Cal Poly Acceptance Rate
Over the past five years, gaining admission to California Polytechnic State University has become increasingly competitive. It's no longer enough to simply have a strong academic record; the admissions process now evaluates a range of factors beyond just grades and test scores.
Applicants are expected to demonstrate a well-rounded profile, which may include extracurricular involvement, leadership experience, unique talents, and alignment with Cal Poly's values and programs.
California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) seeks students who are academically committed, actively involved in extracurricular activities, and genuinely passionate about their chosen fields of study.
To stand out in the increasingly competitive admissions process, applicants must do more than demonstrate academic intelligence—they need to effectively communicate their interests, passions, and unique talents.
Cal Poly values students who can show depth in their pursuits and a strong sense of purpose.
| Year | Acceptance Rate |
| 2023 | 30% |
| 2022 | 29% |
| 2021 | 35% |
| 2020 | 29% |
| 2019 | 29% |
Cal Poly Admission Process
When applying to Cal Poly, it is essential to specify your intended major, as the admissions process is highly major-specific. Applicants are evaluated in comparison to others within their chosen field of study, and competition is intense across all majors. Cal Poly places strong emphasis on both academic performance and non-academic traits, using a Multi-Criteria Admission (MCA) model mandated by faculty.
Academic Evaluation:
Your weighted GPA from 9th to 11th grade plays a crucial role in your application. The score is calculated based on your college-preparatory coursework, with extra weight given to courses labeled as honors, college-level, Advanced Placement (AP), or International Baccalaureate (IB) over eight semesters.
Additional Considerations:
In addition to academics, Cal Poly considers factors such as work experience, volunteer activities, and other extracurricular involvement. The university looks for students who are not only strong intellectually but also motivated, passionate, and engaged in meaningful pursuits.
Cal Poly New Admission Records
In its 2025 enrollment review, California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) reported a record number of applicants, with 81,899 students applying—a 3.6% increase from the previous year. This surge in applications reflects the growing demand for Cal Poly’s distinctive "Learn by Doing" educational approach.
Of the applicants, 22,531 were admitted, with many being first-year students, and the average GPA of those accepted was 4.06, showcasing the university’s competitive academic standards. The transfer admit rate stood at 18.8%, with Cuesta College seeing a much higher 53.8% transfer rate, as 274 out of 500 applicants were accepted.
Notably, 92% of Cuesta applicants who also attended local high schools were admitted, as were 93% of applicants from Allan Hancock College, where 241 out of 361 students were selected. The top five community colleges with the highest number of selected applicants included Cuesta, Allan Hancock, De Anza College, Santa Barbara City College, and Moorpark College.
In terms of high schools, San Luis Obispo and Arroyo Grande were among the top five, while the top five counties with the most applicants included Los Angeles, Santa Clara, San Diego, Orange, and Alameda.
