College application & essay help for Cal Poly applicants
Work with advisors who have real experience with Cal Poly and will help you stand out in the application process.
Find an advisor who’s helped students get accepted to Cal Poly
These advisors have direct experience with Cal Poly as alumni or admissions professionals and
have helped students gain acceptance to Cal Poly.
Applying to Cal Poly
Applying to California Polytechnic State University is highly competitive, and the strongest applicants go beyond grades and test scores.
They clearly demonstrate who they are, what they care about, and how they see themselves growing at Cal Poly.
Although no two applications are identical, schools like Cal Poly tend to look for similar things: academic strength, meaningful engagement with interests, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine connection to the school’s culture. Understanding how these come together at Cal Poly can help you build a more focused and intentional application.
Although no two applications are identical, schools like Cal Poly tend to look for similar things: academic strength, meaningful engagement with interests, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine connection to the school’s culture. Understanding how these come together at Cal Poly can help you build a more focused and intentional application.
Advisors who know Cal Poly well can help you think through how your application comes across and
where to focus your effort. At Sundial, you can work with advisors who either attended Cal Poly or have helped
students get accepted to Cal Poly.
How Sundial helps Cal Poly applicants
I’m working on my Cal Poly essay — is it good enough to get me in?
Cal Poly essay review
From Cal Poly supplemental essays to your personal statement, get targeted feedback from advisors who know exactly what Cal Poly admissions looks for!
I have questions — I need to talk to someone that knows more about Cal Poly!
1:1 advising meetings
Book Cal Poly admissions advising to map deadlines, refine your essays, and prepare for interviews with someone who knows how Cal Poly evaluates applicants.
FAQs about applying to Cal Poly
Essays are one of the few places Cal Poly can see who you are beyond grades and test scores. For competitive majors and selective programs, strong essays aren’t just helpful, they’re often what differentiate students with similar academic profiles. The best essays don’t sound generic; they show clear thinking, self-awareness, and fit with what Cal Poly actually values.
Cal Poly looks for students who’ve taken their interests seriously over time, whether academically, creatively, or through leadership. Beyond raw achievement, they want to see intellectual curiosity, initiative, and evidence that you’ll contribute meaningfully to their campus community. Your application should tell a clear story about how your experiences connect to your goals.
A strong Cal Poly application essay goes beyond summarizing your résumé or activities. Admissions officers want to understand your motivations, values, and fit with the school. Focus on writing with clarity and intent, and make sure your responses connect your personal experiences with why Cal Poly makes sense for your goals.
Yes! Many Sundial advisors have direct experience with Cal Poly, either as alumni or through years of helping students get accepted. Their insight helps you avoid generic advice and instead focus on what actually matters on your Cal Poly application.
If you’re looking at this page, that’s a pretty good sign you might want to get started! Ideally, planning for Cal Poly begins several months before deadlines so you’re not rushing major decisions or submitting first-draft work under pressure.
Ready to get help with your Cal Poly application?
Choose an advisor who understands Cal Poly and can help you with both strategy and essays.
Need help? Contact us at
support@sundialessayreview.com