California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo Admission Requirements and Statistics

[updated for 2024-2025 admission data]

How hard is Cal Poly to get into?

This page provides the latest information on California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly)'s admission process, acceptance rate, and student profile. Cal Poly's acceptance rate is 31.32% for 2024-2025 admission. A total of 68,371 students applied and 21,416 were admitted to the school. Its acceptance rate is relatively low, making it somewhat difficult to get into Cal Poly.

To apply to Cal Poly, it is required to submit high school GPA and record. The SAT and ACT score is not considered for admission at California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.

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Admission Statistics

For the academic year 2024-25, Cal Poly's acceptance rate is 31.32% and the yield (also known as enrollment rate) is 24.61%. 33,952 men and 34,419 women applied to Cal Poly and 9,124 men and 12,292 women students were accepted.

Among them, 2,432 men and 2,839 women were enrolled in Cal Poly. You can explore the Cal Poly's admission rates and SAT score trends over the past decade, including year-by-year data and analysis, by visiting Admission Trends page.

Acceptance Rate and Admission Statistics at Cal Poly
TotalMenWomenAnother GenderGender Unknown
Applicants68,37133,95234,41900
Admitted21,4169,12412,29200
Enrolled5,2712,4322,83900
Acceptance Rate 31.32%26.87%35.71%--
Yield 24.61%26.65%23.10%--

Data source: IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) (Last update: December 11, 2024)

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo 2025 Acceptance Rate By Gender chart

First-year Enrollment by Gender and Enrolled Type

For the academic year 2024-25, total 5,271 first-year students enrolled in Cal Poly. The proportion of full-time students is 99.79% and part-time students is 0.21%.

By gender, the proportion of men students is 46.14% and women students is 53.86%.

The following table shows the first-year students by gender and enrolled type at Cal Poly.

First-Year Students by Gender and Enrolled Type at Cal Poly
TotalMenWomenAnother GenderGender Unknown
Total5,2712,4322,83900
Full-time5,2602,4272,83300
Part-time115600

Data source: IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) (Last update: December 11, 2024)

Application Requirements

It requires to submit High School GPA, High School Record (or Transcript), Completion of College Preparatory Program, and English Proficiency Test to its applicants.

The SAT and ACT test score is not considered in admission process at Cal Poly. The english proficiency test is required .

The next table summarizes the application requirements to apply California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo.

For more admission information such as minimum GPA and deadlines, see its online application page .

Cal Poly Admission Requirements
High School GPARequired
High School RankNot Considered
High School Record (or Transcript)Required
Completion of College Preparatory ProgramRequired
RecommendationsNot Considered
Formal Demonstration of CompetenciesNot Considered
SAT / ACTNot Considered
English Proficiency TestRequired
Other Test (Wonderlic,WISC-III,etc)Not Considered
Work experienceConsidered, if submitted
Personal statement or essayNot Considered
Legacy statusNot Considered

General Admissions Information

The following provides general admission information for applying to Cal Poly:

  • Open Admission Policy: No
  • Undergraduate Application Fees: -
  • Graduate Application Fees: -
  • Admission Information: https://www.calpoly.edu/admissions
  • Online Application: www2.calstate.edu/apply
  • Calendar System: Quarter
  • Course for High School Students: Not Offered
  • Credits Accepted: Credits for Life Experiences, Advanced placement (AP) Credits
  • Degree Offered: Bachelor, Post-Bachelor Certificate, Master

Cal Poly Admission Frequently Asked Questions

Cal Poly is moderately competitive, with an acceptance rate of 31.32%.
Cal Poly does not require or recommend SAT or ACT scores for admission. However, some programs may have different requirements.
Cal Poly does not require or recommend a personal essay or statement for admission. However, they may be required for certain programs or scholarships.
Cal Poly does not require or recommend a recommendation letter for admission. However, it may be required for certain programs or scholarships.
Cal Poly does not require an application fee for undergraduate or graduate admission.
Yes, Cal Poly requires applicants to submit high school GPA, high school record or transcript as part of the admission process.
Yes, Cal Poly requires international applicants to submit an English proficiency test (like TOEFL or IELTS) as part of the application.

The institutional SAT code for Cal Poly is 4038 and 4-digit ACT code is 0188.

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