<p>Listen to what many of these folks are saying as a lot of it is good advice. However, Cal Poly is still an outstanding hands on program that has a truly unique mission and value prospect. Even if total costs are $31K (that includes room & board and a bit of pocket money) for an international student, a UC will cost you $55K. To get merit money with your current stats, you will most likely need to apply to mid tier private institutions or public ones that offer international students financial incentives. I know that with the current economic environment few state schools will offer OOS and international students lots of cash as they struggle to provide for their own residents. You will just have to look very hard for money and probably compromise for a lesser known school.</p>
<p>$31K for an international student is pretty darn reasonable when you look at the alternatives. What you get at Cal Poly and why we chose it over all other offers that included incentives like merit scholarships and automatic Honors College status is:</p>
<p>(1) A hands on learn by doing teaching methodology very different from other schools. You will graduate as an experienced engineer. It is rare that Cal Poly grads need much on the job training. This is why employers love Cal Poly. Cal Poly grads are generally “work ready” at graduation.
(2) All professors – no TA’s at all.
(3) Smaller classes.
(4) Tons and tons of real lab time for almost every subject. Even my kid’s English class had him out in the filed interviewing people. All led by real professors (again no TA’s).
(5) Incredible club opportunities. My kid is now working on a supermileage prototype vehicle for national competition this year and he is a freshman.
(6) Engineering classes (or classes in your major) in the first week of your first quarter of your freshman year. No crazy two-year wait getting GE’s out of the way. They hit you with classes in your major from the get go.
(7) Graduation in 4 years if you are exceptional - but engineering at most schools takes longer than that. Up to 6 years at a UC or another Cal State. Anyway, Cal Poly also offers a 4+1 (more like a 5+1) program where you can graduate with a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree simultaneously. My kid will most likely do that.
(8) Great environment, cool college town, beautiful campus and surrounded by pristine natural beauty.
(9) Oh yeah! The school is a major agriculture institution. They have tractor pull competitions and intercollegiate championship rodeos! What other school has that? Bull and bronco riding, everything. Also they have a great sports program and tons of other things going on. By the way, I am not joking about the rodeo – I love them and love the animals on campus. Cal Poly swept the competition.</p>
<p>I could continue, but I am getting tired. Look at the school anyway. You owe it to yourself to have one of the most unique and wonderful academic experiences available. Is it perfect? Absolutely not – you can be miserable in Heaven if you choose to. But, I’ve rarely met folks that were disappointed in SLO. I’ve met kids who failed out before and even they like the school. They just couldn’t cut it. One persistent comment that we hear is that Cal Poly lacks diversity. I disagree and that is coming from a us – a mixed race, multilingual family with dual national status. Our kid is very comfortable at SLO and his room mates are of many ethnic backgrounds.</p>