Cal Poly, SLO

Introduction
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't go to Poly because you may be lost...or you may find that this school doesn't specialize in or have the resources to support exactly what you're looking for. If you do know, however, I will say only this: be prepared to work. The "work hard" portion of "word hard, play hard" is definitely emphasized, despite our close proximity to the beach and surfer-friendly campus...

Campus Life and Social Life
Within a two-block radius of campus, parties are rampant. The school attempts to crack down, but they're powerless to stop the force that is.

In light of this, it's sometimes easy to forget that Cal Poly has a sizable Christian community with the "Campus Crusade for Christ" and Asian-American Christian Fellowship attracting a large number of students. For other religions, there are organizations like the Hillel Society, which caters to the Jewish population. Kids here aren't afraid to maintain a commitment to their faith alongside a commitment to their studies (and, in many cases, a commitment to getting their freak on).

Weekends find the sun-loving kids out hiking and camping the areas surrounding San Luis Obispo (SLO, as we call it) - and everyone likes the downtown area, which maintains the intimacy of a small town while offering a diversion from campus-centric life. Advertisement
Academics
Workload all depends on your course of study and what your particular major requires. I'm a Recreation Administration major and I will say that in my department, the instructors are all wonderful and devoted to helping every student enjoy and learn the most possible in his/her major. For what it's worth, I hear Dr. K in Aerospace is an intimidating guy...

Student Body
Most students are from California, from San Francisco down to Bakersfield to San Diego. Almost everyone shares a passion for outdoor activities including beachgoing and hiking, and a popular hangout is Farmers on a Thursday night (ask about it when you visit the campus...)

In Closing...
Overall, Cal Poly is a great school, though difficult to get into. Luckily, the admissions board emphasizes a well-roundedness alongside numbers, so if your interests are diverse you have a great shot of getting in here...