California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) - San Luis Obispo
- 4 Year
- SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA
CollegeGrad School
California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) - San Luis Obispo
- grade A minusOverall Grade
- 4 Year
- SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA
- Rating 3.76 out of 5 3,949 reviews
California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) - San Luis Obispo Reviews
Rating 3.76 out of 5 3,949 reviews
Classes: 1st year we are enrolled in at least 12 units to be full-time students which is very helpful for first-generation students to get comfortable with the system. After 1st year, it is very difficult to get into classes, due to the lack of staff and sections for prerequisite classes such as math, chemistry and bio. There are very helpful professors that take their class evaluations personally to be able to improve their course while there are graduates and/or 4th years that don't have the right training to teach a course.
Environment: Very clean campus and organized. Even though it is a primarily white institution, they do their best to set up events and themes for diversity to make everyone feel welcomed.
Environment: Very clean campus and organized. Even though it is a primarily white institution, they do their best to set up events and themes for diversity to make everyone feel welcomed.
At first, Cal Poly wasn't my first choice due to the location, campus, and academic atmosphere. As a journalism student who wanted to go to school on the east coast, it didn't seem the right fit, at first. After my freshman year, my perspective has changed on Cal Poly. I like that Cal Poly is a well-rounded school. You are able to do anything you want and have it taken seriously. However, I wouldn't say I like the emphasis on science, math, and engineering that is clear when you enter any building. I wish that Cal Poly would emphasize the amazing liberal arts departments they have to offer.
At first I was concerned about the schools reputation as a primarily white institution but coming to this school and learning architecture here I was able to find people I could relate to and learn from.
It took awhile to meet my actual group and while that was not helping my mental health, the resources on campus to even just getting the classes needed are difficult while academic advisors seem to not want to help at all
Overall, I loved my first year here at Cal Poly. I have made so many life long friends already through clubs, the Scholars program, and even in class. The campus is so beautiful and I always feel immersed in nature. There are also so many opportunities and it's a good learning environment too.
My experience at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo has been great. Far from easy, but great. I met so many fun and genuine people that I shared many experiences at the beach, hikes, church, and so many dinners/meals with. I say my experience wasn't easy because I failed my first ever class during my first quarter at school. It made me question a lot about where I was at and what I was doing, but I stuck it out and continued my education. After not taking that class for one more quarter, I decided to try to take the class again my third quarter. I took it, and went from an F the first time around to an A the second time around. I changed my study habits and tactics, worked hard, and learned so much about myself. I'm excited to come back for my second year to see where life takes me.
It is such a beautiful campus with a nice city. The diversity isn't the greatest but it's not difficult to find other people to connect to.
Some teachers relied too much on canvas and self-study rather than teach the students which was especially difficult with quarter system.
It's a busy university tucked away in the coastal ranges of California, kind of in the middle of nowhere. Close to beaches and a lot of outdoor recreation, but other than that, there's not much to do in the area, which makes our student life thrive as people rely on each other to pass the time. The region's food is lacking, on and off campus, with little diversity in options, cuisines, or prices. It's all fairly expensive, even by California big city standards. The professors are fine, they do the best with what they're given, but the administration leaves much to be desired. It's a party school, but it's not too "in your face" that you can opt not to party and be fine socially. Very academically competitive, and high GPAs are not to be expected, but our school puts in effort and excels at every major it offers. I haven't heard a negative thing regarding any of our majors from any student in my two years here.
I really enjoyed it overall. Great academics, small classes for the most part and amazing rec center. I think here is so much happening at this college and I’d like to see more school spirit, perhaps with sports or arts.
I am part of a low income program (EOP) that provides a 4 week free course. I am just now finishing my last week. I fell in love with the school for many things such as the learn by doing motto. I learn better by getting my hands dirty and majoring in Agribusiness I hope to work in the field from my first year. I am a first generation Latino student, not seeing a lot of people I can relate to can be scary a times. Seeing more diversity in this school would be great.
I absolutely loved Cal Poly. I transferred here my Junior year, so it took some time to adapt, but once I did I loved it. I appreciate the smaller class sizes, as I feel like they are more personal, and gives students a better opportunity to connect with their professors and peers. The campus is easy to navigate, and the professors are outstanding. I wish there was a little more diversity here at Cal Poly, but other than that, I had a great experience, and liked it so much that I am going to be getting my multiple subject teaching credential here this upcoming year.
I start school this upcoming August so I haven't experience the full thing yet. However I like what I'm seeing so far. The school is giving me a free macbook pro and a 3rd gen airpods. Can anything be better then that?
First impressions of the campus was stellar, being in a rather suburban part of California. While it is a little farther from where I live, I feel that I can fit into the school, and find a lot of interesting people, building connections and networking with other aspiring engineers.
As an incoming freshman to Cal Poly, I have seen nothing but positive energy be emitted from the school. The second I set foot in the campus I felt that this school was the fit for me. One aspect of the school that I love is the embrace they have for their SLO community. The university remembers to take the time to acknowledge that the land they reside on is Native American land and they make sure that the local businesses in the area are hear as well.
I've had a great experience with my education, and I have enjoyed all of my classes so far. However, Cal Poly overcharges for meal plans for first years and continued to raise the price of food throughout the year. They are also overfilling campus housing and it's difficult to find affordable off campus housing in SLO. Other than these things, I've had a good experience so far and can't wait to go back for another year.
Beautiful campus with a multitude of diverse opportunities. The school takes its "learn by doing" approach very seriously and provides a plethora of resources for students of all fields. Lots of hiking and outdoor opportunities around and the campus is a short drive from many good beaches.
I am an incoming freshman at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and so far I am enjoying my experience. I have participated in orientation and feel like I made the right choice on the college I am going to attend.
I love the community of people that I have found there. The classes are challenging, but I wouldn't expect anything less from a university. I will say Cal Poly doesn't do very well with the housing situation, enrolling more people than the school can hold and then upping demand for housing around SLO.
I really enjoy the school. I like how the classrooms are small. The staff is very helpful and caring.