Is Cal Poly considered a top school?

djork · 08-03-05, 11:57 PM

Okay, I'm not the most spirited Cal Poly alumni nor am I like those UCLA and USC people who have immense pride in their schools or alma mater, but for some reason I felt a bit taken aback when someone said to me recently that Cal Poly isn't a prestigious school. I know it isn't UCLA or Ivy league prestigious, but I've always thought Cal Poly was one of the best CSU campuses. I did some research into this issue (yeah, who would have guessed--maybe I do have some school pride after all!) and found out that Cal Poly has been ranked as one of the best universities in the west. I already know it is known for its agriculture and engineering programs, but I just wish its CLASS dept. could be a bit more up there. Maybe the comment was made in reference to that.

Hello, btw. I'm a grad student, and I'm new here. It's late, so forgive me for any typos or bad grammar. I can't be bothered to proofread this late...besides, this is the Internet where no one gives a fvck about spelling!

PolarMan · 08-04-05, 12:08 AM

Welcome to the board!

Both Cal Poly's have a ton of advantages (especially in its undergrad department) over the big-bad UCs. For one thing, we are a lot cheaper to attend and have much smaller class sizes. Employers have been aware of the quality of Cal Poly graduates for years, it's just that there doesn't seem to be that much recognition outside of California. Well, in any case, being underrated is in fact a very good thing.

As for liberal arts and social sciences, the "learn-by-doing" approach still works (though many have said that it doesn't quite work on majors that emphasize a lot of theory, e.g. philosophy), and there's always time for Cal Poly to improve that department.

Keng · 08-04-05, 01:35 AM

Just beacause everyone eats at Olive Garden doesn't mean the food is good.

zig4rnr · 08-04-05, 10:04 AM

Now THAT'S wisdom. I totally agree.

run800mgrl · 08-04-05, 01:38 PM

perfectly said keng lol

swagner · 08-04-05, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djork

Okay, I'm not the most spirited Cal Poly alumni nor am I like those UCLA and USC people who have immense pride in their schools or alma mater, but for some reason I felt a bit taken aback when someone said to me recently that Cal Poly isn't a prestigious school. I know it isn't UCLA or Ivy league prestigious, but I've always thought Cal Poly was one of the best CSU campuses. I did some research into this issue (yeah, who would have guessed--maybe I do have some school pride after all!) and found out that Cal Poly has been ranked as one of the best universities in the west. I already know it is known for its agriculture and engineering programs, but I just wish its CLASS dept. could be a bit more up there. Maybe the comment was made in reference to that.

Hello, btw. I'm a grad student, and I'm new here. It's late, so forgive me for any typos or bad grammar. I can't be bothered to proofread this late...besides, this is the Internet where no one gives a fvck about spelling!

Why bother yourself with this? School is what you make of it, not the other way around. While a "top" school may help one out at the beginning with an easy job interview, it certainly will not make your career.

Cal Poly (both) enjoys excellent programs, students, & professors. I am proud to have attended, and hope you are as well.

krk230 · 08-04-05, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swagner

Why bother yourself with this? School is what you make of it, not the other way around. While a "top" school may help one out at the beginning with an easy job interview, it certainly will not make your career.

Cal Poly (both) enjoys excellent programs, students, & professors. I am proud to have attended, and hope you are as well.

^^ and you're a good example of that...considering you are now studying Law at Yale...

Nate · 08-05-05, 02:04 AM

I get this a lot.

What school do you go to?

Cal Poly P...

Cal Poly San Luis Obispo?

-- yeah...

08-03-05, 11:57 PM	#1 (permalink)
djork Newcomer Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 13	Is Cal Poly considered a top school? Okay, I'm not the most spirited Cal Poly alumni nor am I like those UCLA and USC people who have immense pride in their schools or alma mater, but for some reason I felt a bit taken aback when someone said to me recently that Cal Poly isn't a prestigious school. I know it isn't UCLA or Ivy league prestigious, but I've always thought Cal Poly was one of the best CSU campuses. I did some research into this issue (yeah, who would have guessed--maybe I do have some school pride after all!) and found out that Cal Poly has been ranked as one of the best universities in the west. I already know it is known for its agriculture and engineering programs, but I just wish its CLASS dept. could be a bit more up there. Maybe the comment was made in reference to that. Hello, btw. I'm a grad student, and I'm new here. It's late, so forgive me for any typos or bad grammar. I can't be bothered to proofread this late...besides, this is the Internet where no one gives a fvck about spelling!

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08-04-05, 12:08 AM	#2 (permalink)
PolarMan Active Member Joined: Nov 2004 Location: California Posts: 73	Welcome to the board! Both Cal Poly's have a ton of advantages (especially in its undergrad department) over the big-bad UCs. For one thing, we are a lot cheaper to attend and have much smaller class sizes. Employers have been aware of the quality of Cal Poly graduates for years, it's just that there doesn't seem to be that much recognition outside of California. Well, in any case, being underrated is in fact a very good thing. As for liberal arts and social sciences, the "learn-by-doing" approach still works (though many have said that it doesn't quite work on majors that emphasize a lot of theory, e.g. philosophy), and there's always time for Cal Poly to improve that department.

08-04-05, 01:35 AM	#3 (permalink)
Keng Guru Joined: Jan 2004 Posts: 595	Just beacause everyone eats at Olive Garden doesn't mean the food is good.

08-04-05, 10:04 AM	#4 (permalink)
zig4rnr Newcomer Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 18	Now THAT'S wisdom. I totally agree.

08-04-05, 01:38 PM	#5 (permalink)
run800mgrl Newcomer Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 4	perfectly said keng lol

08-05-05, 02:04 AM	#8 (permalink)
Nate Active Member Joined: Nov 2003 Location: On Campus Posts: 93	I get this a lot. What school do you go to? Cal Poly P... Cal Poly San Luis Obispo? -- yeah...