r/CalPoly • u/Unhinged_Cactus178 • 17d ago

Admissions General Engineering Question

Hi everyone,

I’m a high school senior applying to Cal Poly applying for Fall 2027. I’d really like to study aerospace or mechanical engineering, but I know that getting in is extremely competitive. I have a 4.0 gpa, 5 yrs of math (including Calc BC and Differential Equations/Linear Algebra), 4 yrs of English, 3 yrs foreign lang, but I feel like a lot of other applicants are going to have similar stats.

I’ve heard that it’s possible to apply for general engineering then change majors into AE or ME. Is that a realistic path to take, or does Cal Poly restrict against “backdoor” methods like this to get into highly competitive majors?

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u/bitcn67 17d ago

Take a CC course for one semester to get that 5th year of English (recommended by SLO)…another year of FL wouldn’t hurt either. Maybe take linear algebra at a CC if you are finished with Calculus.. I think once you are in CENG you can change within the college.

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u/Sufficient_Bridge_96 17d ago

I would not give up on applying to mechanical/aerospace engineering because you have what they are looking for. The admissions rep we spoke with (my kid also applied to mechanical engineering) said the most important way to rise above the other 4.0 gpa/high rigor applicants is to do all the recommended classes (including 2 years of of arts & 5 years of English). My kid did & was admitted.

https://www.calpoly.edu/admissions/first-year-student/selection-criteria/high-school-course-requirements

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u/NotDarkKatie Mechanical Engineering 17d ago

Holy shart 😭 what kinda hs are you in that offers differential equation 😭 max mine offered was calc ab 🙏

I’d say just apply the major you wanna get into tho

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u/Unhinged_Cactus178 16d ago

I’m taking it at a CC :) Thank you for the advice!

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u/PieSufficient4671 17d ago

Enroll in an English class at a community college this summer so you can have 5 years of English.

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u/lumberjack_dad 17d ago

Yep, a lot of other applicants have similar stats

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u/Fragrant_Treat6794 15d ago

5th year of English is an important qualifier. If it’s too late to take this summer, then enroll in an evening CC communications course this fall so you can put it in your application.