Did I blow it? Hope not!

[Will]

Hi, hate to introduce myself on such a negative note! I was conditional accepted as a transfer student fall 2004, SLO in the major ME. There are some things that concern me.
What does "conditional" mean,( Does it mean more than simply passing required course the semester?) and did I jeopardize my admission by listing for more classes than required on my CSU mentor app. and then withdrawing? These were not required courses, several counselors at my school don't think it is a problem, even the add missions office said it is probably not, but they said its no guarantee, that’s what worries me.
I have a 3.4 GPA, pretty decent, all A's in physics and required chem, a little worse in the calc, slightly less than a 3.0 for those, similar for the CIS courses, and all lower division GEs done with that having the highest grades probably. I have all the "desired" amount of units for my major, and I also did take 10 units more chem than required, and I have another CAD class as well. Plus a whole bunch of personal enrichment courses, but that’s another matter! The bad thing is that I have way to many withdrawals.
So I am concerned a little, for example did I extra points for the classes I dropped, Linear Algebra and Modern Physics? Does my obscene amount of W's and slower progress matter? Hope not. This semester has been hard on me, my living situation change mid semester, and I have not been handling the stress well. But at least I have been keeping my head above water with my two final ENGR. classes.
If my application is reviewed is it done so by an actual person, or is it all automated like the admission requirements points system? I think I could explain my situation, plus I could get references from some of my professors.
Because the automation factor is kind of stressful when applying. On of my friends who has I higher GPA than me and has all the requirements filled was denied because he failed to list a class in two places on the form, only one. No appeal, they said better luck next year, that was that. So I know the Cal Poly admission policy tolerates little error!
If anyone could help me with this or share similar experiences, that would be great! Sorry I am rambling so much, on a lighter note, what up SRJC transfer students, its Willy boy in the house. The obnoxious one is coming to SLO! Ha Ha!! See you at the open house Friday. Peace out.

[Admin]

First of all, welcome to the Cal Poly forums Will.
After reading posts from other members who are/have applied to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo are concerned about getting accepted into the university. I never realized the level of difficulty to get accepted into Cal Poly SLO.
Send your explanation via mail or fax to the admissions office if you feel is necessary. Play safe.
Hope you get accepted to SLO Will.

[Will]

Thanks for your empathy!


I went to the open house this weekend, they told me to send my transcripts and a letter of explanation ASAP. So I hope all goes well!

[Admin]

How did you like the campus? I want to visit San Luis Obispo someday and visit their wine regions, go body boarding in the beach, street chalk painting festivals, birdwatching, visit San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, and lot more. Lucky you.

[swagner]

Hi Will,

I hope that I may be able to help you out. Cal Poly admissions is based upon a point scale. These points come from 4 separate categories : Specific classes completed, GPA (IN THOSE CLASSES), GE, and work exp/extra curr activities. You should note that the GPA and specific coursework sections (secions 1 and 2) are the most heavily weighted.
In reference to you dropping courses -> As long as you meet the "desired" number of units, anything in excess will have no effect on your application. No worries about that. You application will be reviewed by an actual person, his name is James Marivigilia and he is the director of admissions. Also, your W's will have no affect on your application. I hope this helps!

-Steve

[Admin]

Originally Posted by swagner

... and work exp/extra curr activities. You should note that the GPA and specific coursework sections (secions 1 and 2) are the most heavily weighted.
-Steve

Is SLO the only Cal State university that takes your work experience and extra curricular activities into factor? I don't recall Pomona asking about my extra curricular activities and achievements.

[swagner]

I know that it has only marginal value with respect to how many points can be derived from it in admission. The greatest factors are GPA and specific coursework.