California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo

Date: Mar 30 2010
Major: Physics (This Major's Salary over time)
I am a physics sophomore from Sonoma CA. I will do my best to describe Cal Poly, category by category:

Academics: one of the few things this school has working for it. Education quality is above average. You learn lots of cool stuff here. Classes are appropriately challenging. Sometimes they can lack intellectual stimulation, especially GEs, but overall the academics here is very good. quite a few out-of-class learning resources as well. Teachers vary from the best individuals I have ever met to the biggest jerks and sorriest souls. Choose carefully, get to know them. Most are awesome.

Housing/Dining: Atrocious. This is some of the worst food you will ever eat, and you have to eat it to use your meal credits. Heaven knows where this food comes from. In terms of housing, not much better. Very disorganized. The dorms and apartments themselves are at best adequate. Small, clustered spaces with poor facility design that allows you to hear everything going on. Don't study in your room.

Social life/People: You know the stereotypical "college dude"? That frat boy, football, aggressive, over-assertive, swearing alcoholic? This is their Mecca. The social vibes here aren't that great. It takes hard looking to find chill people (but you can). The majority of people here are conservative Christians, so if you are liberal and have another worldview, you may be lonely. The connotations of the people that apply to other universities: forward-thinking, innovative, worldly, intellectual, active citizens does not apply here. I find many of these students care only about getting a degree and getting smashed Friday night. The place is loud. You can find cool people here, but you have to look hard.

Girls: Prettier than average. They are fun to look at, but I find they are horribly uninteresting. Plus, they actually seem to find the douchebags I talked about earlier attractive, and no one else. You will find some cool ones though.

Party: I like to call this place "UCSB light". If you are looking for a good brew and a good time, you'll find it pretty quickly. My problem is when you need some peace and quiet to get work done, you will be hard pressed to get it. These guys party ALL THE TIME. I'm not saying I haven't enjoyed myself and indulged, but seriously.

Surrounding area: The outdoorsman's dream. Hiking trails, biking trails, surf, parks, sights, awesome geology…. it's all here. I suggest Montana De Oro state park. Really cool. The sky here is really fantastic. Sunsets are great.

Campus: Not as cool as some of the UCs, but nice. Can smell like cow crap when you're downwind, but whatever. Some buildings, especially science 52, are aging badly. A bit cramped and crowded, but still one of the better aspects of this place.

Hope that is helpful. Choose your college wisely! In conclusion, Cal Poly is an overrated place that is less like a university and more like a vocational school for engineers and agriculturalists. This school is a good choice for some, but not for all.