I was doing a college search and stumbled upon Cal Poly Pomona, but found it interesting how GPA and SAT are what appears to be considered the most important in admissions, yet the SAT score isn’t anything too crazy. I expect the standards to be higher for engineering, but I found that there is little consideration for ECs or essays.
No essays required.
How Cal States admit:
The Cal states admit by major and eligibility index. They really only consider GPA/Test scores/Geographic location and HS course rigor. Other than Cal Poly SLO, your EC’s are not considered.
You need to calculate your CSU/UC GPA using grades from a-g courses taken 10-11th.
https://rogerhub.com/gpa-calculator-uc/
Not sure which courses are a-g and will give you extra honors points, then use this link by typing in your HS name?
https://hs-articulation.ucop.edu/agcourselist#/list/search/institution
Cal states and the majority of the UC’s use the capped weighted GPA.
Then calculate your Eligibility index:
If you took the Redesigned SAT:
(CSU capped weighted GPA X 800) + (SAT Evidence Based Reading & Writing (EBRW) + Math Score) = Eligibility Index
Eligibility index for ACT:
(CSU capped weighted GPA X 200) + (ACT Composite x10)= Eligibility Index
You will then be ranked based on EI and major and they accept from the top down until all spots are filled.
You will get priority at your local CSU which you can look up on this link. Local applicants usually require a lower EI to get an acceptance unless the program is highly impacted.
http://www.calstate.edu/sas/onestopkiosk/documents/CSULocalAdmission-ServiceAreas.pdf
Impacted campuses/majors: https://www.calstate.edu/sas/documents/ImpactedProgramsMatrix.pdf
Out of state applicants get no financial aid for the Cal States so expect to pay $36-40K/year to attend.
You are a VA resident. There is no financial aid for out of state students at the CSU’s or UC’s. Can you pay about $50,000/year?
@Gumbymom thanks for the efficient reply! So essentially the earlier I apply, the better I have a chance? Does the fact I am from Virginia also have an impact?
No, there is no “early decision”. Some Cal States will give you an earlier decision if you are a high stat applicant but not all. CPP released “earlier decisions” last year around January but continued acceptances through April. Apply by the November 30th deadline.
Being OOS can be advantageous due to you being a full pay student but if the major is impacted (more applicants than spots available) there is no specific bump.
Cal States do give priority to local and in-state applicants however, the Cal states do welcome OOS money.
CPP is all about the having completed the a-g course list and your Eligibility Index, which is a combination of GPA and SAT or ACT. ECs, course rigor, essays play no role in admissions.
As an OOS engineering applicant, I’d target an EI above 4000 to be comfortably sure you’ll be admitted.
If you are admitted, be sure to bring lots of cash… as others capture above, you’ll be paying around $40k/yr.
good luck