Getting into Cal Poly SLO, Graphic Communication

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Hi, I am currently a Junior in HS (I know it might be kinda early to start asking this kind of questions, but I just wanna make sure I am ready with everything for when the time comes)</p>

<p>I am interested in the Graphic communication program, and I just had a few questions about my chances, tips, or any kind of recommendations you guys have.</p>

<p>so to start my unweighted cumulative GPA is 3.88 (4.0 weighted) I am currently taking 2 AP's & 2 Honors classes & I will be taking a few more senior year. Does Cal Poly look at your weighted GPA?
I have not taken the SAT yet but I will in May, I took PSAT & got 1110 (CR & Math) I will be taking the ACT as well.
On top of that I've been doing swimming since freshman year & I will continue to do so during my senior year (2 years of JV 2 of varsity) & I've also been playing water polo since sophomore year. I have also started doing community service with a club in my HS (key club) & I've been a member of CSF (California scholarship federation) since last year.
Last thing, I've been reading a lot about early decision apps, Does it improve your chances of getting in? or why do people do it? Cal Poly is in my top 3 dream schools & bc of it's tuition it's probably the only one of the three I could attend (I would still need some financial aid for Cal Poly though) Also I totally know that Graphic Communication is what I wanna do. Should I consider Early decision?
what do you think my chances are (If I keep my GPA & improve my SAT a bit more)? also ANY kind of advice or TIP would be more than welcomed!
Thank you a lot!</p>

2

<p>Sounds like you are on the right path. There are 3 things you can do at this stage to improve your chances.

  1. GPA - Study your butt off this semester. These are the last grades Cal Poly will see before making their decision.
  2. Test Scores - Take both the SAT and ACT - prepare via the method that suits you best. You want 1300/1600 Give yourself time to take them again if you need to.<br>
  3. Summer and Sr year course selection. Check as many of the ‘Cal Poly Desired’ boxes as you can. Bonus points are assigned for each category. As you’d imagine, math and science are the biggies but 10 semesters of English helps too.
    <a href=“Cal Poly Admissions”>Cal Poly Admissions;

<p>That’s pretty much it. </p>

<p>On the RD/ED thing - ED isn’t really ‘easier’ and, if accepted, they will look for you to commit shortly after notifying you - that’s usually well before any need-based financial aid is granted. I’d suggest you have a chat with your parents about what happens if no aid comes through - can you go anyhow? Can you get a job to bridge the gap? Then - before submitting ED, really understand what you are commiting to.</p>

<p>Good Luck. </p>