Review of California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo
from San Luis Obispo, CA
Do you feel you’re 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.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
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.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
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.
Do you have any 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.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.