I’m an international applicant applying for a Computer Science major, which I know is very difficult to get into!
9th grade - 4 As, 3 Bs and 1 C
10th grade - 7 As and 1 B
11th grade - 2 As and 2 Bs
I study A levels, so my grading system is a bit different (3.0 is a C, 3.7 is a B, and 4.0 is an A). And I heard A levels are similar to APs, so do I get extra credit?? Without credit, my gpa is approx 3.86 and after adding credit (don’t if this is legit) it’s 3.96.
My ACT score is a 31, 32 in Maths and 31 in English
According to the enrolled averages in the College of Engineering, it’s 31 in ACT and 4.08 in GPA. And out of 16,116 applicants, only 3,547 get in. I realize my GPA is much lower than the averages. Can someone please help me out, this is my top school, and I need to know my chances. Thanks!!
Edit: I have already sent my ACT scores and I haven’t registered for the December one, so I can’t take it again. The next ACT test date is April I think. Should I register for the SAT in Jan? The deadline for Cal poly was Nov 30th, so I don’t know whether I can still send test scores past the deadline.
Note: I didn’t list ECs because Cal Poly doesn’t look at them.
I’m not entirely certain how your chances differ considering your international. However assuming you have around a 3.96:
Your chances are a bit low. If you can get a higher ACT scores (you want to be above the average) you will have a much better chance of getting in. You didn’t list an ECs (not sure if you forgot or just don’t have any), but it doesn’t matter nearly as much as the numerics.
Search the forms for “MCA” scores, and calculate yours. You want to be at least 4700+ for a decent shot at engineering.
@Gumbymom can and probably will do a much better job than I.
AP tests are AP tests. If you didn’t take the AP class then you don’t get extra “points”.
You are applying as an international candidate to a California public university, whose priority is to enroll state residents. So, given that you want to major in CS, your ACT needs to be higher to be competitive.
@“aunt bea” I realize APs are different, but my A level exams took place in May, at the same time as APs, so it was difficult to study for both of them, so I was hoping I would be weighted higher because of this. (They do this for IB, don’t they?)
Pls look at this link for a better idea of what I mean - http://www.■■■■■■■■■■■■■■.co.uk/showthread.php?t=1080425
Did you check the SLO website? You really can’t “hope” your way into a better GPA. Yes, A levels are difficult, but indicating that you couldn’t do both tests doesn’t really help. Remember that these are California public schools whose intent is to educate California residents. (Your link is blocked.)
Will you be able to afford CP SLO? There are limited to no scholarships for OOS nor international candidates. Your cost is roughly estimated at $36K per year.
@“aunt bea” Yes I can, but setting aside the financial costs, are my chances nil?
Also I’m almost certain that A levels are equivalent to APs, but it’s a little tricky for us A level students to calculate our GPA in terms of the American system, it depends on how the university sees it, that’s why I’m a little confused about my GPA.
Thanks for your input!
Not sure how your A levels will be considered but your GPA is below the average for the College of Engineering (4.13). ACT is on target (32); however, with around a 12% acceptance rate, I would give you 50/50 chances at an acceptance. CS is super tough at SLO and I would not be surprised if you were accepted to several UC’s over SLO.
@bitensky @“aunt bea” @Gumbymom I got in for comp sci! I knew my odds were low, so this is just fantastic! I know this is an old thread, but I just wanted you guys to know.