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What is a First-Year Student?

You are considered a first-year student if you are currently in high school (with or without any completed college classes) or you are a high school graduate who has not attended any college after high school, prior to entering Cal Poly.

Your Application

Cal Poly accepts applications for first-year students from October 1 - November 30. Learn more about our application process, including choosing a major and how to submit your application materials.

How to Apply

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Applicant Resources

Dates to Remember

Learn about application due dates, financial aid filing periods, when you will be notified about our decision and more. 

Dates and Deadlines

Selection Process

Review our admissions requirements and selection criteria, including GPA, test scores and other variables. 

Selection Criteria

Application Help

Learn how to access the application as well as discover tips to help you navigate and complete each section of the application.

Application Resources

Explore Our Majors

Cal Poly's six academic colleges offer more than 60 majors for you to consider.

We require students to declare a major as part of the application process in order to maximize their experience in their chosen field from Day One. While changing your major may be possible, we recommend you explore majors thoroughly before making your choice.

Paying for College

Calculate and review your costs of attendance as well as learn about the various types of financial aid available.

Cost and Aid

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Once You're Accepted

Did you get an offer of admission and are wondering what you need to do next? Learn more about the steps you need to take and the things to remember after you have been selected for conditional admission to Cal Poly.

What's Next?

First-year student and parent celebrating acceptance