University near Cambria Palms Motel

California Polytechnic University

San Luis Obispo

Cal Poly is a nationally ranked, four-year, comprehensive public university located in San Luis Obispo, California. The emphasis of the University is a “learn by doing” educational experience for its more than 18,000+ students. Many students seek admission to Cal Poly not only because of its excellent academic reputation, but also because the 6,000-acre main campus is nestled in the foothills of San Luis Obispo, just minutes from California’s Central Coast beaches.

Contact Information for Cal Poly…

www.calpoly.edu

Postal Mail Address:
California Polytechnic State University

1 Grand Avenue
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407

(805) 756-1111

Campus Security
805-756-2281

Admissions
805-756-2311

Alumni Relations
888-CAL-POLY (888-225-7659)

Housing Services
805-756-1226

Getting there…

Traveling north on route 101 to San Luis Obispo:

  • Go through much of San Luis Obispo and exit at the Grand Avenue/Cal Poly exit.
  • Turn left onto Grand Avenue and go (uphill) approximately 1/4 mile to the south entrance of the campus.
  • Ahead on your right is the Cal Poly Visitor Information Center.
  • Here you can obtain a parking permit, campus map, and a warm greeting!

Traveling south on route 101 to San Luis Obispo:

  • As you approach San Luis Obispo, Exit the Fwy at Monterey Street (the first exit in SLO).
  • Make a right turn, then an immediate left turn onto the frontage road (you will be going the same direction you were on the Freeway).
  • Go approximately 3 blocks to Grand Ave.
  • Turn right (going uphill) and go approximately 1/4 mile to the south entrance of the campus.
  • Ahead on your right is the Cal Poly Visitor Information Center.
  • Here you can obtain a parking permit, campus map, and a warm greeting!

Parking…

Parking permits can be obtained at the Visitor Information Center at the south entrance to the campus. General use parking permits can be purchased at several vending machines placed in the larger lots on campus. All directions below are intended to route you to the Visitor Information Center at the south entrance to the campus.

Parking permits are required Monday – Thursday, 7:00 am – 10:00 pm and on Fridays from 7:00 am until 5:00 pm during Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters. (During summer quarter and academic breaks permits are required Monday – Friday, 7:00 am until 5:00 pm.) All other parking rules and regulations are enforced 7 days per week, 24 hrs. per day.

 

Getting Started at Cal Poly…

Cal Poly Admissions provides an informational website where prospective students are able to complete an online interest survey, which then will create a customized webpage (Also known as VIP page) with links to:

  • Preparing for Admissions;
  • Messages from Department Chairs;
  • Campus Tour Registration;
  • Department websites;
  • Virtual Advisor; and
  • General university information.

Any questions or comments are welcomed at admissions@calpoly.edu

Some Brief Cal Poly Facts…

  1. Cal Poly Faculty (including part-time): About 1,182
  2. Cal Poly Student-faculty ratio: 19 to 1
  3. Cal Poly Staff (approx.): State – 933; Cal Poly Corporation – 225; ASI – 69
  4. Campus Size: Total 9,678 acres, making Cal Poly the second-largest land-holding university in California (second only to UC Berkeley), and one of the largest land-holding universities in the nation. Cal Poly, however, uses all of its land for educational and public purposes.
  5. Fall 2006 Admitted students’ average:
    ACT score: 26
    SAT1 (Math and Reading Only) score: 124
    ACT is the preferred test for Cal Poly.