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Applicant First Time Account Activation

To set up your Cal Poly account for the first time, follow these steps.

  1. Visit the Application Status Portal and click Need Help? 

    Screenshot of the portal's need help option
     
  2. On the Account and Password Help page, enter your email address then click Go.
    Screenshot of the portal's account and password help page
     
  3. Click Request Code.

    Screenshot of location of Request Code button
     

  4. Check your email for a message from Cal Poly with your activation code and copy the code. 

    Example of an email containing the activation code.
     

  5. Return to the page and paste or type the activation code you received via email. Then click Next.
    Example of a blurred code and next button placed on the account and password help page.
     
  6. Create a new password following Cal Poly's password requirements. Click Next.

    Screenshot example of entering a new password.
     
  7. Select your three recovery questions. Select memorable answers for future account resets. Click Next.
    Screenshot example of the reset questions.
     
  8. Enter your phone number for emergency notifications and password resets (or choose to Opt Out by checking the box). Click Next.
    Example of phone entry screen and opt out button
     
  9. Confirm that you have reviewed and agree to Cal Poly's ISP and Confidentiality-Security agreement by checking both boxes, then click Agree.
    Example of the agreement page.
     
  10. Click Done. Once completed, you will receive a confirmation email.
    Example of the done screen.
     

Possible Issues

Unable to identify your account

If we are not able to locate your account, this message will be displayed. You will receive this message when we are unable to locate your account information based on the information you provided, Cal Poly Username or home email address. In some cases, this can indicate a Cal Poly Username has not yet been assigned.

unable to locate your account

 

Your account has already been activated

You can only do the initial activation one time. If you have already done this you will be offered the option of re-activating your account by answering your security questions. Expand this option and answer the questions (correctly) and you will be able to reset your password.

account has already been activated

*Applicants: You will need this password periodically throughout the application process. Please do not lose your passwords. If you forget your password, the ONLY METHOD for retrieving your password is following the instructions on the Forget Password page.

NO CAL POLY OFFICE, including the Admissions Office, can give you your password by phone or through email. The instructions on the 'Forget Password' link above is the only way to retrieve your password.