First-Year Student - How to Apply | Cal Poly Skip to main content Close Main navigation * Visit * Apply * Give Global Navigation * About Cal Poly * About Cal Poly * Facts and Figures * President and Leadership * Rankings and Awards * Academics * Academics * Academic Calendar * Academic Advising and Services * Centers and Institutes * Colleges * Internships and Co-ops * Library * Research * Study Abroad * Student Life * Student Life * Athletics and Recreation * Clubs and Organizations * Health, Wellbeing and Safety * Housing and Dining * Tuition and Financial Aid * Tuition and Financial Aid * Financial Aid * Student Accounts * University Divisions * Cal Poly Maritime Academy * Admissions * Mustang Athletics * News * Contact Us Find Information For * Students * Parents * Alumni * Staff * Faculty Close Search Cal Poly Websites Other Ways to Search * Campus Map * Directory * Find a major Explore Cal Poly Admissions * First-Year Student * First-Year Student * How to Apply * Dates and Deadlines * Selection Criteria for First-Year Students * Application Resources * Cost and Aid * Once You're Accepted * Transfer Student * Transfer Student * How to Apply * Dates and Deadlines * Selection Criteria for Transfer Students * Cost and Aid * Application Resources * Once You're Accepted * Graduate Student * Graduate Student * How to Apply * Dates and Deadlines * Selection Criteria for Graduate Students * Application Resources * Cost and Aid * Once You're Accepted * International Student * International Student * How to Apply * Dates and Deadlines * Selection Criteria for International Students * Tuition and Fees * Once You're Accepted In This Section * First-Year Student * First-Year Student * How to Apply * Making Changes to Your Application * Dates and Deadlines * Selection Criteria for First-Year Students * First-Year Student Profile * High School Course Requirements * Application Resources * Application Guide * Cost and Aid * Once You're Accepted * Accepted First-Year Students * Accepted First-Year Student Checklist * Terms and Conditions for First-Year Students * Submitting Transcripts and Other Documents – Accepted First Year Students First-Year Student - How to Apply Cal Poly will select some of the best and brightest students from California and around the world to join us next year. Our undergraduate application is open for submission from Oct. 1 – Nov. 30 through Cal State Apply, the application for all CSU campuses. Get Started * Choose a Major You will need to choose a major on your application. Explore our majors and choose your program of study with our Major Finder . * Review Selection Criteria Review our selection criteria to ensure you are maximizing your opportunity for selection as well as placing the correct information on your application. * Gather Application Materials In order to complete your application, make sure you have a copy of your transcripts, current and planned class schedules, household annual income and social security number (if available). * Apply We accept applications online through Cal State Apply from Oct. 1 – Nov. 30. Review your application carefully before you submit it, as there are very few changes that can be made once you do. Late applications are not accepted. You may also want to look through our application resources for tips on how to complete the application. * Pay Your Fee There is a $70 application fee per campus at the time you apply, unless you qualify for an application fee waiver . The application will notify you automatically whether or not you qualify for a fee waiver at the time of submittal. * Keep in Touch Make sure you add [email protected] to your contact list. Email is our primary form of communication and how we will keep in contact with you throughout the admissions process. You will be contacted if we need any additional supporting documents such as transcripts or portfolios. Art and Design and Music Department Applicants Music applicants are required to complete a supplementary application by Jan. 31, 2027 (audition dates to be announced soon). Art and Design applicants are required to submit a portfolio by Jan. 31, 2027. More information is available through the Art and Design and Music Departments . Admission footer Help Center * Contact Admissions * Request Information * What is Impaction? Special Circumstances * Not Selected * Residency * Returning Students * Waitlist Cal Poly Admissions Office [email protected] 805-756-2311 1 Grand Avenue, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407 805-756-1111 * * * Global Footer Primary * University Home * My Cal Poly Portal * Campus Map * Campus Safety Global Footer Secondary * Privacy Notice * Website Feedback * Web Accessibility Statement * Title IX * Campus Annual Security Report (PDF) * Campus Safety Plan (PDF) * Students with Dependents (c) 2026 California Polytechnic State University