<p>Here are the schools I'm applying to
- Cal Poly SLO
- Cal Poly Pomona
- UCLA
- UCSD
- Texas A&M
- University of San Diego</p>
<p>I'm really thinking that SLO is the right fit for me because my test scores and grades are right on par and slightly above their admissions but I'm not guaranteed to SLO versus a place like Pomona. And UCLA, UCSD, and possibly A&M are reaches for me and my interest level isn't super high for them but I will consider them if I do get in. </p>
<p>My question is that if I didn't get into SLO or those other reach schools, is it a good idea to go to Pomona and try to transfer to SLO after I get enough credits? (assuming good grades) Also would SLO be more likely to take a transfer from Pomona than other places if their grades and stuff are the same? I would think that this is highly possible because they are both similar and probably have close to the same curriculum. Also, my major will be mechanical engineering. I'm trying to have a back up plan in case everything doesn't work.</p>
<p>UCLA and UCSD are quite selective, so I am assuming that these are really reaches for you if you think you are borderline for SLO.</p>
<p>You don’t say what your intended major is. Since this a board for engineering, I will assume engineering. SLO admits by major and it has been getting tougher each year at SLO, so kind of hard to judge on your chances based on prior year data. Pomona is a little easier to get into but I’m not sure I’d call that a safety school.</p>
<p>Don’t know anything about the admit rates at A&M or University of SD. Kind of wondering why University of SD is on your list? A quick glance at their web site doesn’t show any engineering programs.</p>
<p>I’d add another real safety school. Something like Cal State Long Beach or Cal State Northridge (and I’m sure others) have decent engineering programs that might fit that bill.</p>
<p>I put that my major is mechanical engineering. And I think I will get into SLO, my stats are good enough but I am just being realistic. University of San Diego is a safety school and they do have engineering. I am going for Pomona as a safety because like I said, they are similar to SLO so that’s why I asked if this was a good plan. And I would get into Pomona no problem, my school’s stats show that I’m at least .5+ GPA points above the average admitted GPA and I have AP math and science courses with good grades.</p>
<p>Yes, good plan, but I kind of wonder how you came up with A&M. Do you have some ties to Texas? A desire to be a cadet there? It is a world away from the rest of your list, not driving distance, and neither a reach nor a safety.</p>
<p>Ignore A&M now, I figured I would put an OOS school and I could see myself there due to the environment but I’m not applying due to costs for tuition and traveling home for breaks.</p>
<p>As Puck said, Poly admits by major. It’s harder to get into some majors than others.</p>
<p>The bigger question is have you researched the difference in the ways the schools on your list educate their students? It’s important that you do. The experience at UCLA and Cal Poly will be very different. It’s up to the individual to decide what fits them best.</p>
<p>My son for example isn’t applying to any UCs, not because he doesn’t have the stats to get in, but because he like the Cal Poly “Learn by Doing” approach. It is a different approach than UCLA or UCB.</p>
<p>Here’s a link to the 2013 Cal Poly admission stats. The GPA posted is calculated the same as the UCs. You’ll notice, engineering is pretty selective at just under 30% acceptance. Within engineering some are more difficult than others, Aerospace being the most competitive and environmental (likely) being the least. Good luck.</p>
<p>Remember Poly SLO also uses Freshman year grades. An average GPA of 4.08 for a UC may not seem high, but the additional year dilutes the weight the AP/honors courses give and you only get credit for your first 8. If you have 24 courses in your calculation, the highest possible GPA is 4.34.</p>
<p>If you like SLO teaching style, how about applying to Rose Hulman? It won’t have the climate or the culture of the large California schools, but has a great reputation for small classes and hands-on learning.</p>