Bs Computer Science

Additional Information & Requirements

You can apply through Cal State Apply
Admission Requirements: Admission is competitive for all majors, so we review your application based on: Your Chosen Major: You’re admitted by major, so choose one that aligns with your goals. Coursework: We consider your college-prep courses from 9th to 12th grade (including planned ones). No need to send transcripts unless asked. GPA: We use your weighted GPA from 9th–11th grade, giving extra points for honors, AP, IB, or college-level classes (up to 8 semesters). Activities & Experience: We value your work, volunteer roles, internships, extracurriculars, and leadership experiences. Holistic Review: We use a Multi-Criteria Admission (MCA) process that looks beyond grades, evaluating both academic and personal factors.
English Language Proficiency: You must submit one of the following test scores, taken within the last 2 years: TOEFL iBT or Home Edition: Minimum score of 80 (Cal Poly code: 4038) IELTS: Minimum score of 6.5 (some grad programs may require higher) Duolingo: Minimum score of 115 (send scores to “California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo”) Waivers: Undergraduates: May qualify if they studied in English for 3+ years and earned a 'B' or higher in all required English courses (in-progress courses not accepted). Graduates: Automatically waived if they hold a degree from a regionally accredited college.
High School Requirements: History/Social Science (A): 2 years — 1 year of world history + 1 year of U.S. history (or 0.5 U.S. history + 0.5 civics). English (B): 4 years required (5 recommended). Must include reading, writing, speaking, and listening. Only 1 year of ESL/ELD English can be counted. Math (C): 3 years required (5 recommended). Algebra 1 & 2 and Geometry are required. Advanced math (Trig, Pre-Calc, Calculus, Stats) is strongly recommended. Math taken in grades 7–8 is accepted if you move forward in sequence. Lab Science (D): 2 years required (4 recommended) — 1 physical + 1 biological science. Courses like biology, chemistry, and physics count. Language Other Than English (E): 2 years of the same language required (4 recommended). Includes American Sign Language. Courses from grades 7–8 can count if you continue the sequence in high school. Visual/Performing Arts (F): 1 year required (2 recommended) — can include music, theater, dance, or visual arts. Electives (G): 1 year from areas like arts, social science, English, advanced math, science, or languages. Use the UC/CSU A–G course list to check if your classes meet these areas. Only include 7th–8th grade courses if they’re not repeated in high school and you progressed to the next level.
International Credential Evaluation: First-Year and Graduate applicants don’t need to submit an international academic evaluation unless requested. If needed, you’ll get an email, and it will appear on your “To-Do” list in your My Cal Poly Portal.
How to submit International Credential Evaluation: International credentials must be evaluated by World Education Services (WES) and sent directly to Cal Poly. First-Year & Graduate Applicants: Request a Document-by-Document report Transfer Applicants: Request a Course-by-Course report Also, your university must be recognized by the International Association of Universities for your application to be considered.
Academic Requirements: Send official transcripts from all schools attended for grades 9–11, including current or fall courses. These must come directly from the schools to Cal Poly. If you're studying in the U.S., submit transcripts from all schools attended (grades 9–11), plus your current school’s transcript once fall grades are available. If you're in an IB program, submit your official predicted IB scores. Once transcripts are reviewed, we’ll let you know if an independent credential evaluation is needed (at your expense).

How US Universities Assess Applicants

US universities use a holistic admissions review. Beyond grades and standardized test scores, they weigh the strength of your overall profile to understand who you are as a student and a person.

Profile Assessment: Applicants are generally expected to demonstrate strong quantitative ability, particularly in Mathematics. Advanced Calculus, Statistics, Computer Science or Physics can support academic preparation. Coding projects, applications, websites, hackathons, research, data-analysis projects and technology-based solutions may demonstrate technical curiosity and practical ability. Previous coding experience is helpful but is not compulsory at every university.
Advanced Placement(AP) Guidance: AP availability depends on the student's school. Relevant APs can strengthen an application and may earn university credit, but are not compulsory unless the university or programme explicitly requires them.
- AP Calculus AB/BC
- AP Computer Science A
- AP Physics
Essays & recommendations: Personal essays and teacher/counselor recommendations give context to your achievements and help demonstrate fit with the program.