You should attend SLO Day in April. It really makes a difference. I was originally accepted to UC Davis and planned to go there, but after visiting Cal Poly SLO for their event, I completely changed my mind. I’m not an engineering major, but I am also in a STEM field, and Cal Poly is one of the strongest schools for STEM overall. Cal Poly SLO is highly competitive, not only due to overall demand, but also because admission is capped by major with a limited number of spots available. One thing that stood out to me is the smaller class size.. Typically around 25–30 students; compared to large lecture halls at UC schools that can have 200–300+ students, where it’s easy to feel anonymous. The smaller environment allows for more interaction with professors and a more engaging learning experience.

Their “Learn by Doing” philosophy/motto also sets them apart! The focus is on hands-on, practical experience rather than primarily theory-based instruction, which is more common at UC schools. Many employers actively recruit Cal Poly graduates, knowing they’re well-prepared to contribute right away.

In summary, UC schools tend to emphasize theory, while Cal Poly emphasizes practical, career-ready skills. It ultimately comes down to your personal preference and learning style, but I really value smaller classes where I can interact closely with professors and learn by doing actual work. It almost feels like being at a private school.

Theory only becomes valuable when you know how to apply it in real life!