excel at the rate of UC's and private schools. Many of its programs are ranked within the top 5 in the nation.
What to do for fun The main fun activities include hiking, going to the beach, exploring the interesting places in the county, and going downtown. Within a 30 mile radius, the activity range is endless.
Food and Dining The school has extremes in food and dining: the great versus not so great. The campus dining could improve its food quality for the majority of meal options, but campus also has Einstein Bros, Jamba Juice, Starbucks, etc.
Dorm Life The dorm experience is an unforgettable one. No matter the circumstances, dorm life is a bit of a hassle but Cal Poly made sure it was the best it could possibly be. The resident advisors could be harsh at times, but it was understood that they were ensuring safety.
Academic Rigor This depends on your major, but because it is a polytechnic school, emphasis is put on science and math. There are also a variety of fun, interesting classes to take, including beekeeping and bowling.
Tips for prospective students This school is best for students who have a strong passion for a specific future occupation. The school creates a narrow path for each student for that major.
In three sentences Cal Poly is a fantastic school for a comparatively low price, in a great location. It provides a well-rounded mix of recreation and academics, and has great weather. There are countless opportunities available for every student and major.
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Cal Poly Girl
05/14/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety Very good. There are plenty of blue posts which can call the campus police in seconds. An escort van makes rounds to pick up students from all over campus and drop them off back at the dorms when it's night. The parking police are very strict and will certainly give you a ticket if you park in the wrong area.
Greek Life The Greek life at Cal Poly encompasses approximately 13% of the students, and these students are very involved. As a member of Greek Life, I can say that my Cal Poly experience has been positively impacted by joining this community. At least for sororities, there is a strict no hazing policy, and all sororities hold philanthropy and service events and must maintain GPA standards. I highly recommend Greek Life at Cal Poly.
Clubs and Activities There are countless ways to get involved, I recommend joining the club associated with your major at least, and then branching out for there. ASI student government is another great way to become involved. College ambassadors and Poly Reps give tours and make presentations about Cal Poly.
Great for these types of students People who know what they want to do, are active in extracurricular activities, and are good students. People here are also very friendly, a great bonus.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Don't climb the Mustang, the campus police do not think its funny. Hiking to the P is a fun activity that most students do during WOW Week, the first week the freshmen are on campus. The intramural fields are great for random games, and the horse stables are fun to visit if you have time.
Bang for the buck Excellent. It is a public university, so tuition fees have been increasing in the past years. However many students chose between Cal Poly and a UC, with the cost making the final choice. Definitely the best bang for your buck option for a CSU.
What to do for fun Anything and everything. You are close to the beach, so either bring a car or make friends with someone who owns one. The gym just got remodeled and contains beach volleyball courts and a leisure pool. I'm all for getting involved, so I suggest joining clubs, student government, or Greek Life.
Food and Dining The food is not great, but not terrible. Basically, go with the meal plan that offers you the most plus dollars, and avoid the Vista Grande (VGs) dining hall.
Dorm Life Dorm life is really fun. I was in a triple room, so I lived with two other people my freshman year. It was most definitely crowded, but it was also a great experience. The dorms can be loud, but I rarely had problems sleeping. Mail generally comes in about two days late because it goes through the campus mail process after it actually gets to the school. The RAs are very good at keeping the dorm safe and under control without ruining a college experience. It is relatively easy to change rooms/roommates if necessary.
Academic Rigor Academics at Cal Poly are generally very good. Many freshmen are on academic probation after the first quarter because the quarter system moves very fast and the classes can be very difficult, but if you stay on top of your work it is no problem. GEs can be hard if a teacher is not committed to that subject, but this rarely occurs. If you are a hard working student not afraid to stay up late some nights and did well in high school, you are going to learn a lot but the subject material is not going to make you fail out.
Tips for prospective students Knowing your major/career goals before you apply is essential to be successful at Cal Poly. It is difficult to change majors, but if you know what you want to do coming in it can be easy to graduate early. Most AP credit transfers, so I am graduating in three years because of that. Get to know your professors right off the bat, as they will be essential assets to your future success.
In three sentences The educational benefits are excellent at this ideally located university on the Central Coast. The faculty in the Political Science department are willing to help and very good about making students aware of internships and job opportunities. Because the university is smaller, it is easier to get to know professors and become involved in extracurricular activities.
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Kody from Salinas, CA
05/16/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety The University Police are awesome. I've never once been scared to walk around by myself at night. They send you emails as well if a significant event has happened that you need to be aware of.
Greek Life The greek life at Cal Poly is a daily factor. You always see people wearing their letters but it's not a negative thing whatsoever. The greek life and the rest of the student body coincide very well together.
Clubs and Activities The clubs and activities are endless. If you have something you enjoy then there is most likely a club here for you. Most majors have clubs as well as many sports.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Hiking to the poly P way up on the hillside is a freshman tradition. They have bands play in the University Union on Thursdays and sometimes big groups. One cool spot is the Poly Canyon Architecture Graveyard where undergrad and grad students have been able to actually learn by doing and build cool structures that you can go check out and enjoy.
Bang for the buck This is a tough one since I haven't been able to apply what I've learned here into a job setting and make money but for friends they have done well. Cal Poly is so expensive and it is a struggle to make it through but the job opportunities with a Cal Poly degree should help lighten that load.
What to do for fun The fun doesn't stop in San Luis Obispo. From hiking Bishop's Peak to Thursday night Farmers Market to spending a relaxing day at the beach. You'll never be short of anything to do in SLO.
Food and Dining Freshman dining commons are not the greatest. You just have to kind of bear with it and find some things you like to eat. Other then that the food is delicious but a little bit pricey.
Dorm Life This was where I met some of my best friends to this day. The dorms are social if you want to be social or quiet when you want to get some studying done. Dorm life was fun and enjoyable.
Academic Rigor Cal Poly is a tough school and a tough one to get into by its low acceptance rate of around 14%. The quarter system makes life even harder because you have to stay on top of everything or else it'll sneak up on you fast. You're expected to know a lot and you will learn it.
Tips for prospective students Don't be afraid to go to the Library a lot to get things done. Also don't be afraid of your teachers. If you are having trouble with something then go to their office hours and they will help you out.
In three sentences Cal Poly is a wonderful school in one of the best locations in the United States. Classes are difficult and challenging with teachers who are fully prepared and able to help you succeed. The Learn by Doing motto here isn't just a saying but an actualization when you learn here at Cal Poly.
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05/17/2012Reviewer is A past student here.
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Categories Comments Clubs and Activities Lots of clubs, lecture series, and huge community events that everyone can enjoy. My favorite was the Science Cafe lecture series, where you get to socialize and meet accomplished engineers and scientists.
Great for these types of students Engineers Party Lovers Outdoorsy people
What to do for fun Great weather means outdoor activities - sports, hiking, biking, the beach.
Food and Dining Jamba Juice on campus, for instance! It's pretty tasty.
Tips for prospective students If you want a college that is like a UC but in a quainter, quieter city, then Poly is for you.
In three sentences Great Location! Exciting campus activities! Engineering!
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Jeffrey from Lake Tapps, WA
05/25/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety Cal Poly is the safest CSU. We have a full staffed police department, and an escort van that will take you anywhere up to a mile off campus any night until 12 - no questions asked.
Greek Life 13% of the campus is involved in Greek Life. We don't have a Greek Row, but most have off campus houses. The Greek system gives back to the communtity, and knows how to throw some sick parties.
Clubs and Activities There are over 300 clubs at Cal Poly, and the average student is involved in at least two. If there isn't a club that grabs your interest, you can make your own.
Great for these types of students Anyone who loves California's central coast, and love being outside. Students here study hard, but they definitely know how to party. The saying work hard, play hard definitely applies to this school.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Hiking to the P. UCSB soccer games. Architect Graveyard. Week of Welcome (WOW) - biggest freshman orientation program in the country!
Bang for the buck A Cal Poly education gives you exactally what employers are looking for. Our Learn by Doing philosophy gives students hear the hands on opportunities, that many people don't get until after they graduate. We also have an upside down curriculum, so you take major classes and GE classes throughout all 4 years of college rather than 2 years of GEs and two years of major classes.
What to do for fun The biggest thing to do is take advantage of the mother nature all around SLO. People go hiking, biking, and running all the time. The beach is only about 10 minutes away, so there is plenty of opportunities to hang out, kayak, and go surfing, The SLO farmer's market is always really popular, too.
Food and Dining The food here isn't the best, but there's quite a bit of variety. The meal plan kind of sucks because all the plans are the same price, and you are required to have one if you live on campus your Freshman year. I didn't really start getting tired of the food until spring quarter though.
Dorm Life On campus living is pretty much limited to Freshmen and Sophomores. There are 3 different types of dorming for Freshmen. Dorm life is pretty cool, and I definitely recommend it. There is plenty to do on campus and close by.
Academic Rigor Classes at Cal Poly are pretty tough, and all the kids are pretty smart. That being said, everyone is here to get a good education, so they are willing to put in a solid effort towards their school work.
Tips for prospective students Make sure that you apply to a major that interests you, since you have to declare your major on the application. If you don't exactally know what you want to do, I suggest applying to a major in the college that you are most interested in. (i.e. if you like science, apply to a major in the College of Science and Math.) This will make it easier to switch if you want to later.
In three sentences Cal Poly is probably the best thing that has ever happened to me. The academics, atmosphere, California feel, and school spirit are unmatched. I am absolutely in love with Cal Poly, SLO.
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Rebecca from Carlsbad, CA
05/31/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety Our campus has increased their safety heavily this year. With SLO Safe Ride vans now accessible everywhere downtown and where the parties are students do not have to worry about walking home alone. I even take the campus bus home from the library as late as 2 am!
Greek Life Absolutely amazing on campus! I am a part of a sorority and it has made the campus feel so much smaller. I was instantly showered with friendship and sisterly love the minute I joined.
Clubs and Activities There are so many clubs and activities that I could not even possibly name them all. But for any kind of person wether you are an Ag Science major or Industrial Technology, or even Social Science major there is something for you.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus During Greek Week all the fraternities and sororities on campus compete in sport events. These include hamster ball races, jousting, soccer, dodgeball, basketball, even doughnut eating contests. And we end the week with a lip sync contest!
What to do for fun From hiking, to exploring caves at the beach, to paddle boating on the nearby lakes, as well as making your own surfboard or skateboard, pottery making, and dune surfing, Cal Poly has it all. I have never heard of anyone saying they were bored.
Food and Dining Okay so the food is not that good here...on campus! Downtown the food is absolutely amazing. From Tai to Chinese, to pizza, to the best tri-tip sandwiches in the world, the downtown has everything. Plus a little thing called the Farmers Market every Thursday, which streets get shut down for.
Dorm Life The dorms are where I made all my friends. At Cal Poly these are the perfect transition into making SLO your new home.
Academic Rigor The professors know the material very well and are prepared to see if you do too.
Tips for prospective students Stay on top of your school work. Do not expect that because you had perfect grades in high school the same will apply in college. It most certainly does not!
In three sentences The atmosphere at this school is a refreshing breath of air. I feel at home and inspired on campus and in my classes. I would not have gone anywhere else.
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06/10/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety The campus is quite safe, but just to take an extra precaution, you should never walk alone at night. Always walk with someone you know.
Clubs and Activities There are clubs for all types of people.
Great for these types of students Great for all type of students.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus The farmers market is very fun and sometimes as some unusual types of entertainment like a man juggling flaming bowling pins while balancing on a 15 ft tall unicycle.
Bang for the buck Cal Poly is known for giving you a great education for a bargain.
What to do for fun When ever I am bored, I go downtown with my friends. There are many different things to do when you are downtown. There are coffee shops, restaurants that are decently priced, and different types of stores that you can shop at. On Thursdays, there is the Famous Farmer's Market, which offers some of the best food you will ever taste and some of the wackiest entertainment you can think of. Once farmers is over, every one usually goes line dancing which is also very fun. They usually offer lesson in the first hour, then the real fun starts afterwards. If i do not want to line dance, i am always able to go see a nice movie with my friends at the beautiful Fremont movie theater. When ever i want to save money, I take the bus to the beach to go in the water and hang out or i go and hike the famous Bishops Peak. There is never a dull moment in SLO.
Food and Dining The food is good the first couple of months, but once you get to your fourth month at Cal Poly, the food begins to decline in quality. You begin to appreciate the food that your parents provided you with and you wish you were back home. I did not expect a gourmet meal but i did wish that the staff would put more effort in making the food delicious. There were some places that had amazing food like the dining hall Einsteins. Einsteins is a bagel place that provides you with delicious bagel sandwiches, bagel dogs, or bagel pizzas. Einsteins is my favorite dining hall on campus and i highly recommend it. Another good food place to go to is the Avenue. The Avenue provides you with different types of food whether you are feeling like you want Chinese food, Mexican Food, or a delicious spicy chicken sandwich from Chick Filla. If you decide to go here, then i highly recommend these two restaurants.
Dorm Life I would have to say that half the college experience is the dorm life. You meet most of the people that you will hang out with the first year in your dorms. You might even meet a special someone in the dorms as well. The point is, that the dorms provide you with many opportunities. I remember that my dorm had volunteer events that covered many different areas. I have volunteered to made a new clothes and toys shelter for families who were struck by poverty and other events where I spent time with autistic children. The dorm also has many other events to keep you from being bored on a Friday and Saturday night if you are not the kind of person to go out. There are many different types of people in the dorms as well. If you are the type of person to go out with friends and party or just go out to dinner, then you will find many people who enjoy that as well, but if you are the type of person who enjoys staying in, maybe watching a movie or playing video games, then there are people like that too. In a dorm, you will never be alone and people are very accepting. There are also some negatives with dorm life as well. Some dorms have stricter Resident Advisors, RAs, who can be less lenient than others. As long as you are smart about what you do, then you should be fine but then there are the inevitable things like running in the halls and sports in the halls that people get written up for. I do not exactly agree with these rules, but they are there to keep us safe and i respect that. Overall, i give Cal Poly 4 stars out of 5 for dorm life because it really provides you with a great experience.
Academic Rigor Cal Poly is not an easy school. There may be some easy classes, but if you want to major in a type of science, then there are not that many easy classes. The science classes usually come with three hour lab classes that sometimes may not really pertain to what you are learning in lecture, but they still give you plenty of experience in the lab. The fact that you get so much actual hands on experience is such a plus, that people like the fact that they do not have to spend as much time training you when you are ready to work for a company. Cal poly has a good balance between the tough classes and the easy classes, but you have to remember to study or else you will not get the grades that you want. Those high school days are over, where you were able to study the day before a test to get an A. That rarely happens in college. So be ready to work.
Tips for prospective students It does not matter who you were in high school. No one ever judges you at Cal poly and there are many different opportunities to get involved on campus. I understand how hard the transition from home to college must be, but Cal Poly makes that transition easier with many different programs. I highly recommend Cal Poly if you are the type of person who is serious about their future and if you actually want to have fun too.
In three sentences Cal Poly is one of the greatest experiences of my life. You meet a lot of people and the staff is amazing. Their learn by doing philosophy works because i have a lot of lab experience now.
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06/25/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Bang for the buck Tuition is on the rise, but still the best bet in my opinion.
What to do for fun There are so many club and intramural sports at Cal Poly, and a BRAND NEW recreation center. SLO has amazing hiking trails and plently of restaurants, bars, and shops to explore.
Food and Dining Not gonna lie, the food here sucks. There are few options, and fewer yummy options. As a freshman you have to buy a mealplan in the dorms, but after that I rarely ate on campus.
Dorm Life There are residence halls and apartment buildings. Live in the dorm with your major, it is the best thing you can do. There isn't too much for housing after freshman year, but the apartments are pretty new and there are tons of off campus options.
Academic Rigor Be ready to work your butt off on the quarter system. The classes are difficult, but your professors know this and really love to teach.
Tips for prospective students Going here will change your life. There can be major discrepancies between work required by major, simply because of the huge variations between disciplines.
In three sentences Cal Poly is amazing. It is a great school with a great campus in an awesome little town.
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Frankie from El Dorado Hills, CA
06/27/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety Even walking alone at night as a girl, it is pretty darn safe. We have our small share of incidents, but this campus is much much safer than most.
Greek Life Greek life is certainly prominent on campus. There are the stereotypical party sororities/fraternities, and then there are the service ones, or ones centered around a specific piece of culture like religion or ethnicity as a whole.
Clubs and Activities There are so many clubs I can't even begin to name them all. Quite the variety too! And there's even a place on campus called Poly Escapes that will help set you up with any outdoor adventures you'd like to go on!
Great for these types of students Great for students who love and appreciate the outdoors, don't want to live in a big city, and who have a balance of fun an seriousness in their lives.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Many people like to hike to the P, a cement P on the hillside of campus that stands for Poly. There is also the Architecture Graveyard, where old architecture senior projects lie waiting to be explored.
Bang for the buck Tuition is ALWAYS on the rise. And classes are becoming less and less available. It's a great school and all, but it's not worth the $20,000 in total costs that I'm paying each year.
What to do for fun We have FIVE nearby beaches, a lake, countless mountains to hike, a downtown area to explore, 3 movie theaters, an on-campus bowling ally, 2 rock climbing walls, a brand new rec center with a lazy pool, and tons of extra curricular classes, clubs, and organizations!
Food and Dining Our dining program does not get enough credit. We have a lot of freshly made food that can taste pretty darn good! However, freshmen are REQUIRED to buy an expensive meal plan that is completely unnecessary for the independent cook or the light eater. This is one of the bigger downsides to Cal Poly.
Dorm Life Cal Poly has an amazing orientation program called WOW that introduces you to your new classmates as well as your new town! It is said to be the best orientation program in the nation. It's a pretty good indicator of how awesome on-campus living can be. But again, it depends on your personal attitude and actions.
Academic Rigor I give it a 3 since it completely depends on what you're studying. Stereotypically, a business major has a pretty relaxed course load, while an engineer is constantly busy and an architecture major never sleeps. So it completely depends. Oh, and don't be fooled by those general ed classes; they can be some of the hardest classes you take.
Tips for prospective students KNOW YOUR MAJOR UPON APPLYING. If you don't know what you want to major in or are unsure, you're probably going to end up realizing that there are better majors out there. The problem with that is that switching majors can be near impossible. If you switch within the same college of study, you'll be fine. But switching from say, the college of business to the college of engineering..yeah, not a chance.
In three sentences Cal Poly is one of the best (if not THE best) public schools in California. A degree from CP is highly respected and will take you places. It is best known for its schools of engineering and agriculture.
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Lynda from Lompoc, CA
06/28/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Clubs and Activities The Cal Poly Dressage team is the best thing that has ever happened to me, and it has changed my life. If you like horses and want to compete in Dressage, the Dressage Team is an amazing group of people. We also made it to nationals this year (which was in New Jersey) and I won the national championship. The Dressage Team has presented me with so many opportunities that I never possibly could have imagined, and I have made close friends with these great girls.
What to do for fun If you want to have fun at Cal Poly, there is no shortage of things to do. Because Cal Poly is located on the central coast, there are several beaches nearby. There is also a farmer's market downtown every Thursday, and it is a lot of fun to spend a few hours there. Cal Poly also has a great rec center for those who like to exercise.
Food and Dining Cal Poly does not have a lot of dining or food choices, and this is often a complaint of students who live on campus and are unable to venture downtown often for real food.
Dorm Life Although I have lived off campus the duration of my career here at Cal Poly, I have visited the dorms and heard quite a bit about them. There is a lot of partying in the dorms, and I've heard it's nearly impossible to get any studying done in a dorm room. If you want to focus, you will have to do it in the library. Saying that, the dorm rooms seem to be relatively clean and welcoming. Also, people who live in the dorms are exposed to a lot more social activities and have more opportunities to meet new people, so I would recommend trying dorm life out for at least a year. Often time I wish I had, because I sometimes feel that I missed out.
Academic Rigor The professors at Cal Poly expect a lot from their students. Even the upper division general education classes can be challenging. However, if you truly give each class your best, I feel that you can walk away from every course at Cal Poly having learned something valuable. Saying that, this school is no place to earn easy A's and you should expect to be challenged.
Tips for prospective students I'd recommend avoiding excessive partying here, because Cal Poly can be quite the social scene and I've noticed that many students become easily distracted by this. Also, I would highly recommend using the poly ratings website to research professors before taking classes here. Although there are many wonderful professors, I have found that some might be better suited to specific learning styles. Poly ratings gives you insight to a teacher's style which is helpful when considering which professor you should choose. Lastly, I'd say that you should put academics first, but also have fun and take advantage of all the great extra-curricular activities Cal Poly has to offer.
In three sentences Cal Poly is a school filled with friendly and ambitious people. The atmosphere of the school is very welcoming, and you can almost always find someone to assist you in all of your endeavors. Additionally, the learn by doing allows everyone to gain practical knowledge in their field of study.
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07/03/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety Cal Poly SLO was deemed by Oprah the happiest place to live. You will see Police Officers more often than you'd like to, but they take their jobs very seriously. If you J-walk you can risk getting a traffic ticket, even if you're not in a vehicle or if there aren't any nearby. Despite a very attentive SLOPD, and despite being an extremely happy place to live, incidents still do occur on the occasion; if you're a female, try to travel [at minimum] with one other person, especially a night. Carry pepper spray or even a pocket knife. I'm not trying to get anyone worried but I'm sorry Oprah, bad things happen in even the happiest of places.
Greek Life There are Fraternity and Sorrority houses all along the upside of Foothill Blvd and in some parts of California Blvd. Not a single day goes by that I don't see a Greek symbol somewhere- whether it be on a shirt or, even more sporadically, a car.
Clubs and Activities There are hundreds of clubs on campus. If you are dieing to find a club that holds your interest, you are more then likely to find it here. By extension, Cal Poly holds a club rush event prior to the start of Fall Quarter every year. It is something that all firs imers should check out [even if they don't want join anything]. Besides, there was free food last year!
Great for these types of students Cal Poly SLO is renowned for Engineering, Architecture, Business, and Agriculture. Having started off as an entirely Agriculture-based school, it has become more established in some of the degree areas above. The only two [PUBLIC] universities that rank higher than Cal Poly SLO for engineering [in California] are UC Berkeley and UCLA.
Bang for the buck Despite being cheaper than pretty much all of the UCs, Cal Poly SLO is among the most expensive of the entire CSU system. If you have a scholarship, wealthy parents, or qualify for a lot of financial aid and grants to cover the costs, then this college may be something that you wish to consider. If you are absolutely forced to take out loans, however, then this may not be the wisest college to attend. Tuition has increased and it is only getting higher. Going to a JC then transferring may actually be smarter regardless if it pushes your education back by a few years. At the end of the day, it's your obligation to pay back any borrowed money and not mine. Consider your financial future.
Food and Dining Because I never lived on campus for too long, I've only eaten at a few places on-campus: Vista Grande, Ciao!, and The Avenue. From my experience, they were pretty good although I prefer the latter, namely Chick-Fil-A. There are a lot more choices that I can name, but my small experience with on-campus dining forces me to remain somewhat neutral. However, a lot of these places are crazy over-priced. If you live off-campus, it will always be cheaper to eat at home.
Dorm Life The only time I lived on-campus was the summer before my freshman year- inside Cerro Vista for 3 weeks. Therefore, I can only stay neutral on this topic.
Academic Rigor Where the persistence and determination of students are put to he test, Cal Poly calls loud and clear. Life flies, it doesn't walk. And the quarter system here at Poly only makes it faster. Your learning, responsibilities, and experiences will be expedited here. Take time to adjus and start planning early. Make smart decisions and always consider your future.
Tips for prospective students Do NOT choose a major because you think it will get you easy acceptance! Changing majors to different colleges have proven difficult time and time again. Changing majors within the college, however, is relatively easier. Also, take your first year seriously. You want to be able to look back and say I know that I worked my hardest to get the grades that on my transcript.
In three sentences Cal Poly is a very suburb, college-esque town. Known for its learn-by-doing motto, it captures many sudents' interests in that you will experience a new style of learning: incorporated labs and projects with a heavy focus on the individual to learn by fulfilling action.
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Margaret from Woodland, CA
07/08/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Food and Dining What college dinning is really 5 stars? The food is decent and edible, but definitely not anything to write home about. If you are vegetarian, there are options available, but be prepared to buy outside food or eat a lot of salad. :)
Academic Rigor Classes are hard, but in the best way possible. Professors are really knowledgeable in the fields that they teach, and it is clear that they have a passion for what they do. There is the occasional prof who is a bore in class, but at Cal Poly, that kind is rare.
Tips for prospective students Make sure that you tour every campus you plan on applying to. Each one has a different feel, and one that sounds so great on paper can turn out to be a disastrous fit in atmosphere. I fell in love with my college, Cal Poly, SLO, during my first tour, and decided right then that it was the only place for me.
In three sentences Cal Poly, SLO is a great place to earn a college education. With the learn by doing philosophy that prepares students with real world examples, graduates have a special edge in the job market because employers know that a Cal Poly graduate is ready for any and all challenges. Also, the atmosphere could not be more conducive to learning with professors that are eager to help and community professionals that are willing to share their knowledge and advice.
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07/09/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety San Luis Obispo is a very safe place, however, there have been many sexual assaults on girls walking alone at night usually on the weekends. Also, never leave your computer unattended at the library.
Clubs and Activities There are a ton of clubs at Cal Poly that no one knows about. I'd encourage incoming students to check out the club fair and actually get involved with a few.
Bang for the buck Considering the price, the academic prestige that is associated with Cal Poly is very high.
What to do for fun Hiking, surfing, bowling, the rec center alone, poly escapes trips, fishing, SCUBA diving, wine tasting, shopping or strolling around down town, getting frozen yogurt...
Food and Dining On campus food is overpriced and pretty bad quality for the most part. The Avenue and Campus Market are the most decent options, however, as a freshman you can not use a meal at either place.
Dorm Life I had to live in a triple, which I was very unpleased about. My dorm life was a fun experience though and some of my best friends to this day are people that I met 4 years ago in the dorms. Cal Poly's dorms aren't the best but they certainly aren't the worst either.
Academic Rigor Cal Poly is incredibly demanding, with few exceptions. Each class demands academic excellence, which is why it is such a great and challenging school. Not every teacher, but most expect a large amount of work from their students, particularly in hard science classes.
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Ian from Carmichael, CA
07/11/2012Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety Excellent security on campus. I have heard of people leaving their dorm rooms unlocked and open and nothing has been stolen from their rooms (though I and everyone else would not recommend leaving your dorm open, a tip for any campus!).
Greek Life There are sororities and fraternities. I cannot speak for their quality since I've never belonged to one.
Clubs and Activities I cannot believe how diverse the array of clubs is! Anything from religious groups to dance to community service. For example, there is a Rotaract Club on campus, which is the college level of Rotary International. Plus, there are clubs sports like Polo (which I will probably do)
Great for these types of students Great for any dedicated student to get a wonderful education because, while there are many things to do, Cal Poly doesn't have the distractions of an urban school.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus The new recreation center just opened this January and has 9300 square feet of machinery alone! Plus, it even has filtered water dispensers!
Bang for the buck A bit more expensive than the other state universities, but Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo is polytechnic and gives a very well-rounded education with the potential to study abroad!
What to do for fun Lots of fun things to do in SLO Town, like shopping the boutiques and farmers' market downtown. Plus, Pismo Beach is 10 miles down the freeway and there is a breath-takingly good cinnamon roll place; I think it's called Old West (or Wild West) Old-fashioned Cinnamon Rolls. Also, I believe there are numerous hiking trails and lots of neighborhoods to just walk around in.
Food and Dining There is a cafeteria with many cuisines and a buffet-style restaurant/cafeteria with lots of healthy and delicious food!
Dorm Life I cannot speak for dorm life, having not lived on campus yet, but everything looks tip-top, especially the new themed living.
Academic Rigor I know for Architecture, it is often called Archi-torture because of the rigor, but I look forward to it to prepare me for anything I will face after college. It reminds me of my freshmen honors English teacher in high school. Mrs. Reed was TOUGH, but I was thankful because all my other classes seemed easier!
Tips for prospective students If you want to get a degree in architecture, engineering, business, or agriculture, I would definitely chose Cal Poly.
In three sentences What a fantastic school! It has a wonderful location near the beach, stellar academic programs, and a beautiful 5-1/2-hour-long drive from home (from mine, anyway, which is just far enough!).
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Brett from Morgan Hill, CA
07/11/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety There is a police escort van that does stops at designated times at specific areas on campus at night-time, every night, and will drop you off anywhere within 5 miles of the campus; the campus is patrolled by the campus police at all times; and the dorms are very secure with the outside doors have electronic locks, and the stairwell doors and room dorms having key locks. Overall VERY safe though sometimes the police can be a bit excessive with parking and bike tickets, also skating is illegal on campus. But that is the price we pay for safety.
Clubs and Activities I am not really much of a party-goer, but there is still a great party scene here at Poly, despite what UCSB kids tell you. There is probably at-least 1 concert or rave to go to every other week that are either hosted at the downtown 18+ club, or at Avila Beach (a mere 15 minute drive away) Cal Poly usually provides safe rides to these events as well (either for free or very cheap, I am not certain). There aren't any night-clubs that I know of in the area though I'm sure if you searched hard enough you might find a couple, especially at Pismo Beach. But with all the houses and frat's just a small walk off campus, there is always something to do at night for all you party enthusiasts.
Great for these types of students Outdoorsy, Scientific, Creative, Fun Loving.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus There is a Wall located downtown called the Gum Wall, where everyone chews a stick of gum and places it on the wall. Every inch of that wall is filled with gum, its pretty cool, just don't touch!
Bang for the buck Many say that Cal Poly gives a U.C. quality education for the state school price. Which is true for the most part. Cal Poly is cheaper than the U.C.'s now especially with their own tuition hikes, but Cal Poly has been having tuition hikes of their own. With overall costs that might be raising several thousand dollars; but with all the funding cuts I say they are doing what they can; and Cal Poly is really one of the cheapest places around(if you're a California resident) now to get a good education.
What to do for fun In terms of extracurricular activities, Cal Poly excels, great for outdoor enthusiasts with Pismo Beach just 15 minutes away, hiking aplenty, Intramural and Club sports, and other fun activities in San Luis Obispo like Paintball and Canoeing. The orientation program called week of welcome, or WOW for short is one of the best in the nation and will help you get to know the school and the town. And there is so much fun to be had with all the people you will meet in your dorm.
Food and Dining We all know that the on campus food isn't going to be great. Now that we all have that realistic expectation, lets look at it from a more comparative perspective than an overall rating. If you compare the on campus food at Cal Poly to any good restaurant, it's going to lose. But once you know how much better it is than other colleges, how much more variety we have, you realize it isnt that bad. The location nearest to the dorms, VG's, and Metro, the all you can eat buffet, are horrible and match what you would expect from college food, but other locations such as sandwich factory, Einsteins bagels, and the on campus grocery stores really do make up for it and are great alternative options, though unfortunately they are further from the dorms, which is why VG's is still so popular even though their food is terrible.
Dorm Life Dorm life was way different than I thought it would be, but also way more fun. I lived in Yosemite, which is considered to be one of the more social dorms, but there was a lot of variety in terms of the people that lived here. No matter what your interests are, there should be someone who shares the same ones, for me it was Longboarding, there are always plenty of people who are down to party, or play some video games, or go to the beach. Great way to meet people and definitely an essential for your first year of college,
Academic Rigor I am going to be entering sophomore year this upcoming quarter so I can only vouch for entry level classes. Overall I am working a lot less than I first believed that I would be. It really has to do with your academic habits though. I worked my butt off in high school, always did all the homework that was assigned to me, and was very self-motivated; so the transition to college wasn't too hard; and too be honest I seem to be working just as hard as my friends going to community college and our local safety State school ( they're taking school very seriously so I'm not saying you can slack at Cal Poly) Overall I believe if you but in a decent effort you can get B's without overworking yourself and leaving yourself a good amount of time to socialize and just have fun. ( the 25-35 hours a week motto is completely
Tips for prospective students Engineering is a hard major to get into, I myself am a Chemistry major but I know a great many people, many of whom are much smarter than me, that didn't get into the Engineering program at Cal Poly. If you really want to be an engineer by all means list it as your first choice of major, just list something else as your second choice just in case. Obviously A high GPA and a high standardized testing score are a must, if you didn't do too well on the SAT, give the ACT a try. I personally did a lot better on the ACT, primarily because has slightly more focus on math and science than the SAT but also because the structure of the test allowed me to move a lot faster through material.
In three sentences A great school academically, especially for Science and Engineering students, all of which is emphasized around the Learn by Doing motto. Great Social atmosphere with a lot of really positive outgoing people, with an amazing dorm life, a large variety of fun outdoor activities, and one of the best orientation programs in the nation.
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Lexie from San Luis Obispo, CA
07/17/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Greek Life RUSH the sororities and fraternities. It is a great networking opportunity and is so much fun. You will meet amazing people that are like minded with yourself. It is a once in a life time opportunity to be apart of the Greek Life in college so don't let it pass you by.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Visit architecture graveyard and the cactus pit. You will know when you get there.
What to do for fun Go hike the P! Go to the rec center and rest every set of equipment from the desk. Go downtown and walk around. Drive out to Los Osos and go the Montana De Oro. Go to the drive ins. Drive around Hathway Street at night on a weekend. Go out on Hathway St, Mustang and Cedar. Party. Have a movie night in your dorm with your floor. Make a megabed with your roommate in your dorm and watch Harry Potter. Have a nail party.
Food and Dining The Avenue has the best food but you have to use your plus dollars there. You will get sick of VG's super fast but just enjoy it. Get the fruit cups, pita snacks and carrots. Those will do ya good. My favorite from VG's is getting the swirly noodles with a chicken breast with no sauce. Then go to the salad and get a cup of oil and balsamic and grated parmisan cheese. It'll be the best thing you eat there for sure.
Dorm Life The dorm life was the best experience about freshman year. Don't be afraid to knock on the doors next to you and meet everyone. Literally MEET EVERYONE. The people you live with in your tower (Sierra Madre) will be apart of your life forever if you give the chance to be. It is easier going through college being ale to wave and smile at hundreds of people rather than putting your head down and not. Your roommate will become your best friend. So enjoy and respect the time you have together.
Academic Rigor I had never got a C in my life until Cal Poly. I got 8 straight C's my first two quarters. I realized my study habits weren't good enough. You will become quite acquainted with Robert E Kennedy library, so find your favorite spot and get comfy. Don't hesitate to go to office hours! Your teachers are more likely to help you out with your grades if they can put a face to the name and have seen through out the quarter that you have been trying. Don't drink before a midterm. EVER. If you think you can do it, just don't.
Tips for prospective students Try everything and anything. Cal Poly offers so many extracurricular programs and events that there is always something to keep you busy. Right off the bat when you are going through WOW (week of welcome), you will be taken around the entire area exploring and getting you acquainted with what SLO has to offer you. First priority, stay on top of your school work. Second priority, get out of your comfort zone because freshman year at Cal Poly will change your life.
In three sentences Cal Poly is one of the most prestigious state schools we have in California. It is an honor to be surrounded by such great staff, students and community. The experience I have had so far at Cal Poly is one I want everyone to have.
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Kiera from Apple Valley, CA
07/19/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety The campus police department does an excellent job of watching out for students and keeping safety a priority, without restricting students. At night, a campus van is available to drive students home - on or off campus - to prevent students from having to walk in the dark. Set around campus are emergency poles which can connect you directly to the police department in case of danger.
Greek Life Greek Life is very active and present in Cal Poly, with the various sororities and fraternities eagerly campaigning for new members and working in the community.
Clubs and Activities As I've mentioned, there are dozens of clubs for every subject, from major focus, political intrigue, culture, and even art and anime. The clubs are given near-full reign, only requiring that they be ratified with Student Government and file for permission to meet in certain rooms to operate.
Great for these types of students Cal Poly is great for those students who want to have a good time and get a quality education at the same time.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Cal Poly has a few great spots for exploring and hiking, including the P and the Architecture Graveyard. The P is an old stone P, set up a large sloping hill. Students can hike to the P or beyond and get a stunning view of the valley the school is set in. The Architecture Graveyard is a field filled with old projects and designs by architecture and engineering students - populated by strange projects, metallic houses and a giant jungle gym, the Architecture Graveyard is a sight to see.
Bang for the buck At Cal Poly you get a UC class education for the cost of a Cal State. Classes and professors are professional and fulfilling, and Cal Poly provides great opportunities to get involved in ones field of study, with a broad reach and connections to various professionals. Students in the medical and animal science fields can participate hands on in research and data trials and gain field experience at no extra cost to the student.
What to do for fun Besides the dozens of clubs and groups on campus, you can go dancing every weekend with a variety of dance clubs, explore downtown SLO, visit Farmer's Market and the variety of booths there every Thursday and check out classic movies at the Fremont Theater.
Food and Dining The food at Cal Poly may not be five star quality, but there is a great deal of diversity in food options and eating. You can have buffet style meals, enjoy a great variety of sandwiches, donuts, and snacks at the Sandwich Factory, smoothies at Lucy's Smoothies or SLO creation, Jamba Juice, and nearly half a dozen other eateries, including an in-library cafe and coffeehouse.
Dorm Life Dorm life is very fulfilling! Resident and Community Advisors are assigned to each floor of each dorm and help students get involved in community life. Events take place at least twice per week in the dorms and clubs are very open to new members. While in the dorms, you have multiple options, including the red bricks which sort by college and help partner you with those in your field of study, and the apartments which allow more diverse roommates.
Academic Rigor The academic rigor at Cal Poly is high, very high. Ten weeks for a class is no time at all, especially when you need to take at least three classes a quarter. The quarter system is rewarding but demanding and students need to be prepared - even an easy class won't guarantee you an A.
Tips for prospective students -Listen to the 25-35. When people advise you to study 25-35, it's not a joke. Ten weeks will fly by quickly and while professors may be available for office hours, they won't go easy on students who haven't put in study time. -Case the school. Depending on your major, you could have to travel from one end of the campus to another in ten minutes. It's worth your time to explore the campus and find the shortcuts and passageways to your different classes BEFORE the quarter begins. -Get involved! There are dozens of opportunities to get involved in various things at Cal Poly, whether it's community service, student government, or working with a professor. The connections you make while getting involved can take you far.
In three sentences Cal Poly is a school dedicated to education and its students - anything that can be done to enhance the college experience is considered and undertaken. The academic focus is high and many professors have their own projects that students can easily join in on and gain experience for resumes. The Student Life and Leadership is very active, insuring that student's have a voice and helping certify clubs for almost any topic or subject.
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William from Rosemead, CA
07/23/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Food and Dining The food at Cal Poly SLO is tolerable at best. It can fill you up, but taste-wise, the food is at most average.
Dorm Life Good people and nice atmosphere to meet new people. Many of the students are very friendly, and the dorms host events every week to meet people or to just have fun.
Academic Rigor Not too difficult, but try not to fall behind. Classes differ in how much homework and assignments students get, but everything is do-able. If you do not understand the concept or homework, visiting the teacher during their office hours are highly encouraged. Many people say going in really helps.
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Erica M.
07/24/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety There are emergency blue poles all over campus which will call the UPD. And it is well known that even if you can't talk about it, then they will be there in 5 minutes to make sure everything is ok.
Clubs and Activities There are way too many clubs to start listing for this school. However, if you are interested, you can check them out online at: www.asi.calpoly.edu and browse through all of the different pull down tabs.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus The architecture graveyard is a very interesting walk on the backside of campus where you can find old senior projects of architectural students left for people to admire, climb on, and appreciate.
What to do for fun There is so much to do in the San Luis Obispo area, including: hiking, beach, walks, clubs, rock climbing, swimming, surfing, parachuting, Greek life, and yes...partying. However, the thing to remember about ALL of these is that you don't HAVE to participate in any of these, but they will be available to you.
Food and Dining The thing about campus dining, is that is sometimes terrible. However more often than not, it is good. The part that gives it the poor ratings sometimes is that you run out of variety.
Dorm Life The dorms at cal poly are very nicely kept and provide a lot of human interaction. This helps give the campus a smaller feel.
Academic Rigor The academics at Cal Poly generally are very challenging, but also very informative. This does vary slightly based on the college, class, and professor.
Tips for prospective students There is no need to be scared of the campus, activities, and people. It is amazing how similar everyone is and it is key to remember that everyone is going through the same stuff.
In three sentences This is a phenomenal school with a prime location and genuinely kind public.
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Matthew from Hermosa Beach, CA
08/06/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety Safe
Greek Life Its a good way to meet people and make the campus feel small. I'm in AEPi and it has been a great experience.
Clubs and Activities Home to the second largest Ski Club in America.
Great for these types of students Engineering, Business, Architecture, Agriculture, Kinesiology, and more
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus We have rodeos and agriculture related events like tractor pulls, whatever that is.
Bang for the buck One of the best bargain schools. There is a new gym and the campus is improving all the time.
What to do for fun Run/bike trails, surf, rock climb, hang out at the beach, party with ski club
Food and Dining Meh, its better than cooking for yourself.
Dorm Life Super fun
Academic Rigor Its rigorous, but very doable.
Tips for prospective students Do your homework when its assigned. You won't learn if you wait for it to build up before a test.
In three sentences Going to Cal Poly SLO has been the best decision of my life. Everyone in San Luis Obispo is friendly and the city is ranked as one of the happiest cities on Earth. My education has been invaluable.
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Brittany from Brea, CA
08/19/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety I feel extremely safe on campus. They have seminars to help educate the students and the University Police do there job very well.
Greek Life I don't know much about Greek life but my friends that are involved enjoy it very much; they talk about all the friends they have made and all the great experiences they have had.
Clubs and Activities There are many clubs offered for free on campus that involve everything from juggling to academics! There is something for everything.
Great for these types of students Great for students who love to get involved in their community and school. This school is very spirited. This school is also very good for people who want to have lots of hands on learning.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus There aren't any that I know of yet but I'm sure I'll know plenty after the next 3 years!
Bang for the buck The classes and textbooks can be pricey but the school is willing to work with its students.
What to do for fun Downtown San Luis Obispo is best especially on thursdays when there is a huge farmers market! The Graduate is a club the has line dancing every Thursday and many students enjoying going here for a good time.
Food and Dining On campus food is decent but pricey, the best place to eat is Ciaos (pizza).
Dorm Life The dorms are organized into individual colleges; so you are surrounded by people in your own major which really helps for studying! Some dorm rooms are smaller than others, so take a look and sign up early! The RA's are very helpful and understanding a well.
Academic Rigor Some classes are harder than others but there are many ways to get help in classes with supplemental workshops and office hours.
Tips for prospective students Always be ahead of deadlines to stay on schedule! The quarter system can go by fast and procrastination will just make things harder.
In three sentences The campus is full of wonderful individuals both staff and students. One can always feel welcome and can receive help when needed. I love this school and would definitely recommend it to prospective students.
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Zachary from San Antonio, TX
08/28/2012Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has not been to campus.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety Seems legit.
Greek Life Unsure.
Clubs and Activities Band, Soccer, and all swimming sports are great here.
Great for these types of students Well rounded, focused, and witty.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Haven't been on campus yet.
Bang for the buck It is very expensive for out of state students, but if you're willing to find the money and commit, you'll do just fine.
What to do for fun There are plenty of opportunities in SLO. It's what you're open to.
Tips for prospective students Apply as soon as possible. You can't get in if you don't apply!
In three sentences The application process is simple and focuses on primarily academics. This is a college for students well rounded and focused. I feel like I have opportunities beyond any other college I wished to attend.
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08/28/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety For the most part, Cal Poly has a very safe reputation.
Greek Life Can't say, I'm not in a frat.
Clubs and Activities Many, many, many clubs. Engineering clubs especially. Clubs that compete often, and win often.
Great for these types of students Engineering, Business, Agriculture.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Bishop's Peak, Avila Beach, Farmer's Market. Probably lots of others I've never even heard of.
Bang for the buck Worth every penny. The professors care and you can get to know them by name if you care to. The teaching is top notch and the college life is awesome.
What to do for fun There are lots of activities in the surrounding areal. The beach is a 20 minute drive away if you have a car, or you can take the bus as well. Downtown SLO is nice, with a weekly Farmer's Market which is pretty awesome. There are lots of hiking trails not too far from campus. SLO is in the middle of California, so with a car and a day, you can do pretty much whatever you feel like doing outside. You can go see some awesome forests in Northern California, or drive down to Southern California for a night club atmosphere. Beaches, beaches beaches. Skydiving. There are endless possibilities. You should never be bored here!
Food and Dining The food is okay, but there are better ways to spend your money.
Dorm Life I can't say, I've been a commuting student ever since my first day. I hate the drive, but beats spending another 10,000 on room and board.
Academic Rigor As a Civil Engineering student, I find myself spending 80+ hours a week doing school work. It is difficult, especially since I work 16 hours on the weekend. However, it is doable, and worth the effort.
Tips for prospective students Get good grades, participate in sports, volunteer. Do not be a one sided individual. Colleges, especially Cal Poly, look for well rounded personalities.
In three sentences Cal Poly has a lot of students who are easy to get along with, and love the outdoors. Fitness is a really big theme at Cal Poly, with physically fit students all throughout campus. The curriculum is difficult, but if you put your nose to the grindstone, you will do well and the Cal Poly name on your resume will look good.
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Alexandra from Arcadia, CA
09/25/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Bang for the buck I love that I'm getting a great education for not too high a price.
What to do for fun There are tons of outdoorsy stuff to do. You can hike, go biking- around slo or on some trails, surf, go to the beach, skydiving, rock-climbing. The only club-like place is the Grad downtown.
Food and Dining Campus food is ok. Not a whole lot of options.
Dorm Life Live on campus at least the first year. It's a great way to meet lots of new people! .
Academic Rigor Expect classes to be harder than high school. Most teachers give fair workloads, but be prepared to work hard.
In three sentences Cal Poly is in beautiful San Luis Obispo, which is much more laid back than the big city. Typical students are found in T-shirts and jeans. It's a big science school without lots of stuff for outdoorsy types to do.
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maria from Wasco, CA
10/21/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments What to do for fun If you like fun, this is the place. San Luis Obispo is a beautiful town. Cal Poly is around 15 minutes away from at least 5 beaches. The university hosts a lot of fun activities, and the town has something always going on.
Food and Dining Many people complain about this. The bottom line is that if you are picky you will never be satisfied. I like the campus food. Its definitely not amazing but it is bare-able.
Dorm Life Depends on the roommates you get. It can be fun or annoying. But overall Dorm Life is pretty peaceful. Each floor has an aid who keeps everything on check so there is nothing to worry about.
Academic Rigor This usually depends on the major and amount of units taken each quarter. If you overload yourself you will be stressed all the time, like me. But there are some students who take the minimum, which is 12 and they do just fine. There is also a lot of help, you just have to be willing to look for it.
Tips for prospective students Keep your grades up. Get involved, and never doubt yourself. Even if you think you have not done much in high school or in college don't let go of the opportunity.
In three sentences Its a very busy campus, but also has a very peaceful mood to it. The weather is usually perfect, the campus is clean and surrounded by green. There are a lot of great opportunities offered for hands on activities because the motto is Learn by Doing.
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Carolyn from Ventura, CA
11/01/2012Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.
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Categories Comments In three sentences I've heard the business program here is really good. Is it hard to get into compared to the other majors? What kind of GPA/SAT score would I need?
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Caitlin from San Luis Obispo, CA
11/05/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments What to do for fun San Luis Obispo is a great town for fun activities. With a cute downtown, and beautiful beaches just a few miles away, there are countless opportunities to do something new.
Food and Dining On campus dining is not horrible, but after eating there all Freshman year can get old. There are many choices of food, but since they have a limited number of choices they can provide every day sometimes to food gets boring. If you are just on campus for lunch a few times a week then there is no problem getting a variety of food.
Dorm Life I loved living in the forms my first year. After a few months of living there the entire dorm became one huge family. I would highly recommend dorm life to anyone because you meet great people and there are always people around to help with anything, and provide support when needed.
Academic Rigor The professors at Cal Poly have very high standards and make you work for your grade. Some classes are easier than others but with each Quarter only being 10 weeks long there is a huge need to stay on top of your school work.
Tips for prospective students All students that are planning or thinking of planning on attending Cal Poly should take campus tours and ask questions about the campus and community. If you are accepted, make sure to sign up for WOW Week, it was the best way to get accustomed to the town and meet some life-long friends.
In three sentences Cal Poly has a beautiful campus and all of the students are very friendly. The Learn By Doing philosophy of Cal Poly encourages success for every student. This is a great school and a great community to live in.
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Mikaela from Long Beach, CA
11/05/2012Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.
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Categories Comments In three sentences Is it easy for transfer students to meet people and assimilate to campus life? Or is it a school that you really must be at for all of college?
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Caleb from La Grange, CA
11/07/2012Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety Seems safe, we have campus police and at night there is a police shuttle service to safely transport students.
Clubs and Activities Wildlife club! and Logging! plus many more I have not tried yet.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Architects graveyard, an amazing place to visit with strange structures.
What to do for fun Hike, camp, hang out with friends. Also the beach is very close so surfing and stuff there.
Food and Dining The food is very good, just remember to mix it up. Going to the same place everyday can get boring.
Dorm Life Very friendly, you will start to make great friends and sometimes spend all day in the dorms chatting and just hanging out.
Academic Rigor Cal Poly has a wonderful motto, Learn By Doing, which lets students go out and experience what they are being taught. Each class has its own difficulty and some classes are tough while others are easy.
Tips for prospective students Go out and make friends and enjoy the time you have.
In three sentences Cal Poly is a beautiful school full of energetic and friendly people. The community is also very friendly. Plenty of trips and things to do in the area and overall a wonderful place to be
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Shun from Los Angeles, CA
11/15/2012Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.
0 out of 1 people found this review useful. 107 of 154
Categories Comments In three sentences it has nice majors and a good value.
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Stephen from Madera, CA
12/11/2012Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.
0 out of 1 people found this review useful. 108 of 154
Categories Comments Campus Safety Really safe, no worries.
Food and Dining Not bad, has everthing you need.
Dorm Life Have heard good things about the dorm life.
Academic Rigor It is great, hands on teaching.
In three sentences It is beautiful, and looks like an excellent choice for college.
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Alex from Sunnyvale
01/02/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
0 out of 1 people found this review useful. 109 of 154
Categories Comments What to do for fun Cal Poly has a host of things to do. While the surrounding town is certainly a little more quiet than your average college town, there is plenty to do with in your radius. On campus, there is the Theater where notable people often come through to perform. I know Jerry Seinfeld will be here in a few weeks to perform a comedy routine and there are several other plays and symphonies lined up to perform. There is an a capella group called Take it SLO who performs that is truly phenomenal. Cal Poly is nestled between a range of peaks that are very climbable, one being the P right behind the Red Brick dorms that is about a 20 minute hike. There is also the Architecture Graveyard and Bishops peak, which is further off campus. There are plenty of sporting events always going on, too. Soccer is probably the most notable at Cal Poly, particularly the Cal Poly UCSB rivalry. Cal Poly has a new and extensive rec center that is incredibly gorgeous. They have basketball courts, volleyball courts, racquet ball, swimming, work out equipment, a plethora of classes you can take ranging from yoga to zumba, as well as intramural teams for plenty of the aforementioned sports. Off campus, there is downtown where there is the Farmer's Market every Thursday night. There are also bike parties the first Thursday night of every month after the Farmer's Market. Downtown there is the Fremont movie theater, plenty of great restaurants to suit any palate, and some fun sweet shoppes like Powell's, Rocket Fizz, and Batch. A little farther from campus, there is also a drive in theater and The Grad, which is a club where you can go line dancing every Thursday night, a pretty big deal around San Luis Obispo. There certainly is always something to do, you just have to find some friends and make a plan.
Food and Dining Unfortunately, Campus dining is truly the only blemish in my mind on Cal Poly's reputation. Despite it having a thriving Agriculture Department, the few things that the Ag school makes available for sale are expensive and often not worth it on a college budget. All first year students are required to have a meal plan which entails a certain number of meals per week along with a certain number of plus dollars per quarter. Meals can be used at a few select locations while the plus dollars can be used anywhere. The food tends to be good the first week around WOW week as well as around parent weekend but aside from that, it is very mediocre. Healthy options are hard to find, aside from the a la carte fruit and veggie options which tend to be relatively expensive. I was already vegetarian prior to starting Cal Poly but many of my friends have stated that when we go to Metro 19, the all you can eat buffet, most tend to avoid the meat because they feel it can't be trusted. I have not known of anyone to get sick from it but most just prefer not to have it. I have been tempted to confront someone about trying to skip the meal plan for one or two of the remaining quarters I have as a freshman but the truth is that it is inconveniently easy to just walk across the street from my dorm to go and buy food. If i were to buy my own groceries and cook my own food right now, it would certainly be a bigger time investment. Overall, Cal Poly's food is far from the best but it is tolerable for the first year and will certainly make you appreciate your parent's home cooking when you get to visit home. Don't let it scare you away from applying to this wonderful school though, because you really can make the best of it. By the way, Einstein's the better known bagel shop, is also on campus and is included in the meal plan - certainly a saving grace.
Dorm Life I am so grateful that I live on campus and furthermore, live in a triple. This may sound crazy because when I was first applying for housing, I wanted a triple but was very uncertain as to how it would work out. However, it has been a pleasure to room with two other guys. One suggestion I would make is to expect to live in a triple if you live in the Red Bricks or Towers, since Cal Poly has been accepting more applicants over the past few years. If you choose to live in either of these buildings (instead of Cerro Vista or Poly Canyon Village) try to control the situation and see if you can meet people to live with prior to move in day. You can pick roommates before hand and while it is not foolproof, it can definitely make the experience a little less scary. I was fortunate to be able to roommate with one friend from high school as well as another individual who I had talked to through a Cal Poly forum and we have all hit it off quite well. Dont be scared if you get random roommates either though because some of my best friends now have live together and had never met each other prior to move in day. The key is to be positive and ready for anything. There is value in every one you will meet.
Academic Rigor Cal Poly is no doubt different that your high school experience. The classes will challenge you academically but personally too. They challenge you academically by setting reasonably high expectations for you to succeed but they also often expect you to complete the homework and assignments at your desire. They want to see that the students take advantage of the supplemental work to aid their own knowledge but have the trust that one will use if if they need it. This is certainly a challenge to some people but those who take it and complete what is given even if there is no accompanied point value, always tend to do the best.
Tips for prospective students If you plan on attending Cal Poly, I highly suggest that you consider living in the Red Brick dorms. These dorms directly apply to your major (most of the time) and tend to have a much more academic basis. Now you may think that that lends itself to being boring but that is not at all the case. The Red Brick dorms allow you to meet SO many people, often in your major or in related majors. This helps you make friends that are learning the same things you are which is a big help when it comes to studying and doing group projects. As an architect major, Sequoia, the Red Brick that I live in, has drafting tables to specifically accommodate our needs. This little extra touch has been a huge component in my academic success.
In three sentences Cal Poly is a quaint community of dedicated individuals ready to work hard but play hard too. The academics compare to any other institution in rigor and quality. Likewise, the school has plenty going on to get students involved, you just have to look for it!
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Andrew from San Luis Obispo, CO
01/04/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety Safe
Clubs and Activities Formula SAE is great for engineers and those interested in automotive jobs.
Great for these types of students Hands on. Active.
Bang for the buck CSU's try to limit costs.
What to do for fun Outdoor activities. Clubs. Sports.
Food and Dining Cheap and edible.
Dorm Life I live off campus.
Academic Rigor Tough for engineering, less so for many other majors.
Tips for prospective students Have all required classes completed. Visit campus... San Luis Obispo is a different kind of city than most.
In three sentences Cal Poly really is dedicated to learn by doing. The professors care about undergraduate learning. There are many opportunities to become involved with clubs on campus.
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Ashley from San Luis Obispo, CA
01/06/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
0 out of 1 people found this review useful. 111 of 154
Categories Comments Greek Life it is definitely here but doesn't overtake campus
Clubs and Activities I am in multiple clubs I love
Great for these types of students Everyone
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus gum wall downtown
Bang for the buck Cheaper than everywhere else that offer this quality of education
What to do for fun Downtown, farmer's market, beach, hike, chill with friends
Tips for prospective students Get good grades and work hard!
In three sentences A great place to be! The weather is amazing and the people are friendly. Classes are interesting and there are many opportunities on campus.
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Poly Girl
01/07/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety There are hardly any incidents that occur on campus. You can safely walk anywhere without having to worry. I would still recommend the buddy system but this is overall a safe campus.
Clubs and Activities There are so many clubs and activities to chose from! There are clubs for any activity you enjoy. Off roading, dancing, or studying. You name it, we have it!
Great for these types of students Sudents that are: up for a challenging curriculum, dedicated to succeeding in their secondary education, excited for a great college atmosphere, outdoor enthusiasts, and fun!
Bang for the buck College is more expesive than ever, but here at Poly, you get everything you pay for. This school prepares you for a career, so get ready to succeed.
What to do for fun Hike the P, visit the new meat processing center for great hams ad sausage, go to the beach, browse the library, window shop downtown, embrace the dairy air.
Food and Dining Campus dining is subpar. However, a short walk to town and you'll have the best tri-tip of your life.
Dorm Life Teenagers are loud, what can I say? The dorms here give students a great opportunity to branch out and meet people. They provide a great place to sleep (when you can!), study, and hang out. I would recommend staying in the dorms your first year for sure!
Academic Rigor Because Cal Poly is on the quarter system,the courses fly by. This means that as opposed to semesters, you have a shorter time to do the same amount of work. The work is also more challenging, but more rewarding!
Tips for prospective students Stay organized! Make sure to stay on top of bills, housing applications, and homework. Now is the time to be responsible!
In three sentences I love everything about Cal Poly. Between the perfect weather, the dedicated professors, the incredible students, this place is a college kid's paradise. I would recommend this school to anyone who wants to get the most out of their college experience.
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Nelly from San Luis Obispo, CA
01/16/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
0 out of 1 people found this review useful. 113 of 154
Categories Comments What to do for fun i'm part of ROTC
Food and Dining maybe not the best i've had but i cant complain
Dorm Life you meat a lot of people that will later on help you and be there for you
Academic Rigor it is a little bit competitive but it goes by fast and you'll enjoy it
Tips for prospective students stay on top of everything and always do it on time
In three sentences cal poly san luis obispo has the best professors and opportunities. it is well diverse and always with new clubs to make everyone feel comfortable.
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01/16/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments What to do for fun Hike Bishops Peak! or architecture graveyard, explore downtown, go to avila or pismo.
Food and Dining The food was horrible. Plus we pay a crazy amount for what we are actually getting.
Dorm Life I loved the red bricks. I made a bunch of friends with the people in my building and the community events were really fun to participate in. The dorms made you feel like you were never lonely and there was always someone to hangout with if you wanted to.
Academic Rigor I am an engineer so our classes are naturally pretty difficult but most of the teachers are very supportive and are there to help you succeed. You just have to put in the time and your grades will reflect that.
Tips for prospective students Join clubs! You do not need to be an officer or anything but show up to some of the meetings or all if you can! Not only will they provide you with connections for your career someday possibly, but you can make a ton of friends and it looks good on your resume.
In three sentences Cal Poly is a supportive atmosphere where people are generally very happy and willing to help you out. No matter who you are there is a club or organization for you and they are always more than welcoming to new people. I love Cal Poly because it embraces everyone's differences and helps us find our place here on campus.
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Keegan from Brush Prairie, WA
01/17/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
0 out of 1 people found this review useful. 115 of 154
Categories Comments Bang for the buck I feel like I am throwing away money, because I could get a comparable education for much cheaper (but I am an out-of-state student)
What to do for fun There is very little do to around campus if you do not have a car.
Food and Dining The food is good, and very unhealthy.
Dorm Life The dorms are very nice, and have quality amenities.
Academic Rigor My classes have all been easier than any high school course I have taken, but in a span of 10 weeks, which allows for some challenge.
Tips for prospective students Be prepared for academic challenge, a lot of busy work, and a fairly competetive, selfish mindset.
In three sentences The education here is top-notch, as expected, but there are many aspects of the experience that I have not enjoyed. I have not been able to get into the classes necessary for my major, or find a federal student-aid job. The students are also very nice, but less than genuine.
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Valentina from Saint Helena, CA
02/24/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Clubs and Activities There are several clubs on campus! It's easy to find one that suits you or sounds fascinating enough to try out. Personally, I was told to try blues dancing by an older friend who had joined the club the year before. It didn't really seem like my style, but I went to a few lessons. In addition to the lessons, there is social dancing, where people dance with one another and have fun showing off their moves. It was a blast! Joining the blues dancing club completely changed my experience here and led me to meet some absolutely amazing people. Take a chance with the clubs on campus!
What to do for fun There's a lot to do for fun! There's a bowling alley right on campus in the University Union, as well as several hiking trails not far from campus. Hiking is definitely one of the most popular things to do; San Luis Obispo has absolutely beautiful hills and generally nice weather. There are also many different clubs on campus, many of them recreational. If you're not a club person, it's not hard to find a few friends and go into town to go shopping or see a movie!
Food and Dining Campus food is campus food. There are two parts of the freshman meal plans: meals (a set amount of money that you can use to buy food; the amount changes depending on the meal) and plu$ dollars (which act like actual money). Of the places on campus, only three take meals, but everywhere else takes plu$ dollars, including the Subway and library cafe. The three places that take meals, people generally like one or two of them but avoid the third, depending on preference. I'd say it averages out; some campus food is decent, some is more on the sketchy side. There are some obvious vegetarian options, but vegans may be limited to a lot of salad. The Campus Market has many grocery items that are conveniently on campus, but it is more difficult to cook if you're living in the dorms.
Dorm Life I personally like the dorm life! It was tricky getting used to sharing a room at first, but after a few weeks, it's easy to fall into certain routines that work with both you and your roommates. Most of the people I've met in the dorms are kind, funny people who have become my good friends. There are obviously a few downsides to living in a dorm (such as working especially hard to not get sick), but it's overall a good place to begin your freshman year.
Academic Rigor Cal Poly is great in that it balances pushing yourself and learning in new, different ways but not overwhelming its students. The quarter system allows for us to take a variety of classes and disencourages bad procrastination habits. Our motto, Learn by Doing, definitely comes into play in all fields.
Tips for prospective students Taking part in the 5 day orientation program, Week of Welcome or WOW, will honestly help you in familiarizing yourself on campus and to student life. Plus, it's an amazing way to kick off the year!
In three sentences Cal Poly not only has a fantastic education program, but a huge diversity of clubs and programs that enhance the student life. There's so much spirit and energy on campus. Go Mustangs!
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Caleb from San Luis Obispo, CA
02/27/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety It's a college environment so bad decisions are made, but I've never felt unsafe.
Greek Life I'm not a part of it, but many are and love it.
Clubs and Activities Hundreds of clubs, I love the Younglife and the campus crusade clubs.
Great for these types of students Those who love challenges, love the outdoors, engineers.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus The UCSB soccer game is extremely exciting, and is called the biggest soccer rivalry in the nation. Make sure to attend this packed out event!
Bang for the buck It's expensive, but far cheaper than private schools.
What to do for fun Multiple beaches are close, there are trails everywhere, the downtown is amazing and there are hundreds of awesome clubs.
Food and Dining I'm never hungry and there are healthy options.
Dorm Life I was placed in a quad (four of us in one room), but the people in my room and on my floor were a lot of fun.
Academic Rigor Classes are tough, but challenge is a good thing!
Tips for prospective students Put in the appropriate study time, and don't be scared to try new things.
In three sentences I am loving attending Cal Poly. My professors are personable and clear, and the classes are interesting for the most part. The location is beautiful, and there are always things to do.
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Chelsea from El Dorado Hills, CA
03/03/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety It is a very safe area to live!
Clubs and Activities There is a club for everything! If there isn't, start one!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Farmers Market, hiking bishops and to the P!
Bang for the buck The tuition is reasonable for the education you will be receiving!
What to do for fun There is so much to do for fun. This area is gorgeous and their are plenty of places to go hiking or go to the beach. Also, downtown is fun to walk around and their is a Thursday evening Farmers Market.
Food and Dining Campus Dining is not the best, but I miss having a meal plan and not having to cook for myself and go grocery shopping.
Dorm Life I lived in Cerro Vista, so I had my own room. It was a great experience and I met my best friends there. I strongly encourage participating in the WOW program, because this will introduce you to many other students.
Academic Rigor It is a very difficult school, and all the students who attend are very intelligent.
Tips for prospective students College is much harder than high school. You have to stay on top of the material, and take notes and do homework even if it is not required.
In three sentences Cal Poly was one of the best decisions of my life. The class sizes are small and the teachers truly want their students to succeed. Cal Poly prepares their students for the real world through their Learn by Doing motto.
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Victoria from Union City, CA
03/28/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety Very safe, even at night. The students on campus walk with each other and are very aware of their surroundings (as emphasized during orientation week). The only threatening thing around campus would be the mountain lions, but they stay away from campus territory itself.
Clubs and Activities Tons of clubs. Over 500 of them during the annual club fair. From fencing to horseback riding to float building, you have it all.
Great for these types of students Academically studious, but very relaxed and open to new experiences.
Bang for the buck Lots of people are hung up over how great the UCs are compared to the CSUs but Cal Poly is such an exception to this generalized belief. For a CSU price, you're getting so much more experience than what you'll get at a UC. With smaller class sizes and a motto of Learn by Doing, you spend more time learning HOW TO DO what you'll be practicing than learning ABOUT it.
What to do for fun There's plenty to do here at Cal Poly. A new Rec center just opened up at the beginning of last year that is a state-of-the-art facility. There's hardly a student on campus that isn't into staying fit or getting into shape! If you're not a sporty type, there's plenty to do downtown too! Only a 5 minute bus ride to get there and lots of little shops and mainstream stores down there.
Food and Dining Okay, to be completely honest here, Cal Poly food is downright disappointing. The campus does use wholesome ingredients and even organic produce most of the time. However, its what they DO to the food that makes it gross. Half the time, the students who live on campus have food poisoning one way or another and its a hit or miss depending on whether or not you really want to risk the Chinese food or stay safe and eat some cereal instead.
Dorm Life Awesome, there's always people around to either study hard or play hard. Its a great school for both, even though the partying is not as often as schools such as SB. Cal Poly students definitely know when its time to buckle down and cram or relax and chill over the weekend.
Academic Rigor Its tough here, I won't even lie about that. But its a good kind of tough. You're doing what you'll be practicing in the future, so its meant to be a learning experience! If you're a science major, you'll be spending 80% of your life in labs, but you'll soon discover whether or not sciences are your true passion or not.
Tips for prospective students Be sure you already have a good idea of what you want to do. If you're undecided by the time you're applying for colleges, apply for Cal Poly, but pick whatever you think is your strongest subject. It IS possible to change your major here, despite what people say!
In three sentences An amazing bang for your buck. This school is clearly out-of-the-ordinary as the staff give you hands-on training and education dealing with your major. You'll actually be practicing what you'll be doing in your actual career in the future!
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Elaina from Fremont, CA
03/29/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments What to do for fun Go to the beach, chill or eat downtown, go to farmer's market, bowl, scuba dive, swim, club sports, club outings and activities.
Food and Dining I would suggest you cook for yourself. The food wasn't particularly good.
Dorm Life Dorm life is wonderful. Friends become best friends.
Academic Rigor Classes can get pretty hard, especially if you are in the college of science and engineering.
Tips for prospective students Prepare to study a lot! People are kind and welcoming here, respect that and maybe even follow it. Have fun and study hard!
In three sentences I love it here. They have wonderful people who are kind and helpful. You will feel at home.
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Andrea from Salinas, CA
04/02/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety There are so many cops and vans that can transport you home if you ever feel unsafe. it is a very safe campus i rarely hear of any instances of assaults.
Greek Life I don't know anything about the greek life but I'm assuming its fantastic.
Clubs and Activities It has really changed my view about college by joining in activities and clubs my whole outlook.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus none that I know of.
What to do for fun There is so much to do for fun. I joined every dance group on campus but you can also go to the beach to kayak, surf, feed the squirrels. you will never have nothing to do here.
Food and Dining Food is ok not the worst but when you have to feed such a large bulk of kids I don't blame them for not having amazing food. They do have a large variety of options though.
Dorm Life I had the most amazing experience meeting new people and making life long friends at Fremont Dorms. Go red bricks !!!
Academic Rigor I have had the most invigorating and interesting yet difficult classes at cal poly. for example Soil science. It is rated one of the top failed classes but I was so interested the whole time i was in the class.
Tips for prospective students Only thing i need to say is stay motivated. Many students stop going to class and grades drop dramatically. School in general is difficult so find a reason to stay motivated and place it where you will always see it.
In three sentences Cal poly is a riveting school with amazing teachers. Best thing about it are the small classes and quarter system. I do believe it needs a bit more diversity but overall a great school to attend.
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Lyndsi from Boulder, CO
04/21/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety There are rarely issues of theft or injury. The largest theft problems relate to stealing bikes, and most injuries occur off campus. Even those rarely occur, San Luis Obispo is a very safe place.
Greek Life It is definitely not a school in the south, by no means do you have to be in greek life to feel included. Many people do join, but its not necessary to enjoy the college life.
Clubs and Activities There are tons of choices, so that everyone can be happy!
Great for these types of students Smart, motivated and ambitious students
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Every Thursday is UU hour and also school spirit day so if you where green you can get 15% off pizza on campus.
Bang for the buck Cal Poly is one of the cheapest schools for the quality of education you receive, especially for out of state students. It is by far the cheapest school to attend being out of state.
What to do for fun The beach is a 10 minute drive away! plus tons of hiking spots within walking distance from campus.
Food and Dining The food covered by meal plans on campus is pretty low quality, but you also have Plus Dollars to spend sometimes on tastier food.
Dorm Life The dorms aren't great, but what dorms are? The biggest complaint is the quality of food on campus
Academic Rigor If you are an engineering major here it is no walk in the park. They push you to be the best you can be and make sure that you will succeed after college. It's a hard college but provides you with a very rewarding feeling of success
Tips for prospective students I would highly recommend coming to Cal Poly they provide a strong education while at the same time students still participate in a social life. Who says you can't have it all?
In three sentences The education I have received thus far from Cal Poly has really shown me why they are so highly acknowledge for their engineering programs. The attitude of learn by doing is one that I think every school should adopt. Cal Poly throws you in head first and lets you figure it out.
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Brianna from Vista, CA
04/27/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety There are blue lights everywhere that allow for quick access to the police station on campus, the police are always out and willing to help, and there are van escort services to take you from one side of campus to the other.
Clubs and Activities There are over three hundred clubs on campus with everything to do from your major to anything you may be interested in. There is always something to do or get involved in.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Hiking Architecture Graveyard is a must at Cal Poly. It is a hillside full of past architecture projects that are fun to climb on and visit in general. I take all my friends and visitors there when they come to SLO. It is also mandatory that you try Woodstock's Pizza, Firestone's Tri-Tip sandwiches, and Splash Cafe's clam chowder!!
What to do for fun You can join tons of cool clubs, like the equestrian team, water polo, lacrosse, and other sports. We have over three hundred clubs on campus to get involved in. You can also hang out at the Rec Center pool, which is really nice, go on hikes, go downtown, and spend your days however you like. It is a very free and easy campus that has a lot to do.
Food and Dining There are really nice places that accept plus dollars, a form of food credit, but there are certain places that accept the meal credits that aren't as appetizing. However, there is a lot of variety, and we do have multiple Starbucks, a Jamba Juice, Einsteins Bagel's, and Chick-fil-a which is really nice.
Dorm Life The food is not the best, but there is a lot of variety which is really nice. The rooms are nice, the college has an amazing atmosphere, and I have enjoyed my time in the dorms.
Academic Rigor Cal Poly accepts only the best, and they accept nothing but the best. The courses are challenging, but you can get an A as long as you put the work in. You get from the class what you put into it, so if you study, pay attention, and work to do well, you will.
Tips for prospective students This school is one of the best schools to go to, whether for agriculture, engineering, or art. All the courses you take will relate to your field of study, and when you graduate a Cal Poly education will be accepted and wanted by companies. I would say to make sure you invest in campus though. Put yourself out there, get involved, and make the most of college life.
In three sentences A school that lives to its motto, Learn By Doing. Cal Poly, SLO is the best school I could have chosen; I get hands on experience that relate to the learning styles that work best for me. The classes are college courses, but they provide real world experience that isn't available at other schools.
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Daryenne from San Luis Obispo, CA
05/20/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments What to do for fun Hike, go to the beach, shop or eat downtown and meet amazing people.
Tips for prospective students Establish good study habits from the beginning. When you have easier classes but you establish good study habits, those habits will carry over to your more difficult classes.
In three sentences I am absolutely in love with Cal Poly. Professors here are very passionate about what they teach. Furthermore, they are willing to allow you to explore what you are passionate about.
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Jordan from Ventura, CA
06/12/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Food and Dining Food is terrible for freshman stuck on campus during weekends. Most places on campus close. Other than that, watch the calories.
Dorm Life Dorms are great for freshman and the best way to meet lots of fun people. Communal bathrooms will take some getting used to though.
Academic Rigor Courses are challenging and professors are top notch in certain fields, especially biological sciences and engineering.
Tips for prospective students Look into the major you select when applying. Once you commit to a major, you're committed.
In three sentences Cal Poly is a challenging learn-by-doing four year university for the most dedicated students. Workload will be a lot for many of the majors. The outdoors is the best study break, however.
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Beth from Lakeview, CA
06/19/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
0 out of 1 people found this review useful. 126 of 154
Categories Comments What to do for fun There are tons of things to do outside because of the weather in SLO; hiking, beaches, camping, pools or just hanging out with a group of friends are all great things to do.
Food and Dining Could be worse, but you have lots of options which is really nice.
Tips for prospective students Visit Poly and if you fall if love with the area then you can stop your search.
In three sentences I couldn't have picked a better place to attend undergraduate school. The people and atmosphere make Cal Poly home away from home. It's a great place to decide what you want to do for the rest of your life.
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06/29/2013Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
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Categories Comments Food and Dining Basic food not good not bad
Dorm Life it is better to find off campus housng
Academic Rigor classes appeared organized
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Jon from San Jose, CA
07/11/2013Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.
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Categories Comments In three sentences This school looks awesome, but could someone attending the school give me Anything that might surprise me?
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Alex from Portland, OR
07/21/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety Relatively safe, there have been some coyotes on campus, and a couple rapes reported in recent years.
Greek Life There are some fraternities and sororities, but it's not huge.
Clubs and Activities Some greek life, but it isn't as huge as say a USC. There are a lot of clubs. Join some and meet new people, if you don't like it or don't have time to go to meetings later in the quarter, that is totally fine.
Great for these types of students Architecture, agriculture, engineering majors.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus There are concerts in the University Union on Thursdays.
Bang for the buck It is very inexpensive for in state. For out of state students, like myself, it is quite expensive, but it may be worth it depending on your major.
What to do for fun Hang out, go to the beach, play sports/go to the gym
Food and Dining The on campus food isn't great, and it is expensive if you run out of your meal plan or in future years when don't have one any more.
Dorm Life It's fun. Leave your door open and people will come and say hi.
Academic Rigor The general education courses are difficult, I have heard that they are much more rigorous than at other universities, and that is one of the reasons Cal Poly produces better graduates.
Tips for prospective students Know what you want to major in, otherwise attend another school.
In three sentences Great if you know what you want to major in. If you don't, it is very difficult to switch majors. Great people.
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Nestor from Long Beach, CA
07/28/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety Love everyone, trust no one. It may be a nice campus with nice people, but don't let it go to your head. We all have secrets. It's always better to be safe and responsible than getting raped because you took too much, had no designated sober friend, and lost your consciousness. BE SAFE. You can party hard all you want, but you can also be safe. Trust no one. Don't learn the hard way. Same thing goes for guys. Take stuff slow and learn your limit. You don't want to be one of those kids who takes 30 shots of vodka and goes to the hospital.
Greek Life It's fine, but like I said: It's better if you express yourself in other ways. Sex isn't that great. Frat parties may give you the option to get laid often, but sex really isn't that great. Find other ways to express yourself and become one with the universe. As I mentioned beforehand, the parties themselves aren't that great either. Personal dorm parties are way better. All you have to do is put yourself out there.
Clubs and Activities Lurk moar.
Great for these types of students Don't label yourselves. Try new stuff. No such thing as a gamer, a bookworm, a Bible-hugging conservatives, or a tree-hugging liberal. Develop and open-mind.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Supper Sekkret. You must find it on your own terms.
Bang for the buck Come on. This isn't even a valid question. We're known for having the best bang for your buck. Our engineering programs are one of the best. Don't let it go to your head though. Business majors works just as hard. The only difference is that you have developed an inferior complex, probably. You're not better than everyone else and if all you have going for you is your smarts, you need to loosen up and go party or something. Life if short to keep hating on everyone. We're all here for the same reason: To get a damn good education and to find ourselves. Express yourselves!
What to do for fun Hiking, biking, eating, movies, clubs, bars, beach, museums, etc. You will need personal transportation to do other stuff of course. it's a small town and even though it's always about the small things, you may need something to do should you get bored. Parties are available and should be taken advantage of during the first week, but most of the time they are pretty non-existent. Most parties are frat parties and they don't let anyone come in that doesn't have an absurd girl to guy ratio. They tend to become sausage fests and nothing really happens. Personal dorm parties are the way to go. Much more fun and open minded.
Food and Dining :) Yeah, nah. It's not good at all. Don't trust anything that you put in your mouth in here. VGs is quite the horror. The only reason why it's tolerated is because they are open until 2 AM on the weekdays, so it makes the perfect place to grab a quick bite should you have the munchies or drunchies. Subway is open 24 hours, but it's a long way away. Metro is an all you can eat buffet and the food has gotten better. but it's still not that great. Just be smart about your purchases. Don't waste all your free plus dollars on Jamba Juice or Subway like my friend did.
Dorm Life I quit enjoyed it. The main thing you have to do is put yourself out there. Don't be afraid to hurt others by the things you say. As long as you own up to them and talk about it afterward, it's fine. Keeping to yourself for fear of rejection will only do you bad. Take it from someone who has been there. When bad stuff happens to you or your family, you're going to need a friend or two to talk to. You can be an introvert and find time by yourself or in small groups wonderful, but make close friends. Your other friends might be busy facing their own problems in their universities or at work.
Academic Rigor Quite manageable if you set your mind to it. I may sound like a record player, but it is true what they say: College isn't anything like High School. You may be fine the first and second quarters, but if you don't take an initiative into your education by the time the third or fourth quarters hit, you will be on a road to depression and academic probation. Seriously, study.
Tips for prospective students Take a car or get a friend who has a card. You have free rides that come with your payments to Cal Poly, but you will see that eventually you will run out of things to do at Cal Poly. Personal transportation is required to go to the local beaches and to get away once in a while.
In three sentences Situated in a college town, it really is a living embodiment that it's the small things that count, whether it's a hike up Bishop's peak or eating a hot dog with your friends at the local diners. There isn't very much to do in this town, but that's what makes is special. Open-minded folks make it an ideal place for you to find yourself.
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Soroush from Pleasant Hill, CA
08/06/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety There have been a history of sexual assaults but it is honestly not very out of the ordinary. People do not feel in danger walking home very light at night. Also we have had many mountain lion sightings but all these fears are allayed by the steadfast response by campus authorities. There is a wonderful support community for anything bad that could happen at school.
Greek Life We frat hard. Not as hard as the southern schools, but we put our own California swing on things. Greeks throw the best parties and there is a greek organization for everyone.
Clubs and Activities Greek life, professional communities, club communities, intramural-club-collegiate sports, school sponsored adventure initiatives.
Great for these types of students Focus on hands-on education. Work-oriented students as opposed to those obsessed with knowledge. Independent students who fight to get the hard things done. Those not concerned with high diversity.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus The Cal Poly P is a large cement P on top of the campus mountain that is an attraction for students. We hike the P, and it is continually being painted different colors. After Gay Marriage made strides in California, the P was colored rainbow, and pink for Breast Cancer awareness. We have many oddly unique songs we sing at out loud at games that are widely known and enjoyed. Since we do not have a frat row, we name our satellite houses unique names that all have stories behind them.
Bang for the buck Cal Poly is a state school that academically rivals the Ivy League and the University of California and socially rivals the big southern state schools. You will have a very well rounded experience at Cal Poly, which makes it a great bargain. The tuition is still under $10k for in state students.
What to do for fun San Luis Obispo is one of the best places in the world for sober fun. We have 9 post-volcanic mountains in SLO to hike which all offer wonderful views of the central coast. The beaches which are a 5 minute drive away are some of the nicest and most calming in the world. There are many well-organized student clubs that meet weekly and do things in the community. Speaking of the community, SLO has been named the happiest city in America by a reputable online source. Downtown SLO offers wonderful eateries and bars that attract students. The Cal Poly Mustangs compete in the NCAA division 1 and are particularly competitive in Men's and Women's cross country. The most popular sport on campus is Men's soccer which regularly packs Spanos Stadium with over 10,000 fans - the games are exciting and people not typically into sports find themselves enjoying it. Greek life at Cal Poly has a presence for people who choose to join. The Greeks have fun and host student events that are sources for fun. Lastly, Cal Poly has a vibrant party scene where many students participate.
Food and Dining A meal plan is required for freshman living on campus at Cal Poly. The dining at school is not very good but gets better each year. Subway is open 24-hours a day on campus for students to eat. Campus has a fine dining location in which students can use their meal plan dollars to eat, this place, Sage Cafe, is pretty tasty. You will never go hungry with the meal plan but you may be unsatisfied at times. Regardless, the meal plan works, there is something that will satisfy you, and we even have a buffet on campus where we eat.
Dorm Life The residential housing communities at Cal Poly are pretty good. Freshmen stay in the Connections halls (Sierra Madre and Yosemite Halls,) the Living and Learning communities (The major specific, Red Brick halls,) and North Mountain Halls. Also, Cal Poly has a multi-class residence community located on top of the campus mountain known as Cerro Vista which features suite/apartment style living. Beginning in the 2013-14 school year, freshman students will be put into Poly Canyon Village, the student housing complex reserved for Second years and above. In the Connections halls, towers are assigned by theme and admitted students can choose the themes that they want to be placed in. In Yosemite hall, the floors are unisex, whereas in Sierra Madre the halls segregate by floor.
Academic Rigor The general education courses at Cal Poly are similar to those at other good public schools. On the one hand, they require a lot of work to do well in. On the other hand, The GEs cover the basic fundamentals of the courses which is good and renders the courses not too difficult. The major courses, which students start taking in their freshman year, become harder, more project based, and harder to succeed in. You WILL EARN your degree from Cal Poly.
Tips for prospective students If you are a very homesick-prone student, do not apply here because the campus dining you'll be subject to is not great. Go on the calpoly.edu website and research, in depth, the different majors and minors offered at the university. Very important to note: you will hear that it is impossible to change your major here at Cal Poly. The first thing to know about this is that you CAN indeed change majors and it is easies to change from an impacted major, to a less impacted major. Impacted refers to the majors that have the most student applicants. If your focus in your undergraduate years is to attain a lot of theoretical knowledge in hopes of getting into a good grad school, then a UC school is more your thing. On the other hand, if you focus is to attain practical skills in the classroom that will prepare you for a good job upon graduation, then Cal Poly is one of the best choices.
In three sentences Cal Poly is the best school for you if you know exactly what you want to study upon entering college. Diversity is not Cal Poly's strong suit, so do not apply if you are particularly looking for a heterogenous student body. There is a wonderful balance of social and academic opportunities at Poly, and that balance is valued by all students and you are sure to appreciate it as well.
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Rachel from Arcadia, CA
08/07/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety Campus police patrol at all times, and there is an escort van available from 7pm-midnight. I definitely felt very safe, even at a state school.
Clubs and Activities There are hundreds of clubs and activities to be a part of, and all of them are showcased at the end of Week of Welcome for new students! They are super easy to join, and everybody is welcoming!
Bang for the buck This is definitely a bang for the buck type of school. It is top three in the nation for undergraduate engineering, all for around $8,000 a year in tuition! It is also one of the best schools for architecture and any agricultural major. Tons of financial aid is also available, so cost is not as big of an issue at Cal Poly!
What to do for fun There is so much to at Cal Poly. Halfway between Los Angeles and San Francisco and a little over an hour away from Santa Barbara, there are plenty of places to travel to! Locally, there is a beautiful downtown area, along with the beach, hiking, surfing, kayaking, rock climbing, pretty much anything you can think of! There is line dancing at the Graduate every Thursday, and plenty of places to shop and eat! Make sure to try Firestone Grill! San Luis Obispo is also famous for the Farmer's Market every Thursday night. It features locally grown produce and is definitely worth a visit!
Food and Dining Honestly, dining is marginal at Cal Poly. It is overpriced and of an okay quality. Being in the apartments, I only had to use 8 meals per week, but dorm kids eat there all the time. The meal plan food isn't the best, but it's tolerable. Don't let that keep you from coming to a great school! We do have Starbucks, Subway, Jamba Juice, and Einstein's Bagels!
Dorm Life I lived in the Cerro Vista apartments my freshman year. The positives of this include having your own room, which is nice if you're a bit of an introvert (like myself), only sharing a bathroom with one other person, as opposed to ten or twenty people, and having a kitchen (cooking, yay!); however, it is extremely easy to fall behind in keeping the apartment clean, even with a weekly cleaning service. There are no dishwashers! Basically, a bit of independence is key in order to maintain a nice apartment lifestyle. For the actual dorms, I had many friends that lived there, and I've heard both good and bad stories. All in all, try to make things work with your roommate, and surround yourself with people you love! It will make your dorm experience much more memorable. Also, Cal Poly is planning to build new freshman dorms, so they will be much nicer soon!
Academic Rigor The amazing thing about Cal Poly is that you start your major right away. So, many kids think that those are the main classes, and that general ed courses are of less importance. It depends on the class, but any class can catch you off guard if you let it. It's easy to let a GE class slip while focusing on your major classes because those are the important ones. Keep up on your studies! The library is a great place to study. College classes can be a big change, and Cal Poly's curriculum is definitely rigorous, especially if you're in an engineering, math, architecture, or science major.
Tips for prospective students Study, study, STUDY!! It's very easy to fall behind in your freshman year. Cal Poly has a ton of great resources to help you out, but you have to go to them first. Also, don't let the state school registration system scare you. Fight for the classes you want! Also, participate in WOW! Take advantage of every opportunity that you can! It will make your college experience that much better.
In three sentences Cal Poly is an exciting, rigorous school. It has a small town feel in a large state school. It is the best decision I've ever made!
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Brian from Antioch, CA
08/23/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments What to do for fun Avila and Pismo beach are great fun. There are many good places to eat downtown and around the area. The sand dunes in Los Osos are great.
Food and Dining There are many delicious barbecue, pizza, and burger joints downtown. Firestone and Woodstock's are a must have for visitors.
Dorm Life The dorm life was an amazing experience for me. There are always people to talk to and hang out with. I made many close friends during my first year.
Academic Rigor The classes can be tough, but the programs get you prepared for the real world. The physics department sucks, though.
Tips for prospective students Go to classes, but enjoy the college experience.
In three sentences Cal Poly is dedicated to teaching based on their motto of learn by doing. Major focused classes give you experience from the very first intro classes. The location of San Luis Obispo offers many local activities.
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Lelah Anden
08/23/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety The police on campus are always there, but truly only for safety. Unless you are doing something that threatens your or another person's life, they will almost always let you off with a warning. Treat them with respect and you will be rewarded.
Clubs and Activities There are a multitude of clubs available for students and they are very flexible with student schedules. If clubs are too time consuming, there is always Friday night line dancing and Blacklight Bowling on campus for everyone to enjoy. During the week, it is also easy to find recreational groups that do a range of activities from hiking to surfing. There is always something to do or be involved in.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Wear Cal Poly green on Thursdays and you get discounts at campus eateries. But shhh! It's a secret!
Bang for the buck Campus store is definitely the most expensive place to buy supplies and representative wear, so I would highly recommend either buying school supplies ahead of time, or buying offline. For school apparel, Cal Poly has a sister shop downtown that tends to be much cheaper, so I would go there. The store sometimes has massive sales, so it would be wise to buy anything from there at that time. Some things get marked off 80%, so you don't want to miss out!
What to do for fun Cal Poly is the proud location for the largest gym on the west coast, with an indoor track, two pools, and lots of exercise equipment (not to mention all the indoor basketball, volleyball, racketball, and tennis courts they have) for student and public use so you can never be bored. They also have a recreational section where you can sign up for backpacking trips, hiking groups, kayak groups, and plenty more. Equipment for these events are also available for rent at very reasonable prices. If you are not the athletic type, then there are plenty of beach days and parties to attend during the weekend (and sometimes even the week). Just keep your eyes and ears open, and you will find things to do easy.
Food and Dining Campus food is pretty acceptable. There are not many options, but you really don't need that many when what they have is so good. One of my favorite places on campus is definitely the Burger Bar. It is exactly as it sounds. You walk up and sit down at a bar to order, while having multiple t.v.'s to watch, exactly like a bar. It's fantastic. Space is extremely limited though, so you either better get there early, or go at a time when no one is around, because the spots fill up quick. Everywhere else is average, in terms of seating, and you can always find a place to eat. Whether its the buffet venue, or Chick-Fil-A, you will always have worthy options. And if you get bored, then you can easily walk downtown and grab something there. Simple.
Dorm Life Dorm life is a super social part of campus life, and they really make sure NO ONE is left out. And I mean, NO ONE. If you are an introvert, good luck, since you probably won't survive all the socializing they encourage (and almost force). For everyone else it's great, because you get good hookups on where the hottest party will be, or get to create a party yourself with the people in your dorm. The advisors also throw some pretty sweet events and contests, so it's pretty much a win-win if you are into that. But if you are an introvert as I am, then I highly recommend the apartment life. It is almost too easy to avoid all the events put on by the advisors, and you can really just focus on whatever you need. You have your own room, and you don't have to worry about being bothered by anyone. It is a complete fortress if solitude just for you, just as it should be.
Academic Rigor Study, study, study. The campus can't get over how much you need to study. There are literally posters everywhere on campus to encourage and remind you how much you should be studying. Grades are VERY important at Cal Poly. Though you are allowed to go out and party, you better keep those grades up or they WILL hunt you down and find out what's going down. In worst case scenarios, you will be put on academic probation, which is your final warning before being expelled. Cal Poly don't play. You gotta work.
Tips for prospective students Definitely sign up for WOW (Week Of Welcome). It is one of the BEST orientation programs you can find anywhere, and there will be no regrets unless you don't sign up! People meet so many future friends for life there, and it never ceases to be amazing each year. Everyone talks about it for the first few weeks anyway, so why miss out?
In three sentences Cal Poly has an excellent atmosphere for new students, and for students continuing on. There is always something new and fun to try out, and the food options appeal to the health nuts as well as those just looking for a greasy burger. Location is also pretty awesome, (in the middle of a valley, and only a couple miles from the beach), with horses roaming on campus. What's not to like?
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09/12/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
0 out of 1 people found this review useful. 135 of 154
Categories Comments Food and Dining Worst food.
Dorm Life All depends on your roommates.
Academic Rigor EE professors are awsome. CSC teachers are not so good.
Tips for prospective students Go to UC schools if you want to continue your education after undergrad.
In three sentences It is OK.
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Owen from San Luis Obispo, CA
10/18/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety I have never felt in danger, but of course this is relative. If you put yourself in a dangerous situation, well, I'm sorry.
Greek Life I just joined a fraternity for the connections and brotherhood aspect. Currently going through initiation and I love it.
Clubs and Activities There are over 500 clubs and activities online
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Bubblegum alley in downtown SLO is a famous place you should visit.
Bang for the buck The cheapest and best education you can get in California. Top notch professors, and real hands on learning environment.
What to do for fun Go line dancing surfing hiking swimming go to the rec center, it's huge!
Food and Dining That is always a matter of personal choice. You can make healthy eating choices on campus and avoid the legendary freshman 15, I gained 10 pounds, but it was mostly muscle mass.
Dorm Life I have lived in the red bricks two years now, once as a freshman and now as an RA. It is very social and very fun, live in the red bricks if you want to do well in school and make networking connections for college classes and for business opportunities for the rest of your life.
Academic Rigor It is very fast paced with the quarters. You do not have time to waste time.
Tips for prospective students Go to Cal Poly, and get involved with a club. Line dancing is one of the most fun things I do every Thursday.
In three sentences Cal Poly has provided me with so many hands on activities in lab and in the field. The location of this school could not be better: it is in the middle of SF and LA, 15 minutes from the beach, and surrounded by beautiful hiking mountains. You are able to connect and find groups for any culture or way of life.
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Visitor from Montebello, CA
10/25/2013Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
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Categories Comments What to do for fun Many people enjoyed just the outdoors.
Food and Dining Decent campus cafes and a subway. Just have varied tastes.
Dorm Life They said it depends on who you decide to associate yourself with.
Academic Rigor I asked many students, specifically engineering, they said not to get unfocused.
Tips for prospective students Bring hiking shoes.
In three sentences It was an very beautiful campus. There were many places you could go with just a simple bus pass. You might often find yourself hiking on the beautiful trails on the weekends, this campus has a great environment.
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11/03/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments What to do for fun Go to the beach or ride your bike or go for a hike or go downtown, go to the archery range or go shopping downtown, go to farmers, go for a swim, there's seriously so much you can do here.
Food and Dining Urgh. Likely by now it's been improved but when I was a freshman a few years ago food was dismal. Avoid VG's. Your best bet is Sandwich Factory. But they've likely changed everything.
Dorm Life Dorms are average, no better or worse than any other schools to be quite honest. You can live with people in similar majors or you can live with other majors. Depends on your preference. Being a science major it was nice to live with people who were also studying forever for lab practicals and midterms, rather than out every other night. At the same time, it would have been nice to meet more people outside my major, but again, it's personal preference.
Academic Rigor Definitely depends on your major! I'm in the College of Math and Science (COSAM) and it's a lot of work. Sometimes it can feel like all you're doing is studying while everyone else is out having fun, but you just have to learn to balance and manage your time well.
Tips for prospective students Definitely apply even if you're not sure about Cal Poly. I didn't even give it a second thought when I was applying and when I finally visited I fell in love. Don't be scared off by the choosing your major upon applying and not being able to switch. They say that, but you can definitely change if you decide early//and even if you decide later, you can still change. I know people who switched during their third year. The school might make it a pain, but it's definitely do-able.
In three sentences Cal Poly is overall an amazing school and everyone should consider attending. There's so much to do in the surrounding area and everyone is so nice. Plus it's right between the Bay Area and LA so you have options for any long weekend trips.
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Dante from Laguna Niguel, CA
11/05/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Bang for the buck By California standards you get a great value at CPSLO.
What to do for fun Most anything you would want to do can be done in or around SLO. The Central California Coastal region is truly awesome. The city of SLO caters to the students and there is never a shortage of activities.
Food and Dining Plenty of options, but college food is college food. The town has unlimited and GREAT food variety.
Dorm Life Dorms are clean and comfortable, especially Cerro Vista Dorm Apartments. Activities are always happening. WOW is kinda corny.
Academic Rigor Expect to work. The mantra is learn by doing. Very hands-on environment, but not easy.
Tips for prospective students Get here early. SLO is becoming more popular and they are expecting more students, growing from 18,000 to 25, 000 in the near future.
In three sentences Great school in awesome location. If you like outdoor activities; hiking, camping, exploring, SLO is the place to be. Campus is beautiful and the town is all about student life.
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Daniel from Hereford, AZ
11/27/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Bang for the buck The reputation that Cal Poly has built is incredible. You'll have no trouble convincing someone that your university is top-tier.
What to do for fun Beach Volleyball Rec Center (Workout, Sports, Swimming, fitness classes) Campfires on the beach Hiking the many mountains near campus Visiting Morro Bay Visiting Hearst Castle Visiting Montana De Oro Mountain Biking Fishing Golfing Going downtown Surfing Basketball Ultimate Frisbee Attending sporting events Going to a rave/dance party
Food and Dining The campus food isn't the best. It's livable, but you won't be rushing back for seconds.
Dorm Life The dorms are all pretty connected and you should make new friends starting from the day that you move in. Everyone is really friendly.
Academic Rigor You'll find yourself having many late nights as an Engineering major. Well worth it though.
Tips for prospective students Definitely apply for financial aid and scholarships. This school's great degree and classes come at a price.
In three sentences Cal Poly is a great school. The learn by doing approach puts your education ahead of the rest and the quarter system accelerates your learning even further. Definitely worth going to.
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Mason from Heron, MT
12/10/2013Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.
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Categories Comments Food and Dining Exactly what you would expect from a college cafeteria.
Dorm Life Dorms are normal.
Academic Rigor This is a very difficult school, but at the same time very rewarding.
Tips for prospective students STAY UP ON ACADEMICS. Do everything you can that you think will help you get in.
In three sentences This is my top choice school. Every prospective engineer should check this school out. Keep in mind that it is difficult to get in, so stay on top of academics.
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Ryan from San Luis Obispo, CA
12/23/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments What to do for fun San Luis Obsipo has a lot to do. A ton of hiking options, the beach, the great weather, this is a great place for fun.
Food and Dining Cal Poly has the worst food I have ever had in my life. It is horrible and overpriced.
Dorm Life Dorm life is amazing, but depending on where you live. Some of the dorms, like the apartment style, would be an absolutely horrible experience. Cal Poly has overpacked its campus and that affects dorm life.
Academic Rigor I'd say in the college of business the education as a whole is very poor, but other colleges have much better professors. My roommates in other majors have said they have learned a lot, but something about business professors make it seem like they couldn't careless about education.
Tips for prospective students Pick a major you love, and if you don't love it then change that major. Don't get stuck in a major you don't love, that you're not passionate about. It's better to switch and be here longer, than never switch and be miserable.
In three sentences I believe that Cal Poly distributes attention to the different colleges unfairly. They spend so much attention on engineering and leave other colleges in the dust. They need to put them on even playing fields, not pedestals.
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Julia from San Luis Obispo, CA
12/28/2013Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety Safe! There are text message/email emergency notifications. So far, I have gotten a message about a bear strolling by campus. :)
Great for these types of students If you are passionate about your major and love California, the weather, and having fun, you belong here!
Bang for the buck Definitely worth what you pay, but watch out for the few lemon teachers!
What to do for fun Thursdays- Campus Market, Gym: The rec center is great.. Huge, inviting, lots of activities to get involved in, classes to sign up for, Walleyball (Volleyball in the racketball court),Hicking, Intramural sports, Adventures to the Beach/bonfires,Chill on Dexter Lawn, Activities in Downtown, I am never bored here...
Tips for prospective students Apply here if you have a passion for one of Cal Poly's majors. If you are unsure about your career goals don't apply. It can be difficult and stressful to transfer majors if you are unsure of you career goals.
In three sentences Cal Poly is the school for you if you know what career you want to pursue...If you are still exploring, better to apply a different school. The hands on learning learn by doing aspect helps you focus, makes learning more enjoyable, and prepares you for the real world. Overall: Perfect college town, nice weather, and great education.
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Denise from Hawthorne, CA
01/10/2014Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Great for these types of students Outdoorsey, academic, adventurous
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Wow week is amazing! You definitely have to have pride in the school.
Bang for the buck Kind of expensive
What to do for fun Hiking, surfing, bowling, school events
Tips for prospective students Know what major you want because there is no undeclared major and switching majors is difficult.
In three sentences It is a big school, so often big classes, lots of buildings, and registration for classes is often difficult. It is a scenic school, so we have access to mountains and oceans. It has a lot to offer like we have our own craft center, bowling alley, and unique classes.
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Rebecca from El Dorado Hills, CA
01/11/2014Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety You'll be safe.
Greek Life Lots of it.
Clubs and Activities There are over 300 clubs and they're awesome.
Great for these types of students Science/Math/Engineering types, those interested in Greek Life, and those who feel very sure about their major (it's really difficult to switch here).
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Architecture Graveyard is very cool. It's where past architecture students' projects go when they're finished. Climb on everything that they tell you not to :)
Bang for the buck It's a very high quality education for not a ton of tuition.
What to do for fun The gym is great! The beach is sort of hard to get to unless you have a car, but go if you can! There are some good hikes and cool campus activites.
Food and Dining Yeah, the food is bad. Know that. It's okay for a little while, and then you will hate it so much.
Dorm Life The dorms are small and kind of cramped, but people are really nice!
Academic Rigor Yeah, classes are hard. That's true anywhere though. Do your best, ask for help when you need it, don't go to class drunk, and you'll be fine.
Tips for prospective students Spend the night on campus! It will really help you get a feel for the school. If you have the ability to bring a car your freshman year, do it! It will be really nice to see the town that way.
In three sentences The professors are very accessible. The gym is beautiful. The food is pretty bad, but we do have a Chik-Fil-A.
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01/15/2014Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety There are lots of security and police on campus at all times which makes me feel safer. There are emergency call boxes all over campus as well as an escort van that runs to various locations on campus such as the library and dorms at night so people don't have to walk around at night alone. The protective measures make a lot of the students feel safer. There is also an organization called Safer, dedicated to this goal.
Greek Life From what I understand Greek life is great and I know a lot of people who are Rushing. They are fun and like parties but they create a family and really strive to keep everyone safe.
Clubs and Activities Cal Poly offers so many different clubs and activities for people with all different interests. They have tons of club sports and professional clubs, but they also have cultural clubs and common interest clubs.
Great for these types of students This school is great for all types of students. It is competitive enough for students that are extremely dedicated but at the same time is relaxed enough for students that like to let their hair down every now and then.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus WOW week is a great way to get to know the campus and they hold it every year on the first week of school. There is also the Serenity Swing, Architecture Graveyard, and various mountains that are popular with the students to hike up.
Bang for the buck In comparison, this school is well priced for what you get. Everyone looks at the bill and yes it is expensive, but with all the upper division courses and hands on experience, the price is understandable and it isn't really that bad in comparison.
What to do for fun There is a lot to do for fun. If you have a car, the beach is only ten to fifteen minutes away. There are buses that take you downtown where there is lots of shops and restaurants. On campus they have a lot of events like concerts and laser tag to get people involved. There is also a great rec center on campus with a pool, track, gym equipment, and a variety of fun and interesting classes to take.
Food and Dining The food is pretty good if you know where to go. There are a few places that people go to but the food isn't rave worthy. A lot of the places though, are actually really good.
Dorm Life The dorm life is great. The rooms aren't too small and the RA's make everything comfortable and available. And, all the dorms are pretty close to the central hub of campus so food and classes are generally only five to ten minutes away.
Academic Rigor The classes are hard but not unmanageable. You just have to know how you study best and take advantage of the resources available.
Tips for prospective students Don't take this school lightly, it is prestigious but not to the point where you have to get a 4.0 GPA to stay in. It is relaxed but you learn a lot and the pace is fast. It is a great school for hands on work and they offer a lot of opportunities to really get involved.
In three sentences Cal Poly SLO is a great place to learn. The teachers are invested in giving the students the best education possible. The Learn by Doing approach is beneficial and gives students a good leg up in the professional world.
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Aleks from Carmichael, CA
01/20/2014Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety Every now and again there are reports of some sort of shady activity, but these instances are few and far between. Campus PD does a great job of keeping the campus safe, and the city of San Luis Obispo has incredibly low crime rates. I've walked to downtown and back in the middle of the night with no concerns, and I haven't ever met anyone that's encountered a problem.
Greek Life Not huge. There's a number of fraternities and sororities, but most students don't participate.
Clubs and Activities Tons of clubs from Accounting to Engineers Without Borders to League of Legends to Biking! If you have an interest, chances are there's a club for you. Only downside is that Greek life isn't particularly big or active, but that doesn't seem to detract from the experience when there's so much more to see and do.
Great for these types of students ALL! Honestly, Cal Poly can be a great fit for any person, it just depends on what you're willing to make of your experience. It's true that the campus is majority white, but everyone gets along well and in my experiences the students are very tolerant and respectful of diversity.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus A couple interesting locations on or around campus are the P overlooking campus and the architecture graveyard. Both are worth a visit (or 10), but I'll let you explore on your own.
Bang for the buck CSU ticket price for a UC/private school education. You'll often hear Cal Poly being compared to some of the best UCs, and it's absolutely true in terms of the quality of education offered. Only difference is you pay half the price.
What to do for fun San Luis Obispo is NOT a big city, so don't expect a booming downtown with crazy nightlife. However, if you're into a smaller town feel with beautiful nature and outdoor activities, this is the place to be. Downtown is quaint but weekends can get pretty busy as restaurants and bars are open late and offer plenty of discounts and promotions. Avila Beach, Pismo Beach, and Morro Bay are all within 15 minutes of Cal Poly and can make for some incredible day trips and sightseeing. There are also dozens of hiking and biking trails in the surrounding mountains.
Food and Dining Definitely the worst aspect of being a first year student at Cal Poly. Though the food has been improving year by year, the meal plan system is very poorly implemented and will probably end up costing you a lot of wasted meals. Additionally, the food itself is pretty bad at most places, but there are a Subway and a Chicfila on campus which also accept dining credits.
Dorm Life The dorms are your standard fair. There are four different living options for freshmen: red-brick dorms (standard), cierro vista (apartment-like), north mountain (motel-like), and the towers (larger rooms, more isolated). I only have experience as a red-brick resident, but in my time I was pretty satisfied with the overall dorm. The bathrooms were a little small and would get pretty messy, especially on weekends, but they did the job. The dorm rooms were larger than I expected and are fully furnished, but they still aren't particularly big. As a community, RAs were very friendly and the social vibe was great.
Academic Rigor As with any school, certain majors will be more rigorous than others. Arch and engineering are know for offering some brutally difficult courses, while majors such as business have a lesser work load, but require more networking and present rigor in the form of hands-on projects and real world simulations.
Tips for prospective students Any college student will tell you this from experience, but be prepared to work hard, especially as an engineering or architecture student. It may be easy to get caught up in the SLO life and relax, but don't let relaxation become your end-all. Balance work and play.
In three sentences Cal Poly is a fantastic school for most anyone pursuing a degree in engineering, business, or architecture (though other majors are fairly well represented as well). The location and surrounding areas are fantastic and beautiful, and the on-campus atmosphere is busy and active. Greek life is pretty low key, however there are still plenty of social and networking opportunities.
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Sabrina from Mission Viejo, CA
01/27/2014Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Greek Life My roommates are both in a sorority.
Clubs and Activities A variety are available.
Great for these types of students All students.
Bang for the buck Great campus. Cheaper than a UC.
What to do for fun There are lots of outdoor activities, hiking and the beach. There's a sports complex on campus and restaurants in town.
Academic Rigor I find that all of my classes are quite challenging.
Tips for prospective students Come visit the campus and meet the head of your department and current students in your major.
In three sentences Cal Poly is wonderful. It has a small town college atmosphere. The teachers are very helpful and involved with the students.
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Rebecca from El Dorado Hills, CA
02/01/2014Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety There is an escort van that can get you back to your dorm at night.
Greek Life There's a decent amount of it, but it's not necessary to join. There are always a few parties to go to if that's your thing.
Clubs and Activities There are over 300 clubs. You're bound to find something for you/
Great for these types of students People who know what they're doing with their live (i.e. pre-professional and professional degree seekers), people who want to live in the suburbs, and bros :)
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Head to Architecture Graveyard if you get a chance! It's where old architecture projects go after they're finished.
Bang for the buck It's technically a CSU, so the tuition isn't that steep compared to other schools.
What to do for fun Hike, go the Rec Center (It's beautiful and new!), swim, go downtown, go to farmer's market on Thursday nights!
Food and Dining The food isn't very good, to be honest. It's very difficult to eat if you have food allergies or are trying to be healthy. We do have a Jamba Juice, Starbucks, Einstein's Bagels, and Chick-Fil-A, but campus run dining isn't too appetizing.
Dorm Life The Red Bricks are a bit squished, but there is some cool community. Sierra Madre and Yosemite are less tight knit but have more room. I can't say much about Cerro Vista, Poly Canyon Village, or the North Mountain dorms, but I know that dorm life is what you make it, so make friends!
Academic Rigor Yes, it's really hard. College, in general, is. Especially with the high volume of science/math/engineering majors here, there are a lot of highly scientific thinkers on campus. If you're looking for a liberal arts major, though, don't despair. The CLA does pretty well around these parts!
Tips for prospective students Keep in mind your goals and know that changing your major is difficult, though not impossible. There are a lot of partying opportunities, but keep focused at least one night per weekend. Classes are hard. Don't be afraid to seek out advising services, they're all very kind and helpful in my experience.
In three sentences Perfect for professional and pre professional degree seekers. Very graduation oriented -- if you don't change your major, you'll probably get out on time. Beautiful surrounding areas, but suburban feel -- if you're ready for the city life it might not be for you.
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Kyle from Hollister, CA
02/09/2014Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety The University Police department does a great job of protecting students. There are alert systems that notify students via text or email of dangerous situations occurring on campus. There is definitely a sense of pride taken in the safety of students. As an example, there is a shuttle bus that offers students rides around campus after 6pm to anywhere up to a mile off campus.
Greek Life Greek life is definitely part of Cal Poly, but not to the point where one must but in a greek organization to be social. I believe about 10% of students are Greek at Cal Poly.
Clubs and Activities Cal Poly has a tremendous amount of clubs available to its students. From a club related to your major (such as the Cal Poly Accounting Club) to religious clubs to social fraternities/clubs (such as the League of Legions club), Cal Poly has got it.
Great for these types of students Social, but smart students.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus The soccer game against UC Santa Barbara is always a fun one. There is a nearby trail where students can hike to a large P for Poly on the mountainside.
Bang for the buck I believe Cal Poly has been ranked by various magazines for this subject. For roughly $9,000 the value a Cal Poly degree has is worth much more.
What to do for fun The central coast is one of the premiere locations to study in the United States. There are tons of outdoor activities such as hiking, the beach, and bike rides. The bar scene is pretty fun being in such a small town. There are also many attractions near by such as the Pismo Dunes, Hearst Castle, etc.
Food and Dining The food is not the best to be entirely honest. That being said, improvements are being made each and every year. Recently, a Subway opened and there is a Chipotle in the works.
Dorm Life The dorm life is awesome. It is basically a summer camp for an entire year. This is where you will make connections that will last your time in college and life.
Academic Rigor The classes are difficulty, but not as difficult as you might perceive college level courses to be. The average AP class should be a good indicator of what the classes are like.
Tips for prospective students Get to know as many students and faculty as you can. Sometimes its not about what you know, but who you know.
In three sentences Cal Poly is one of the greatest universities in California and the United States. It offers a great mix between intelligent and social students. Many majors are highly regarding especially in engineering, business, and architecture.
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Audrey from Carpinteria, CA
02/28/2014Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.
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Categories Comments Food and Dining Great food! Love eating here!
Dorm Life Really nice dorms!
Academic Rigor Seems like it can be really difficult, but the teachers and staff are very focused on helping you succeed.
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Julia from Napa, CA
03/03/2014Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments What to do for fun The beach is one big party. Also Farmers market every thursday night is quite fun.
Food and Dining Terrible food, I am sick all the time from it. But jamba juice is yummy
Dorm Life So much fun! The only reason I took a star off is because the rooms are a bit cramped but I can look past that because I love everyone in the dorm!
Academic Rigor Difficult but manageable, the work load isn't terrifying but to earn A's you will have to be a serious student.
Tips for prospective students Make sure you register for classes the second you can because they fill up fast. Learn how to play beach volleyball and join a game at the courts you will meet the coolest people.
In three sentences It is am amazing school with a beautiful campus. The people here are so nice and the weather is always perfect. I have learned so much at this university and can not stress enough how incredible it is.
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Shota from Los Angeles, CA
03/04/2014Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety Very safe in terms of murder and homocide, but in Cal Poly's history rape has occurred among friends and people that just met at a party. Also, theft is common, especially bicycle thefts.
Greek Life Greek life is huge in Cal Poly, with many frats and sororities students can join. We even have Intramural sports leagues dedicated to Frats and Sories. They throw weekly parties, and I have heard mixed responses about each one.
Clubs and Activities There are many clubs and activities you can join. First off, we have many engineering clubs including Design Build Fly, Formula SAE, Society of Womens Engineers, Cal Poly Space Systems, etc. Also, we have high level sports club, with many teams ranked top two in the nation. Greek life is a major organization in Cal Poly. Intramural sports are a huge, with many tournaments and leagues for many sports.
Great for these types of students Engineers, Athletes seeking high-level competition, Business majors.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus A statue of Einstein sits on a bench, looking at the brand new Baker Math and Science building. Behind the on-campus apartments, there is an architecture graveyard where student architecture projects lie. Week of Welcome, or WOW week, is when freshmen are introduced to the Cal Poly lifestyle in a fun ad engaging way. Wear green on Thursday to get 10% off food purchases at certain dining halls.
Bang for the buck Cal Poly is definitely worth the money. I was a little bit upset they raise their tuition every year, but the quality of education you get from the money is awesome. The education is as good as any other undergraduate school, especially for engineering, but cheaper. However, compared to other Cal States and Cal Poly Pomona, Cal Poly SLO has a higher cost of attendance.
What to do for fun There are mountains 360 degrees around San Luis Obispo, where you can hike to the peak or climb its rocks. Morro Bay and Pismo Beach are close neighbors for a more romantic setting. Cal Poly has its own bowling alley and arcade center. Best of all, Cal Poly has a massive turf field (3 soccer/football fields in length) and an even larger grass field (three more soccer fields, PLUS three softball fields with alot of space between them). The community is very bike friendly, with bike lanes on almost every street in San Luis Obispo, so a bike ride is very nice. We have a rock climbing wall.
Food and Dining Very few choices on campus, and Campus dining is terrible. They serve the most unhealthy fast food menus with the worst taste. Think of it as the taste of school cafeteria food at the healthiness of McDonalds. Off-campus dining is, divine. There are many eating venues you may not have heard of before, but are good quality food. There are also many bars to attend once you are over 21 (don't do it if you are underage: The community is so peaceful the police has nothing to do but arrest drunk people.)
Dorm Life It will depend on where you are placed (you choose your preference, but most likely you won't get it), dorm life can range from fun and rowdy communities to relaxed and studious ones. The rooms are fairly nice, but small especially if live with two other roommates. Custodial service occurs twice a week in the public bathrooms and common area. All dorms require you to climb tall hills when coming back from class. The community is great, and I never felt endangered. The average of the noise level is high. Expect noisy neighbors in your dorm.
Academic Rigor Most of the major classes are challenging, but meaningful and you learn very important skills there. If you are an engineer, good luck. It will be rough, and you may need a fifth year to graduate. My advice is to not only go to your required classes, but get involved in clubs and organizations. You will learn material not taught in regular class.
Tips for prospective students Expect heavily impacted classes. Your first quarter will be chosen for you by counselors, but you're on your own from there. The campus is huge, so if you are going to attend, be sure to bring a bicycle. Get your textbooks ahead of time online so that you can get the lowest prices. Bring a swimsuit: we have a great pool.
In three sentences Learn by doing. Hundreds of extracurricular clubs and activities to join in. Top three school of choice for companies looking to hire students.
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Thomas from San Luis Obispo, CA
03/10/2014Reviewer is A current student here.
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Categories Comments Campus Safety You will always see campus security patrolling the campus at all times of day. Very small amounts of theft or vandalism. If you need a ride home from the library if you feel unsafe there is a campus security service which takes students home in the late hours of the night.
Greek Life Greek life is not huge, but is still a great aspect to Cal Poly. Greek Life is advised for guys to try to get into more parties and meet more people. There is a sense of brotherhood and sisterhood when it comes to Greek Life. Highly recommend Greek Life second quarter to try to find yourself first at college.
Clubs and Activities There are so many clubs on and off campus. One club in particular, the Off Road 4x4 truck club, is extremely fun. From racing lifted trucks in the dunes to rock crawling, this is just one of the amazing clubs around campus.
Great for these types of students This college is great for students who need visuals to understand school. Most of the school incorporates using the book less to try to get the full learning effect. It is a challenging school for most.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus Try to hike up to the P located behind the redbrick dorms or Bishops peak if into hiking. Yogurt Creations is the place to go. Frozen yogurt at a good price is a great place to hang out on campus and meet others. Also, use poly-ratings wisely to pick teachers. There is a reason for some teachers being picked first.
Bang for the buck Cal Poly really does give the students the best bang for their buck. Being on the quarter system allows it for people to take much more classes in order to get out of college and into the real world quicker. Learn by doing also provides students who have difficulties learning only in classrooms to explore with building and their imaginations.
What to do for fun Cal Poly is filled with amazing things to do. First of all it is completely surrounded by nature. Hiking, camping, mountain biking are some activities to do here. Not to far away from campus is places like Avila Beach and Pismo and these are the real fun places. Hanging out on the beach, surfing, and the sand dunes are great things to do on the weekends too. Not to mention there is greek life and numerous clubs on campus.
Food and Dining I am personally fine with the food here, but I know many who are not. Poly was rated lower than most colleges for its dining, but there are always things, such as, Subway to go to. Choose the freedom plan. You will be able to use the most plus dollars, and this allows you to eat at various places around campus.
Dorm Life I absolutely love all the people i live with in the dorms. Everyone is very social in order to find new friends, and is always ready to do something fun. RA's are great and are big kids too. Everyone wants to fit in and there is always someone to hang out with.
Academic Rigor Cal Poly is a polytechnic school and is known for its difficulties. It is nice to be on the quarter system, but around Spring time it does make it very hard to resist from putting the books down and having fun.
Tips for prospective students Try to never fall behind on your work. Once you are behind it is difficult to try to get back to speed. Always try your best to not only do great in school, but to also meet friends and have fun.
In three sentences Cal Poly is one of the most prestigious learning environments that I have ever been to. Extremely hands on in terms of learning with various labs and studios. San Luis Obispo has many things to offer educationally, including classrooms surrounded by nature and sunny throughout the year.
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