I calculated my MCA to be about 4300. i would like to do EE, but I would change that if it meant a better chance at SLO. The score is due to poor grades my sophomore year. I’m on track for perfect grades this (senior) year, is it possible to appeal with this semesters grades if I don’t get in? Thank you.
There is only a small amount of MCA data available but based on some Engineering posters, 4700+ is competitive. There have been some posts that were higher than 4700 and were rejected. SLO will consider appeals but expect their decision to be pretty much final. Definitely apply since ED is not an option this year, it may be less or more competitive for the Engineering spots, but time will tell.
From SLO Website::
Cal Poly does not set aside spaces for students who appeal admission decisions. Every denied application has been reviewed for maximum consideration. Therefore, for an appeal to have merit, it must bring to light new academic information as well as information pertaining to extenuating circumstances that was not present in the application information that clearly shows the student to be stronger than had been earlier evidenced. Neither grades received in the current academic year nor mistakes made by the applicant on the application are a basis for an appeal or the reversal of a decision.
Submitting an Appeal
Send us a formal letter requesting that we reconsider your application. The letter must come from you (the applicant) and be postmarked no later than 15 days after receipt of your original admission decision. Please use this Cover Sheet when sending in your appeal. Note: Letters submitted via email or fax are not acceptable and will not be considered.
Your letter must clearly outline your reasons for appealing the initial decision. The information you present should be new and compelling. Your letter should not simply repeat information that had already been presented in your application.
Official transcripts (in an envelope sealed by the institution) must either be included in your letter of appeal or have been requested to be sent directly from your high school or college and so noted in your letter. Transcripts must include all coursework and grades completed to date, plus an official listing of the coursework in which you are currently enrolled. Transfer applicants must submit transcripts from all colleges attended, but do not need to submit high school transcripts. Freshman applicants must submit transcripts from all high schools attended, and where applicable, from all colleges attended.
For freshman applicants, if the basis of your appeal involves an incorrectly reported test score, you should provide documentation (e.g., a revised score report) in the same envelope as your letter of appeal, plus request the revised test scores be sent electronically to Cal Poly from the testing agency.
Letters of recommendation and personal statements or essays are not considered in the admission selection process at Cal Poly and cannot be submitted as part of your appeal.
It is our usual practice to respond to appeals within 15 business days of the date we receive them. While all appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, the rate of a decision being reversed based upon an appeal has historically been very low. We encourage applicants to consider all available educational options. All appeal decisions are considered final.
All appeals should be addressed to:
Cal Poly
Admissions Office
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407 U.S.A.
Attn: Admission Appeal