Your chances of getting into California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
Admission Rate & Difficulty
Acceptance Rate
The acceptance rate at Cal Poly is 33%. Its admission rate is the 14th lowest in California and the 101st lowest the nation.
Admission Selectivity
How hard is it to get into Cal Poly and can you get accepted?
Cal Poly is a highly competitive school to get into. You have a moderate chance of acceptance if you meet the admission criteria. Last year, 18,008 out of the 54,570 who applied were admitted.
The school has very high admission requirements, generally admitting students who can score in the top 20 percent on standardized admission tests. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo typically accepts and attracts "A/A+" average high school students with an average GPA around 4.0. Most incoming freshmen graduate in the top quarter of their high school class. 27% of those admitted chose to enroll in the school.
Can you get into Cal Poly?
33% are accepted, can you get in? Use the admission calculator to see if you have the grades and test scores needed to get in. See your admission chances based on your extracurriculars, intended major, background, and more.
Admission Requirements in Brief
To have the best chance of getting into to California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo you should:
- Have a high school GPA of 4.0 or better
- Earn A/A+ grades in high school
- Score 1320 on the SAT
- Score 29 on the ACT
- Graduate in the top 25% of your high school class
Cal Poly GPA
GPA Requirements & Average GPA
What GPA do you need to get into California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo?
GPA Requirements
The GPA requirements for getting into Cal Poly are to have around a 4.0 high school GPA. You are required to have exceptionally good grades and you should be graduating near the top of your class.
Even with a competitive GPA, admission to Cal Poly will be challenging as the school denies more applicants than it admits.
Average GPA
The average unweighted GPA at Cal Poly is 4.0 on the 4.0 scale. 59% of students who get in have perfect 4.0 GPA's in high school. To achieve the average GPA for admission, you need to earn A/A+ letter grades and regularly score around 97-100 percent on tests and assignments in high school. The school ranks #1 in California for highest average GPA.
Importance of GPA
Since Cal Poly is a test optional college, extra focus will be placed on your GPA when the school considers your application. As a result, it is very important that you meet the GPA requirements.
See additional colleges accepting applicants in the 4.0 GPA range.
Competitiveness by GPA Ranges
The table below outlines the number of admitted freshmen by GPA range as well as how competitive your GPA will be as compared with other applicants.
GPA Data Source, Peterson's Data 2022
Cal Poly SAT Scores
Test Optional
Submission of SAT or ACT scores is not required or recommended by California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo.
SAT Requirements & Average SAT Score
| SAT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 610 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 610 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 1220 |
| SAT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 690 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 720 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 1410 |
| Average SAT Score | 1320
|
SAT Scores you need to get in
What are the SAT requirements for you to be admitted to California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo?
Average Score & Range
The average SAT score at Cal Poly is 1320 out of 1600 and the range for the middle 50% of accepted students is 1220-1410. Students who get into California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo score in the top 22 percent of all SAT test takers.. Cal Poly ranks #18 in the state of California and #139 in the nation for highest average SAT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
You should target scoring 1320 or above to be most competitive with other applicants. Cal Poly regularly admits students with SAT scores down to 1220 on a 1600 scale. However, three quarter of admitted students score higher. If you score below a 1220, admission should be considered a reach. Some students may be accepted with minimum SAT's as low as 1120, but scores this low are outside the normal range.
Score Submission Requirements
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a test optional school meaning do not have to submit SAT scores with your application. The position on SAT scores from the college is "neither required nor recommended".
View other colleges which accept students in the 1320 SAT score range.
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2021 starting classChance of Acceptance by SAT Score
The table below outlines your predicted admission chances based on SAT score alone. If you are an average applicant with a score of 1315, you have around a 33% chance of being admitted. A 1410 places you well ahead of most other applicants and gives you about a 48% chance of getting in.
Cal Poly ACT Scores
ACT Requirements & Average ACT Score
| ACT Test | 25th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 25th Percentile | 25 |
| Math 25th Percentile | 26 |
| Composite 25th Percentile | 26 |
| ACT Test | 75th Percentile Score |
|---|---|
| Reading 75th Percentile | 34 |
| Math 75th Percentile | 31 |
| Composite 75th Percentile | 32 |
| Average ACT Score | 29
|
ACT Scores needed to get accepted
What are the ACT requirements for students to get into Cal Poly?
Score Range
The average ACT score for admitted students to Cal Poly is 29, while the middle 50% of students (25th to 75th percentile) score between a 26 and 32. The school ranks #16 in California and #126 in the U.S. for highest average ACT composite score.
Score for Acceptance
For the best chance of admission, you should have an ACT of 29. This will place you in solid competition against other applicants. At a minimum, you should aim for a 26 and score in the score in the top 18 percent nationally. The lowest ACT score likely to be admitted is a 23.
57 percent of applicants submit ACT scores to California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo.
Score Submission Requirements
You do not have to to submit ACT scores with your application as California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is test optional. The policy from the school on ACT scores is "neither required nor recommended".
Find other colleges with similar ACT score requirements
Data Sources, IPEDS for Fall 2021 starting classChance of Acceptance by ACT Score
Here are your predicted chances of getting into Cal Poly for different ACT score ranges. A typical applicant with a 29 score has around 33% chance of getting in. Your odds increase to about 48% with a 32 ACT score.
High School Class Rank
82% of California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo freshman are in the top twenty five percent of their high school graduating class and 49% are in the top ten percent.
| High School Class Rank | Freshmen Within Range |
|---|---|
| Top 10% of class | 49% |
| Top 25% of class | 82% |
| Top 50% of class | 98% |
Applying
Admission Statistics
Admission and enrollment rates by gender are detailed the the table below.
| Women | Men | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Applied | 27,190 | 27,380 | 54,570 |
| Accepted | 10,315 | 7,693 | 18,008 |
| Acceptance Rate | 38% | 28% | 33% |
| Enrolled | 2,467 | 2,417 | 4,884 |
| Percent of Admitted Who Enrolled (Admission Yield) | 24% | 31% | 27% |
Fall 2024 Application Deadline
Applications Due
Days left to Apply
Applicants have 61 days left until the Fall 2024 term applications are due on Nov 30, 2023.
Application Fee
The cost for prospective students to apply to California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is $70.
Application Requirements
What are the requirements for admission to California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo and what student information is used for admission decisions?
| Test Scores | Neither required nor recommended |
| High School GPA | Required |
| High School Class Rank | Neither required nor recommended |
| Completion of College Preparatory Program | Required |
| Recommendations | Neither required nor recommended |
| Demonstration of Competencies | Neither required nor recommended |
Credits Accepted
| AP Credit | Yes |
| Dual Credit | Yes |
| Credit for Life Experiences | No |
Admission Requirements Summary
Because Cal Poly is highly competitive, you have a moderate chance of acceptance depending on your GPA and test scores. If you earn at least a 4.0 GPA, you will have a fair shot at getting in. Additionally, you should score a 1320 on the SAT or 29 on the ACT to be competitive. If you can score a 1410 SAT you will be a very strong applicant.
Other Colleges to Apply To
Students applying to California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo often consider these colleges
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=110422 IPEDS survey data for California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo.
FAQs
Does California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo prefer SAT or ACT?
75% of students submit their SAT scores to Cal Poly. 57% of applicants send their ACT scores when applying.
What is my chance of getting into California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo?
33% of those who apply are granted admission to Cal Poly. Admission competition is high and the college has very high admission standards. See if your grades and scores are good enough for admission.
What SAT score is required for California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have SAT scores between 1220 and 1410. The average SAT score is 1315. See if your SAT score is good enough for admission.
What ACT score is required for California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo?
The middle 50% of addmitted applicants have ACT scores between 26 and 32. The average ACT score is 29. See if your ACT score is good enough for admission.