cal state vs cal poly

Transfer Students
1

I’ll try to keep this short. My major is Electrical engineering.
I applied to cal states not knowing there was a difference with cal polys. I’m just realizing the meaning of polytechnic and if I had known before I would have applied to both cal polys. Now I’m not sure if I should stay another year in community college or transfer out now. I’m in my second year and I’m depending on financial aid and I’m afraid I’ll be in more debt if I decide to stay, but I want to go to a school where I could be better prepared. I just want to make the best decision.

Staying in community college to apply to cal polys
Pros:

  • it’s easier to finish lower-division STEM courses at CC
  • pandemic, feel more comfortable staying in CC
    Cons
  • delaying my graduation date by an entire year
  • there is no guarantee I will be accepted to any cal poly

Going to a cal state now
Pros:
-possibility of graduating in about two years
-don’t have to worry so much about my aid running out
-if only online I don’t have to move out, (save money)
cons:
-will be more difficult and more stressful because it’s online
-will always wonder what could have been(some regret)

Basically both decisions are “playing it safe” just in different ways.

The main reason I want to apply to cal polys is the fact that they seem to produce students that are more prepared for the industry, especially for engineering.

2

If the other Cal State(s) you have been accepted to are ABET accredited for EE, then you be sure that their EE curriculum would be similar to Cal Poly Pomona and SLO.

I personally would not delay transferring if you have the lower division requirements completed and due to the pandemic many students may delay transferring which could mean more competition for next year’s spots.

All the Cal states were setup to get students into the work force and although the Cal Poly’s bank on their “learn by doing” philosophy, this is not unique to just them. You will get plenty of hands on experience at the other Cal states.

ABET accreditation site; https://www.abet.org/accreditation/find-programs/