How competitive is the engineering program at Cal Poly?

Cal Poly's College of Engineering ranks among the most competitive programs on the West Coast, with acceptance rates typically ranging between 25-35% for engineering majors. The program's selectivity stems from its renowned "learn by doing" approach and strong industry connections, which make it particularly attractive to prospective engineering students.

To be competitive for Cal Poly engineering, you should aim for a weighted academic GPA above 4.0, with strong performance in advanced math and science courses. Most successful applicants have completed calculus, physics, and chemistry in high school. SAT or ACT scores are no longer required, but the middle 50% of accepted engineering students traditionally scored between 1300-1450 on the SAT when it was considered.

Cal Poly's engineering admissions process heavily emphasizes academic preparation and uses a Multi-Criteria Assessment (MCA) to evaluate candidates. Your coursework in STEM subjects carries significant weight. Taking AP or IB classes in calculus, physics, and computer science can strengthen your application. The program looks favorably upon students who have maintained consistent academic excellence throughout high school.

Beyond academics, involvement in engineering-related extracurricular activities can enhance your profile. Participation in robotics clubs, science competitions, coding projects, or engineering internships demonstrates your commitment to the field. Cal Poly values hands-on experience, so any practical engineering projects or maker space activities can help distinguish your application.

Early application submission is crucial, as Cal Poly's engineering programs often fill quickly. The university doesn't consider essays or letters of recommendation, so your academic performance and extracurricular achievements must speak for themselves. The most competitive applicants typically combine strong grades in challenging courses with demonstrated interest in engineering through practical experiences.