Biological Sciences

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cal Poly San Luis Obispo
1

<p>Got accepted into Biological Sciences, Cal Poly is one of my top choice schools, UCLA my number one choice but probability of getting accepted is 30%. Would like to submit my SIR to cal poly so that I can get decent housing.</p>

<p>My question is… what is your opinion of the Biology dept. I’m not quite convinced that it is up to par with UCD. Also, I hear that there is going to be a new Science building. Would all the construction, etc. interfere with the program?? Any feedback on overall program is appreciated! Thanks!</p>

2

<p>what are your plans for Biology?
If its medicine cal poly is a great place. </p>

<p>First it is a medium size department so interaction with staff is easy. </p>

<p>second of all their human anatomy and physiology concentrations has some courses not offered at UCD Ex. Functional Histology which is very rare for any undergraduate school. </p>

<p>Thrid reason is the MCAT prep courses they have strategically in the winter quarter (1/5-4/8) right before the mcats. Note: you do have to pay about $1400 for it but it is still it is way cheaper than many commerical companies. </p>

<p>fourth, Cal Poly offers the official MCAT a couple times a year so you dont have to drive far you take it. </p>

<p>fifth, Cal Poly offers a course called " orientation to health professions" in which you are given a maximum of 2 units a quarter and 6 units maximum to vounteer from the hospital.</p>

<p>btw, they are proposing to build The Center for Science and Mathematics which Will replace aging “spider” Science Building 52 with a new 250,000-square-foot (23,000 m2) structure. It will add new laboratories, classrooms, and studios to support the expanding population of the university. It is planned to be the largest and most technologically advanced structure in Cal Poly once constructed. In addition a Centennial Park will be constructed adjacent to the structure</p>

<p>i hope that helps</p>

<p>btw can you compare your stats with mine to see if i have a good chance for next year? I am applying ED i dont know if that is a positive or not</p>

<p>intended major- Biological Sciences</p>

<ol>
<li><p>GPA (I know it is under average):
3.5 uw, 3.6 UC gpa, 3.9 gpa weighted. i have taken 12 honors/ap classes freshman to junior year. This year i am taking AP Biology and AP Calculus AB which are the last ap/honors classes my school offers. i have recieved 4 C’s in high school 1 in Algebra 2 honors, and 2 in spanish 3, and 1 in AP chem. </p></li>
<li><p>Test Scores: </p></li>
<li><p>31 ACT</p></li>
<li><p>3 AP tests all 3’s</p></li>
<li><p>Extracurricular:
Volunteer: </p></li>
<li><p>200 hr. at local hospital</p></li>
<li><p>100 hr. assistant throwing coach</p></li>
<li><p>50 hr. local foodbank</p></li>
<li><p>50 hr. Boys and Girls Club</p></li>
</ol>

<p>clubs/sports:

  1. 4 year nhs
  2. 4 year csf
  3. 4 year mesa
  4. 4 year track and field (Captain, 4 year varsity)</p>

<p>awards:

  1. Ap scholar
  2. 2009 most improved thrower (made a 45 foot improvement in the discus from freshman year to sopomore year)
  3. 2009 league champion</p>
3

<p>I want to go into research, not sure exactly.</p>

<p>Applying ED is a great advantage! Do it if SLO is your #1 choice. Those who applied ED and got accepted at my school were so surprised and happy. I was surprised and happy for them too!</p>

<p>Your a junior, so this year is very important. Stop worrying about applying to colleges. You need to focus on your classes. Never do so many EC’s if they jeopordize your grades; this reflects as not having your priorities in order. Drop some of these activities.
As for SLO, the admissions application is so, so easy. Four questions are asked for EC’s: 1-yes/no question, 3-X amount of hours questions. You’ve maxed them.</p>

<p>My recommendation for you is to retake the ACT. You’ve done very well with a 31 and you still have time to take it 2 more times. You just need to send your highest one. SLO has stated that they prefer the ACT.</p>

<p>Since you want Biological Sciences, I hope that you are doing well in AP Bio and all your other science classes. Even though they say that SLO doesn’t consider your SAT 2 or AP Scores, I believe they do help, (found on cal poly slo application introduction page):
" Applicants Please Read the Following:
Freshman Applicants
You will need the following information to complete your application:
…
Any AP test scores you earned with a score of 3 or higher.
Any college level units you may have earned.
Any SAT II scores.
Send the above information to: Admissions…"</p>

<p>Also, I would recommend for you to take a CC class this summer. I took Intro Psych it was easy, interesting, and an easy A. This will bring up your GPA.</p>

<p>My Stats:
UW 3.8 UCW 4.0
SAT 2080
ACT 32
AP BIO 5
SAT II BIO 750</p>

<p>Senior classes:
AP Lit
AP STATS
AP PHysics
AP Gov/Econ
Anatomy</p>

<p>My worry when I applied was that I never took Calculus, took Honors Precalc last year and got a B and a C second semester.</p>

<p>Good Luck to you. Study for those AP’s and ACT, get your grades up. I know what your feeling. Get into your classes; try not to worry so much.</p>

<p>I’m going to wait to hear from the UCs before I decide. I think the UC’s offer more research opportunities.</p>