Cal Poly Pomona, Chemical Engineering

Colleges and Universities A-Z Cal Poly Pomona
1

Hi!

I just realized that my SAT math section is 10 points lower than what they require for students applying to Chemical Engineering. I have a 540 (1150 total score) and they said that to be considered I should at least have a 550. My CSU GPA is 4.05, and my eligibility index is good enough to make it a “Safe school” however, due to the lack of those 10 points does it mean I won’t stand a chance of being admitted into the major? Right now I am taking AP Calc AB, and although I am good at math in general (never had less than an A throughout my HS career), I tend to do poorly on the SAT/ACT is there any other way in which I could prove my efficiency? Or would I just be considered into my second major, physics?
Right now CPP is one of my top choices due to its quality and affordability, and I am starting to worry on not getting directly to my desired major. Any input is appreciated, thanks!

2

I think you will sail into your preferred major.
Good luck

3

I really hope so, thanks!

4

Has anyone else had this problem/concern?

5

i mean they say that anything under 550 means you won’t be considered, soo

6

Don’t worry about it. Your gpa is well-qualified for you to get into the ChemE program. CPP never say if your test score is lower than certain score then you won’t be considered. With your 4.02 gpa (noted that A in math & science course would help), even though you did bad in SAT/ACT, you should be able to get in without a problem. As I know there are freshmen in the Chem E department getting in with test score and gpa lower than yours.

P.S. CPP Sophomore Chem E Major. GPA: 3.85, SAT: Math 800 Reading 570 Writing 580

7

@Bennylun thanks! I really hope so, as it’s one of my top options. How would you say the program is? Do you have any recommendations or comments? I’d like to go more into the pharma/biotech side.

8

Chemical Engineering is a broad field that allows you to work in different fields, including pharma and biotech. Personally, I am leaning toward renewable energy. Anyway, the ChemE department at CPP has a reputation for promoting both research and hands-on education. As a matter of fact, Chem-E is the only department that has a 100% undergraduate research rate and produces the most research, whereas people (if not a research person) are also welcomed by firms like Tesoro, Amgen etc. because of our undergraduate emphasis in hands-on lab training ( that doesn’t mean we just teach the formula; that means you have to learn how to apply these formulas in real life situations instead assuming of an ideal condition; some professors also have excellent relationship with the industry). Also, if you are interested in a material engineering minor, you only need to take one additional class as a chemical engineering student to get that minor (emphasis are on metallurgy tho). The biotech minor may fit you more. Anyway, with the price offered by CPP and quality of the ChemE department, the program does worth your four years. If you are committed to CPP, there are few things I would like to recommend you to do:

  1. Pass all your AP exams especially Ap Chem or Ap Cal AB/BC or AP Phy if you have them. They will save a lot of your time and opens your class choosing options. Also, u can be promised to graduate in four years with these science and math APs. (There is a wild ChemE kid coming to cpp with 55 quarter units- equvialent to sophomore who has completed one quarter, and he is already taking third year levels courses and is doing research as a second year… man… anyway)
  1. Take community college course to satisfy GE credits. More Better. CPP is switching to semester at 2018, and the GE conversion will be a mess, so get your GE settled early. You may also take CLEP ( sth like AP ) exam to get college credits. Be fast to get rid of your GE, they are useless in ChemE.
  2. Get connected to upperclassmen and professors. They are your connections for both jobs and research.
  3. Don't chill in your freshmen year. People around you, either counselor or friends, may tell you to take 12 quarter credits in your freshmen year or don't rush yourself in your first year. NO! You actually have the most time to study, join clubs, get connected for research/internship in your freshmen year (YES. You can do those as a freshmen/sophomore not junior. Don't fall into the trap of mediocracy); instead of being bombed by crazy ChemE upper division courses. Take your time to be on track for math, chem, phy and GEs. If you fall behind for math/chem, you will graduate late. No question about that.

Just a final word about college, it does matter where you go, but the consideration will not be how well known the college is among your friends or family members; it about whether you like and can afford the school. Every school and even every department have their unique emphasis, advantages, and shortcomings. There is no absolutely best college. And its more about what you want to see and what you see yourself doing in college. There is a difference between getting an education and getting a degree. If you are accepted into either ivy league or cal poly pomona and don’t do shit and just chill (pardon for my language), your degree is worthless. Define your goals and prepare and seize for your opportunities with your greatest strength and tenacity.

Good Luck