College Overview: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo: Laid back environment
Cal Poly has one of the most laid back atmospheres of any University. This has a good and a bad side to it. Poly students are fairly apathetic when it comes to politics and current events. No one seems to have a solid opinion on anything and the lack of conflict actually makes it somewhat boring. However this laid back environment allows everyone to be themselves without feeling like they are being judged and it's easy to feel welcome at Poly.

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo: I <3 Poly!
Cal Poly is simply amazing for me, but you have to appreciate a small town feel to everything. Classes themselves are all fairly small and the same sort of theme goes through the town. The number of people at the school isn't by any means low, but you'll find yourself running into people you know everytime you go downtown. Most of the town itself is college students which makes for a great time, but before coming here you should know whether or not that's what you want.

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo: Cal Poly
Cal Poly represents a diverse array of fields of study - yet the student body is relatively uniform in that everyone's chill and relaxed. This actually goes hand in hand with how focused and motivated everyone is, but the attitude appears laid-back and the kids aren't afraid to have fun. It's a small town, too, so prospective students should make sure to visit to figure out if it's the size and scale of community they're looking for...it's certainly not a big city, but ...

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo: Cal Poly, SLO
This school was my first choice for several reasons: I love San Luis Obispo, I'm down with the Quarter System (which enables much more flexibility and exciting change in terms of curriculum...as opposed to being stuck with a course month after month regardless if its quality) and most importantly, Cal Poly offered my major as one of the 19 Accredited programs in the nation. Having said that, here are two warnings: if you don't know what you want to major in going into college, don&#...

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo: Cal Poly
I chose this school because I'm from a larger city and wanted a smaller, intimate environment as a change of pace. If you seek any sort of urban stimulation as opposed to (or outside of) a tight-knit college campus, this probably isn't the place for you.

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo: poly pride
The town here is the epitome of a college town: it's wonderful on a college-scale, but it's insular and student-oriented, so if you're looking for a big city you're out of luck. What it lacks in urbanity, though, it makes up for with its proximity to the beach - 10 minutes. So obviously, snowboarders have a harder time finding their passion around here than surfers.

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo: Cal Poly is OK.
I chose Cal Poly because of its high-rated Computer Engineering Program. In light of this, it may come as a huge shock that the party scene here rocks. Despite that we're on the beach, the campus itself isn't a gorgeous idyllic traditional college campus with rolling hills or anything like that, so if that's what you're looking for...or if you're in search of great sports teams...I don't think this place is for you.