How will Cal Poly MCA scores work now that they aren’t considering test scores for 2021 admissions?
Here is their Freshman selection criteria for 2021 applicants:
Your Intended Program of Study
We evaluate and admit students by their major. Admission is competitive in all majors.
Coursework
We look at the college-prep coursework you have taken during high school, including the courses you have in progress or planned during 12th grade. Our selection process is based on your self-reported information. Please do not send us official transcripts unless we request them.
HIGH SCHOOL COURSE REQUIREMENTS.
GPA
For the purposes of your application, we’ll consider your 9th-11th grade weighted GPA. That number is calculated from college-prep coursework as designated on your application. Weight is granted for courses designated as “honors,” “college-level,” “advanced placement” or “international baccalaureate” for up to eight semesters.
Extracurricular Activities and Work Experience
Cal Poly takes activities such as work experience, internships, volunteer programs and extracurricular activities into consideration. We are also interested in any leadership roles you may have held in these activities.
Other Variables
Cal Poly is an impacted campus and admission is competitive in all majors. While GPA and test scores (when applicable) are important, it is impossible to predict a candidate’s chances by looking at these statistics alone. Cal Poly considers other factors for admission deemed important to our campus. All candidates are objectively evaluated by the cognitive and non-cognitive variables under our faculty-mandated Multi-Criteria Admission (MCA) process. We encourage students to apply to the program they feel best fits their academic and professional goals.
Any indication that this list is in order of importance or weight for MCA?
@nucities: GPA and test scores made up the bulk of the MCA points in the old calculation so GPA will probably still be the most important factor. SLO will probably put more emphasis on the HS course rigor but that is just a guess. Admissions does state they use the MCA score but will not give details on the calculation or how no test scores will impact the score or admissions criteria.
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Is this the same for Cal Poly pomona as well?
@machodude: Cal poly Pomona does not use the MCA score put GPA will still be the most important aspect of your application.
One thing I’ve always wondered is do the Cal Poly’s actually have admissions officers reviewing applications or is everything just put into a computer ?
I just hope they don’t take the percentage that would typically be allocated to standardized tests and dump it all on GPA, which to my understanding was already the most weighted factor. Ideally, they would take the percentage from tests and allocate it to rigor and perhaps to an extant ECs, work etc. Its been our S21s first choice since he was probably 4 years old. My wife and I are both alumni. His MCA is 4550 ish which on a normal year gives him a good chance but his test scores track better than GPA against the typical freshman class. He’s got good safety schools at this point but the wait to March is going to be long.