Admissions Information
The Honors Program is not accepting new applications until the conclusion of Fall 2009. Please contact us at that time for application details.
The Cal Poly Honors Program has several ways in which students can apply for admission.
Incoming Freshman
The Program typically admits an incoming freshman class of 75-100 students who are selected from among the numerous highly-qualified high school students who have completed their SIR (Statement of Intent to Register) and who meet at least two of the requirements listed below.
The application deadline for the 2009-2010 academic year has closed. Please check back in January 2010 for information about the application deadline for Fall 2010.
Incoming Freshman Requirements
| Requirements (need to meet at least 2 of below): | Required Applications Materials: |
|---|---|
| SAT combined score of 1250 (Math + Critical Reading) or ACT composite score of 27 |
Incoming Freshman application form, including list of extracurricular activities and personal essay. |
| High School GPA of at least 3.75 | Documentation supporting GPA, SAT/ACT scores and AP scores (unofficial copies are acceptable) |
| Two Advanced Placement scores of at least 4 | Two (2) letters of reference |
A Note on Honors Housing: Housing at Cal Poly is reserved on a "first-come, first-served" basis. Please submit your housing deposits on time (the earlier the better) in order to ensure a spot. Acceptance into the Honors Program does not guarantee housing if a housing deposit was not made. Students who wish to live in the Honors House (located in Cerro Vista apartments) must select the Honors House as their 1st choice on the Cal Poly portal. Students who are not admitted to the Honors Program will be given their 2nd or 3rd housing choice. We strongly encourage Honors students to choose the Honors House as their first choice in housing.
Mid-Year Applicants
Students may also apply to the Honors Program after their first quarter at Cal Poly, if
they have a minimum cumulative Cal Poly GPA of 3.3 . Students may apply at any time
in their Cal Poly careers, as long as they are able to fulfill the minimum Honors Course Requirements. Mid-year applications are accepted throughout the academic year. Please allow 2 weeks for processing. Mid-year applicants should submit the following:
- Mid year application form, including list of extracurricular activities.
- Two (2) letters of reference from Cal Poly faculty (email is acceptable).
- Short interview with the Honors Director.
Transfer Students
Transfer students who have attained a minimum Higher Ed GPA of 3.3 and are able to
meet the minimum Honors Course Requirements are also eligible to apply. Transfer applicants should submit the following:
- Transfer application form, including list of extracurricular activities.
- Copy of most recent transcript (unofficial copies are acceptable).
- Two (2) letters of reference.
- Short interview with the Honors Director.
High Performance Cal Poly Students
We also actively recruit high-performing Cal Poly students by sending invitations to join the Honors Program. We also encourage Cal Poly faculty members to refer their high-performing students for program admission.
Note: Under special circumstances (e.g., student has a non-standard educational background), applicants may submit a letter requesting permission from the Honors Director to be considered for the program. In this case, the letter must provide clear justification and documentation for exceptional treatment that will be considered by the Honors Director and the Honors Council.