<p>I’m currently a sophomore in high school,but I’m already sure that I want to major in computer science. I’m looking for a school located in the west, and SLO seems like a great choice. The main issue is that the computer science major seems very competitive admissions wise - what type of classes should I be taking and what types of testing scores/stats should I work towards?</p>
<p>[Student</a> Profile - Admissions - Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo](<a href=“Cal Poly Admissions”>Cal Poly Admissions)
That link will give you a good idea of what GPA and test scores you need. As you can see it is quite competitive.</p>
<p>[Freshman</a> Selection Criteria - Admissions - Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo](<a href=“Cal Poly Admissions”>Cal Poly Admissions)
And this one will tell you how they evaluate your ap. Find ways to complete the Cal Poly Desired courses.</p>
<p>Good for you thinking ahead and good luck.</p>
<p>I just got accepted ED and I didn’t have super stellar grades, but i did take all of the hardest classes at my school, with a couple exceptions, so all those AP classes that i took bumped up my GPA a lot. I only passed 3 AP’s but they don’t even take AP scores into consideration for admission. </p>
<p>I would probably say that your SAT Math score makes the biggest difference in admissions
My SAT was a 2020 (760 Math, 610, CR, and 650 in Writing) so don’t be alarmed if you have a lower critical reading score. My school weighted GPA was 4.22 but my CSU gpa was only 3.96 for grades 10-11. </p>
<p>I hardly had any volunteer work, but i did have work experience in my major, and i played a sport so helped with the amount of hours for activities. I also think early decision helped me get it because it showedmy commitment to the school</p>
<p>Focus on the STEM Honors & AP classes if you qualify. Non-STEM are important, as well, as they can cover some of the GE requirements at SLO- if you score well. Don’t just focus on the SAT. Obviously, high math/cr scores are a plus, but SLO appears to put more weight on the ACT. ECs are not a heavy component for admissions, for good or bad. </p>
<p>Given the trends of the past few years, a CSU GP around 4.0 with an ACT composite of 31+ would make you very competitive. High math SAT scores as well. </p>
<p>Another consideration is finances. You say you’re looking at schools in the West. Are you a California resident? Out of state tuition can be a hefty burden if you’re not a resident, but can also be a plus in admissions decisions these days as the CSU’s are looking for additional $$.</p>
<p>Kudos to you for thinking ahead and mapping out your strategy and good luck to you!</p>
<p>Thank you all, I can see that it is a pretty competetive program. I didn’t really think about tuition when I saw his school. I am definitely out of state (Georgia) and not very well endowed. Now that I think about it, I’ll probably need a significant amount of financial aid along with something like merit scholarship. Seeing as how SLO can’t really afford to do that, I’m reconsidering my chances of even being able to afford this school regardless of acceptance! :banghead:</p>
<p>I paid out of state tuition for 4 years at Cal Poly. It was worth it to me. Yes, out of state is approximately three times as much as in state, but it was actually comparable to attending the big name university in my state. But I think I was much happier attending SLO than I would have been had I stayed in state. Also, if you’re thinking about majoring in csc, there are good chances you’ll be able to score high paying internships at major tech firms while you’re in school, which might help a bit with the money. A lot of these companies are on the west coast, so going to school closer to them might help a bit in the long run. I know people who got internships at Microsoft, Google, and Yahoo while majoring in comp sci at Cal Poly. A lot of them, probably the great majority, have good software engineering jobs lined up before graduation as well. It’s your call though, and there are numerous factors to take into consideration of course. Cal Poly’s computer science program is competitive, but that’s what makes it good obviously. It’s also not easy, even for people with prior programming experience. But if you really like the subject, I’d say it’s definitely worth it based on experiences people I knew in school had with the program.</p>
<p>Well to clarify, I’m not doubting whether or not it’s worth it, but the truth is that my family is struggling to pay $300 a year to keep me in boarding school. Paying out of state tuition, unless I get some amazing job or my single mother does, is just not an option.</p>
<p>@OP – Best of luck buddy. Cal Poly is a wonderful school. However, there are plenty of great schools out there. If you want to save money and still have amazing prospects to have a great career in technology and support your single mother, consider Georgia Tech. Remember, Georgia Tech is one of the nation’s top public universities and is right in your backyard. Many kids opt for Georgia Tech instead of MIT, etc. If you need to save money and get scholarships try that school. With a degree from Georgia Tech you can work anywhere in the world including Silicon Valley. As many on this forum know, I am one of Cal Poly’s biggest fans. But, in your current situation you are better off staying in Georgia for the time being and taking advantage of one of the premier technology based universities in the United States. With a degree from Georgia Tech the sky is the limit. By the way, nothing will keep you from applying for internships or co-ops in different states. It is entirely possible for you to get a high paying internship in California, etc. while you are at Georgia Tech. If I were you that is what I would do. I do not think that you will regret it one iota.</p>
<p>Check it out: [GT</a> | Georgia Institute of Technology - Welcome](<a href=“http://www.gatech.edu/]GT”>http://www.gatech.edu/)</p>