Review of California State Polytechnic University-Pomona
from Bakersfield, CA
Describe your college in three sentences.
The motto: Learn by Doing. It is not just a promotion tactic to convince students to apply or attend. CPP is very adamant about maintaining and does a great job on its emphasize on the subject.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
Have an idea as to what you want to do before attending, but if planning to apply as an undeclared major CPP is very accommodating towards your needs.
There is a bit of a stigma associated with CPP that: CPP is a difficult school; CPP is a rigorous school, but every one is very accommodating to each others needs--do not be afraid to attend a "hard" school.
Be ready to get engaged, work hard, and have fun.
Oh, and join RISE if you can, it's a program whose purpose is to help incoming freshman get acclimated to the college environment.
Do you find there’s enough academic rigor at your school?
First quarter, to me, felt like high school because I took courses to simply adjust to the heavy loads of homework that high school teachers always told me about, but did study often, and manage my time. Academic rigor I would say is definitely rigorous. One cannot miss more than a day or two.
Describe the dorm life at your college.
Living in the dorms has been very fun, very interesting, very laid-back. There is a study room in each dorm so if quiet is ever needed, it is available; the lobby is always active, and always full of people; there are events hosted by the Resident Advisors on the weekend for the people who do not return home. Everyone is very friendly and enjoyable (if you keep your door open you will meet new people very quickly).
Describe the food and dining at your college.
It gets tiring after a while, eating the same thing over and over again, but overall Los Olivos, the commons, are very accommodating to the various cultures on campus. They recognize that different cultures have different breakfast meals and provide that diversity in their meals. They have accommodations for vegetarians and, or vegans--menus and calories are given; there is also fast food on campus.
What’s there to do for fun at your college?
There are over 500 clubs on campus to get involved in. There are intramural sports and various events hosted at the on campus, FREE, gym. There are various food places, malls, and other activities a minimum of 5 minutes away depending on what it is you want to get into.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
So far, I would say it has proven to be a great investment. Academically, I have definitely improved on my writing skills--I now have a better idea for the use of commas, semicolons, grammar stuff. Socially, I have definitely gotten out of my comfort zone, I learned how to use chopsticks, I sang karaoke in front of people--I hate singing in front of people. So far so good!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The campus is not really as big as it seems. There are a few locations that are a bit difficult to find at first such as: the Den (on-campus Denny's open until 1am), which is next to the BRIC (on-campus, free, gym), Jamba juice which is next to the BRIC, and buildings do not go in order so, that gets confusing. Overall, first quarter is just adjusting to the new environment, but after the first few weeks you will know the place like it's the back of your hand.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
CPP is great for students who are serious about learning, enjoy engaging in academic and social success, and are willing to venture outside of their comfort zones. CPP is very political, but very accommodating to each and every gender, race, and preference. There are cultural centers intended to help each culture or community adjust to campus life: Asian and Pacific Islander Center, Cesar Chavez Center, African American Center, Pride Center (for LGBT+ students), Native American Center, Violence Prevention and Women's Resource Center, etc. CPP is a great campus one just has to be willing to be receptive, open-minded, and willing to grow and learn.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
There are over 500 clubs on campus; there is something for everyone to be a part of. Dance, Art, Cultural, Political, Sport, etc.
Are you involved in any clubs or activities?
There are fraternity's and sorority's, rushing is fun, but the Greek life is not a HUGE thing on campus. It is there for those who are interested, though.
How would you describe campus safety? Do you feel safe on campus?
My latest class ended around 9, and I had no problem walking back to the dorm's by myself at night. There are on-campus police phones strategically stationed should they be necessary, but the campus is mostly safe.
The motto: Learn by Doing. It is not just a promotion tactic to convince students to apply or attend. CPP is very adamant about maintaining and does a great job on its emphasize on the subject.
Have an idea as to what you want to do before attending, but if planning to apply as an undeclared major CPP is very accommodating towards your needs. There is a bit of a stigma associated with CPP that: CPP is a difficult school; CPP is a rigorous school, but every one is very accommodating to each others needs--do not be afraid to attend a "hard" school. Be ready to get engaged, work hard, and have fun. Oh, and join RISE if you can, it's a program whose purpose is to help incoming freshman get acclimated to the college environment.
First quarter, to me, felt like high school because I took courses to simply adjust to the heavy loads of homework that high school teachers always told me about, but did study often, and manage my time. Academic rigor I would say is definitely rigorous. One cannot miss more than a day or two.
Living in the dorms has been very fun, very interesting, very laid-back. There is a study room in each dorm so if quiet is ever needed, it is available; the lobby is always active, and always full of people; there are events hosted by the Resident Advisors on the weekend for the people who do not return home. Everyone is very friendly and enjoyable (if you keep your door open you will meet new people very quickly).
It gets tiring after a while, eating the same thing over and over again, but overall Los Olivos, the commons, are very accommodating to the various cultures on campus. They recognize that different cultures have different breakfast meals and provide that diversity in their meals. They have accommodations for vegetarians and, or vegans--menus and calories are given; there is also fast food on campus.
There are over 500 clubs on campus to get involved in. There are intramural sports and various events hosted at the on campus, FREE, gym. There are various food places, malls, and other activities a minimum of 5 minutes away depending on what it is you want to get into.
So far, I would say it has proven to be a great investment. Academically, I have definitely improved on my writing skills--I now have a better idea for the use of commas, semicolons, grammar stuff. Socially, I have definitely gotten out of my comfort zone, I learned how to use chopsticks, I sang karaoke in front of people--I hate singing in front of people. So far so good!
The campus is not really as big as it seems. There are a few locations that are a bit difficult to find at first such as: the Den (on-campus Denny's open until 1am), which is next to the BRIC (on-campus, free, gym), Jamba juice which is next to the BRIC, and buildings do not go in order so, that gets confusing. Overall, first quarter is just adjusting to the new environment, but after the first few weeks you will know the place like it's the back of your hand.
CPP is great for students who are serious about learning, enjoy engaging in academic and social success, and are willing to venture outside of their comfort zones. CPP is very political, but very accommodating to each and every gender, race, and preference. There are cultural centers intended to help each culture or community adjust to campus life: Asian and Pacific Islander Center, Cesar Chavez Center, African American Center, Pride Center (for LGBT+ students), Native American Center, Violence Prevention and Women's Resource Center, etc. CPP is a great campus one just has to be willing to be receptive, open-minded, and willing to grow and learn.
There are over 500 clubs on campus; there is something for everyone to be a part of. Dance, Art, Cultural, Political, Sport, etc.
There are fraternity's and sorority's, rushing is fun, but the Greek life is not a HUGE thing on campus. It is there for those who are interested, though.
My latest class ended around 9, and I had no problem walking back to the dorm's by myself at night. There are on-campus police phones strategically stationed should they be necessary, but the campus is mostly safe.