<p>We're down to the wire, deciding which major to choose before submitting the Cal Poly App. </p>
<p>CSU GPA 4.0
ACT Math 34, English 33 (which we believes is equivalent to SAT 780 Math, 750 CR)
4 Years AP Lab Science
Math through Calc AB and Calc BC
6 semesters Spanish
Work 1-5 hours/wk. 25% engineering related
Extra curricular 21+ hours/wk, with Leadership</p>
<p>He really wants to go to Cal Poly, but not sure if his MCA will be high enough for Mech Eng. </p>
<p>He will apply ME to SDSU and other less competitive schools. He will apply Physics to UCB and UCLA.</p>
<p>I am assuming the Cal Poly you are mentioning in the post is Cal Poly SLO?? Physics is in the School of Math and Science while ME is in the School of Engineering. Although switching majors is not impossible, it is much easier to switch from the School of Engineering to Math and Science than visa versa. You son has a decent chance for acceptance for both majors, but will he want to do ME down the road if accepted? If yes, he should apply for ME.</p>
<p>Yes, it is Cal Poly SLO. We are thinking that he may have a better chance of acceptance if he goes with Physics. He’s not exactly sure what he wants to do, it’s more that he knows it will be Science and Math over History/English, etc. Engineering seems like a logical major for a math/science kid and he’s had some experience working in the field. Have you heard that you’re more likely to get accepted if you apply earlier in November? Thanks for your thoughts!</p>
<p>If he is applying RD, it really doesn’t matter how early you submit your application. ED applicants will be the first batch and many will be deferred to RD. Since ED applicants have until January 2015 to accept, I really do not think they will start on RD applications until after that deadline. Also, SLO can drag out the acceptance for RD. They will start notifying Mid-Februray and continue through the end of March where they finally do the rejections. It was very frustrating and stressful for my younger son whom applied last year for ED, was deferred and finally rejected.</p>
<p>I wish your son good luck and since he is not sure about Engineering, then Physics may be the best option.</p>
<p>That’s what I thought regarding the application window. We’ve heard from people who were denied that they thought it was because they applied close to the deadline. He’ll be applying this weekend, so at least it won’t be at the last moment!</p>