Appealing Admission Decisions

Cal Poly does not set aside spaces for students who appeal admission decisions. Every denied application has been carefully reviewed. Therefore, for an appeal to have merit, it must bring to light new academic information as well as information pertaining to extenuating circumstances that was not present in the application information that clearly shows the student to be stronger than had been earlier evidenced. Neither grades received in the current academic year nor mistakes made by the applicant on the application are a basis for an appeal or the reversal of a decision.

Changing Status and Minimum Duration of Status

1. Formal Communication

Send us a formal communication requesting that we reconsider your application. The communication must come from you (the applicant) and be sent no later than 15 days after receipt of your original admission decision. Be sure to identify the graduate program you applied to and your student identification number.

Your communication must clearly outline your reasons for appealing the initial decision. The information you present should be new and compelling. Your communication should not simply repeat information that has already been presented in your application.

2. GRE Scores

Official GRE scores should be sent directly to Cal Poly Admissions and can provide a basis for consideration beyond your undergraduate GPA scores.

3. Letters of Recommendation

Letters of recommendation and personal statements or essays cannot be submitted as part of your appeal.

Submit an appeal