I was recently admitted to Cal Poly SLO and I think it is a great accomplishment. I really like the school. However, I feel that my stats(GPA SAT) indicate that I am not very qualified. Of course I want a solid education but should I be worried about attending a school where I am a “small fish in a shark tank” academically? I know that most people in this situation would immediately enroll because of how amazing the school is. But really, I am kinda scared of competing in a classroom where everyone is…competitive. Does this school have serious grade deflation? Would smaller class sizes mean that I would be closer to the bottom of the pack? How hard would it be for me to graduate with a 3.0?
Orrrr Am I worrying too much?
my stats:
Math-650 (okay)
CR-490 (not okay. I had to take the EPT)
Writing-Im thankful that they don’t look at writing lol
GPA weighted 3.75 (not okay)
I’m a chronic worrier if you couldn’t tell (not actually)haha
First of all congratulations on your acceptance and maturity to ask such a question. My question would be what are you studying and where else did you get accepted? Cal Poly is full of overachievers, but, if you can hack it, you will more than likely have a job right out of college.
@sunsmom Thank you!! My major is in the college of architecture and environmental design and I got into a less popular CSU that Im also willing to attend.
My advice would be to go visit both schools. I know that the school of architecture is excellent at cal poly, but you also need to ask yourself what type of college experience you want. If you will be stressed out for four years is it worth it? Go with your heart and enjoy the journey.
Don’t assume you’ll be stressed out and don’t assume the ones with higher stats won’t. One of the biggest fallacies is that going to a school that is less selective will be easier. In many cases, the opposite is true, because they don’t have the resources for the infrastructure or to hire good teachers.
You got into your major. That’s all that matters. Now, what you do with it is up to you. Be organized and deliberate in your study and you’ll be fine. The school has zero interest in seeing you fail.
I’d also recommend what @sunsmom said, if you haven’t visited, do so. Choose the school that speaks to your heart and then go with it. You’ll make the best of it and be fine either way.
Not all 3.75 GPAs are created equally. How academically rigorous is your HS? Do most of the kids go on to college? What is the median SAT/ACT score at your HS?
Know what your priorities are and how you want to walk your future. Are you planning on getting graduate education? Would you rather truly be able to learn or just good enough to reach your goals? If you plan on getting graduate education, you might want to attend an undergrad school that has students around your level so you don’t appear “in the bottom of the tank.” If not, I highly recommend going to the best school possible for you to go so you can get a true, high quality education.
Honestly, all you need to do is just work hard. Don’t slack off, be motivated, and absolutely work your hardest. I believe that anyone who is down to achieve something and put their hearts into it will eventually get it. So, really, be clear of what you want and what your goals are and set your heart to it. If you really want to attend cal poly SLO, go for it. I believe you will be able to do it and not even be in the “bottom of the tank” if that is your absolute dream. I wish you the best for your future endeavors and never give up!
There’s a disconnect between that GPA and scores. Is that weighted ? Is your hs underperforming ? Or do you do poorly on tests ? Are you ell ?
In any case,at cal poly, most of the high scores are in engineering, so the difference between your scores and your fellow architecture students may not be so large, although the reading and writing scores are of concern. FOr architecture, your portfolio /skills would matter more. But to do so well you’ll need to work very hard and avail yourself if all the resources available -office hours, tutors, etc. Regardless of whether it seems fine at first ( a mistake many freshmen do, so that, Hen they realize things aren’t as fine as they thought, it’s too late in the quarter. You have to go before anything is done, to prevent the low grades. )
In addition, cal poly has one of the best architecture programs in the country. Considering that right now architecture is the major with the fewest job prospects, graduating from there will be your best chance at a job, provided you do well. Going elsewhere also means forgetting the prospects of working in architecture.
Standard admission testing is known to be skewed against certain subsets of students, especially those who are ESL students. I’m not saying that’s the case here, but sometimes it’s a straightforward answer.
Are you an architecture major? The architecture students who struggle typically are behind in math and physics or are not focusing on time management. However, your math score is good. If you have Calc/Physics classes already completed that would also be helpful in relieving stress, as they tend to take up a lot of students’ time at Cal Poly. Time management is key for architecture majors (and I’m sure for the other CAED majors!). You really need to get to work right away, go to all your classes and keep up with work as it is assigned. I’d emphasize going to all your classes, because there will be pressure to stay up all night and many students then skip morning classes; this is a huge mistake! and I’m speaking from experience! Also, take care of your health, find a tutor if needed, get help from instructors and other students. If you are organized, you will probably do fine.
@Redishwoods I am majoring in Construction Management. It has a high admit rate unlike the other majors in CAED. Therefore, I know that the GE classes I take will be full of other over achievers in the same college that were admitted into more competitive majors. I am just worried about grade deflation. If I do attend, I will be aware that classes are very rigorous and I will make sure to be VERY organized and study as hard as I possibly could to succeed. Thanks!
If they curved to make a standard distribution, this might be a problem. That is rare though at Poly and mostly only in the engineering department. If you do well enough to get an A, you’ll get an A. You’ll fit in fine.
You got in on your own merit, so I think you are clearly “good enough”. Side note-- I too applied to a rather noncompetitive major (one that I’m passionate about, all the same!) with a 3.66 CSU gpa (3.75 W/3.6 UW cumulative), 1950 SAT so I know what it’s like to feel this way-- though I have not yet gotten a decision, wish me luck! You got in, and if you love Cal Poly you should definitely go there!!
Again, as I stated above, do not assume you will get better grades at a school that’s easier to get into. The teaching MAY be inferior and the camaraderie you feel to boost you to strive MAY be less. Don’t assume your grades will be worse at CP. You just don’t know. If you can, spend a full “admitted students day” at both and pick the one where you feel most at home. This may sound silly, but Cal Poly is a good school for the students who it is a good fit for. It is not a good fit for everyone. Each person has to make up their own criteria and then apply it to their choices. I would council you though not to choose Chico State simply for the reason that you think you will get better grades there. You do not know that. Neither school is a classic grind like CalTech or Colorado School of Mines. Go to the school where you are most excited to be. After visiting, that could very well be Chico State. Good luck.
I agree 110% with advice posted above by eyemgh. Go to each school. See where you feel most comfortable. Bring along your mom or dad or an older sibling who’s been through the process. Its really helpful to have another set of eyes of ears. Which SCHOOL do you like best?
Success in college (and life for that matter) is about playing the hand the hand you are dealt. Maybe some kids will have higher SAT scores–big deal, you can’t control that, nor should even attend to arbitrary comparisons. You can control your study habits and level of organization. If your worried about reading and writing skills, try to brush-up over the summer. Ask your high school guidance department and favorite english teachers for advice. Stay healthy by eating right, sleeping and exercising so you’re attentive in class and not stressed. Healthy habits and organized, constant study skills will put you ahead of most first time freshman, regardless of SAT score.
