<p>I’m from the midwest (chicago) and consider myself pretty liberal and like lots of community involvement and helping people who need it. I like mellow music (much more than country) and i do not consider myself a religious person. If i were to go to Cal Poly SLO would i feel out of place? I have heard it is a very conservative campus and also that there is not much deviation from the norm in terms of interests and appearance. I would be studying architecture (if that makes a difference) and am curious about the general atmosphere. Thanks a ton!</p>
<p>It is a VERY conservative area/school. It will be a big adjustment from the environment in Chicago. Having said that, CalPoly has an excellent, very highly ranked Architecture and Engineering program…as I am sure you know. Have you visited the area/campus? The campus doesnt have that classic University of Chicago look ( I have visited the U of C. That is what a University should look like !!!) But it is quite nice. I am sure you will like the weather when compared to Chicago ! So…I guess it depends upon what is most important to you in the next few years. I know…I didnt give you much help. Best of luck to you. You cant go wrong with an Architecture ( or Engineering) degree from CalPoly.</p>
<p>futurebound:</p>
<p>My daughter is just finishing up her freshman year at Cal Poly and she’s **quite **liberal, as are her dorm mates. Even though San Luis Obispo county is known to be more conservative, Cal Poly, because it’s a college, tends to lean more to the left than the county, itself, although still more conservative than many. It’s **definitely **less diverse than other schools in California. But, you can make it what you want. Community involvement? There are tons of opportunities for helping others. My daughter spent the night and volunteered at a homeless shelter in nearby Atascadero (a class project). But, you can get involved on your own or through clubs or classes. </p>
<p>We happen to live in a liberal town with an equally liberal UC university, but my daughter has had absolutely no problems acclimating to SLO. I think anytime you have thousands of college students sharing a city, there are bound to be more liberal activities and businesses. </p>
<p>Best of luck to you! Reza is right—the weather will be a nice change! :)</p>
<p>QUOTE:
Reza said:</p>
<p>It is a VERY conservative area/school. It will be a big adjustment from the environment in Chicago. Having said that, CalPoly has an excellent, very highly ranked Architecture and Engineering program…as I am sure you know. Have you visited the area/campus? The campus doesnt have that classic University of Chicago look ( I have visited the U of C. That is what a University should look like !!!) But it is quite nice. I am sure you will like the weather when compared to Chicago ! So…I guess it depends upon what is most important to you in the next few years. I know…I didnt give you much help. Best of luck to you. You cant go wrong with an Architecture ( or Engineering) degree from CalPoly.</p>
<p>I have had the same reservations about SLO and Cal Poly because I know I’m not the norm. I am definitely very liberal, I have tattoos, and up until a few weeks ago I had pink hair. I know I dress differently than what most people there will be used to but I grew up in a very conservative town so I’m not really worried about standing out. There will be people with similar beliefs, interests, opinions, etc as you there just maybe not as many as we’re used to. In the end, regarding Cal Poly students at least, we’re all there to get an education so we already have something in common.</p>
<p>So I think I can help you out a bit cause I’m from Chicago too. I applied to Cal Poly as an English major, switched to journalism my freshman year, and now I am a History major and thinking about minoring in english. I know, I can’t make up my mind. Anyway, Cal Poly and SLO in general is a lot different from the city. My freshman year I felt very isolated cause of the location and I wasn’t sure at times if this was the place for me. However, I have since gotten used to it and I don’t think I want to be any place else for school. As far as the political leanings of the campus go, it all really depends on who you surround yourself with. Yes, there are quite a few religious and conservative kids, but there are also some liberals. I’m sure you could also find people who share similar interests in music and stuff as you do. Not everyone here just listens to country.</p>
<p>^^ Speaking of listening to country–my daughter is from one of the most liberal cities around–Santa Cruz-- and she *loves *country music. But, many of her dorm mates are from more conservative areas and they wouldn’t give country the time of day! In fact, I think it’s kind of a fallacy that if you live in SLO county you’re automatically expected to listen to country music or wear cowboy boots. :)</p>
<p>By the way, NTKS17, I’ve followed you here on CC the past year or more and I just want to say that I’m so happy that you’ve acclimated to the SLO area and Cal Poly. I remember when you had some issues about it last year, coming from a large city. Good for you! And, there will always be cities out there if that’s where you ultimately want to spend the bulk of your time. Or you can mix it up! Live in one and work in the other or both. :)</p>
<p>I’m personally a liberal-leaning moderate, and yes, there is a more conservative majority, but honestly after a while, those things don’t matter anymore. I have friends that are very religious, and while I’m not, it’s generally not an issue. I’m from southern California, where it’s generally very liberal, I listen to punk rock music (I listen to everything, really, but I’m just making a point), so I personally don’t see myself as part of the majority when it comes to pop culture and politics. Honestly, I’m extremely happy with where I am. I think there can be a niche for anyone here, and more importantly so, you learn to see and appreciate differences in people past the fact that they might be what seems like a typical white Christian.</p>
<p>I hope this helps you out.</p>
<p>My daughter, now in her second year in architecture at Cal Poly, had the same concerns as you. In fact, she almost ruled out Cal Poly because of those concerns. She is so happy there. She has made great friends, loves the town and its environs, and the program in architecture is challenging her and engaging her. She couldn’t be happier with her choice of a school. I honestly think there are all types of students at the school and you will find those who suit you. Good luck with your decision. It’s really a great school and a wonderful town.</p>
<p>Hey guys thanks, that really nice to hear, i guessed i should have assumed that its not so overwhelming since its a college campus. So thanks again. </p>
<p>My next question is that i am out of state and would like to study architecture. if i get in and chose cal poly, id like to know what the cost would be like. Ive heard out of state doesnt get much tuition aid for cal schools. I am in the top 20% of a 1000 student class. I have a 4.2 W GPA, 3.5 UW, i got a 31 on the ACT (going to take it once more and hope to raise one or two points) I have 3 years of football and will have 4 years of varsity athletics. I have taken all accel (honors) classes in high school. I am the fifth of six kids in my family and all my older siblings have gone to college. Do you guys think cal poly will cost me 20,000 a year which i couldnt afford or will it be significantly less?</p>
<p>Your stats are excellent and will give you a better chance of getting in as an architecture major (it’s very competitive). However there is very little chance of receiving anything other than Federal grants as an out of state student at Cal Poly (or any CSU). If you can’t afford the in-state COA (approx $23K) then how will you be able to pay the additional out of state fees ($12,000), plus transportation expenses, on top of that?</p>
<p>Are any of your siblings still in college? </p>
<p>You and your parents need to calculate your FAFSA EFC and only look at schools you can afford.</p>
<p>[Cal</a> Poly Financial Aid - Cost of Attendance](<a href=“http://www.ess.calpoly.edu/_finaid/coa1112.html]Cal”>http://www.ess.calpoly.edu/_finaid/coa1112.html)</p>