California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo

Date: Jan 30 2010
Major: History/Histories (art history/etc.) (This Major's Salary over time)
First of all let me just say that I came in as an architecture major. I think the architecture program is way over-hyped and that many of the faculty in the department can be self-absorbed and arrogant. I've had a much better experience academically since changing to history but students should know that Cal Poly is most definitely an engineering/technical school. Liberal arts students will feel isolated (especially males).

My major disappointment with Cal Poly is the quality of students. Given it's reputation in California (which is fairly high unless you talk to one of those idiots that don't understand that UC doesn't necessarily equal better) I found the students to be overly apathetic. Many of them resolved to "let down" once they got into college and the level of partying and alcohol consumption is higher than I would have hoped for.

There are a fair amount of clubs on campus but you may often struggle with student apathy and lack of active involvement in such clubs. The town, in my opinion, is an abysmal place to live. Yes it's quaint, yes there is fantastic wine, but the food is so-so, the shopping is disappointing, and "culture," is generally lacking. There is also the issue of a major lack of diversity (both on the campus and in the community). Don't confuse your pleasant weekend visit with an accurate representation of how nice the place is, living their is different than a tour.

In retrospect, I probably would have gone to UCLA or a more liberal-arts oriented school if I had to do it over again and I definitely would have chosen a school in a more metropolitan area. However, education is what you make of it and I was fortunate to have some quality teachers that allowed me to succeed. I am proud to say that I will be attending a t-14 (even a t-5 if I choose to) law school next year.