Accepted Transfer Student Checklist

You've been accepted! Now you will have to take some steps to complete your enrollment.

Accept Your Offer of Admission

Accept or decline Cal Poly’s offer of admission no later than 11:59 p.m. PT May 1 through your Application Status Portal. Remember, you have been offered admission to the major stated in your Portal. It is not possible to change your major prior to enrollment at Cal Poly.

Read the Terms and Conditions of Admission

Once you accept our offer of admission, you should read through the Terms and Conditions of admission and make sure you stay in compliance. If you have questions about these conditions, contact our Admissions office.

Apply for Financial Aid and Scholarships

If you haven’t already, submit the Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application as soon as possible and have it sent to Cal Poly. Our Federal School Code is 001143. For 2025, make sure you file by April 2 for priority consideration. You can also learn more about financial aid. 

Review Costs of Attendance

Review the Costs of Attendance for a breakdown of what you can expect to pay.

Find Housing

Cal Poly offers housing to transfer students based on demand and availability, but transfer students are not required to live on campus. When it opens, the housing application will be accessible through the Housing tab on the My Cal Poly Portal. Only students who accept their offer of admission will be able to apply for campus housing, and the deadline to apply is June 1.

Interested in living off campus? Our Dean of Students has resources to help you with your search and learn about becoming a renter.

Choose a Meal Plan (optional)

Transfer students living either on or off campus have the option to choose a dining plan for the academic year.

Learn About Making Payments

You will be able to view your account information on the Money Matters tab or the Student Center on the My Cal Poly Portal. We do not invoice or send paper statements, so you will need to monitor your account on a routine basis. The New Student Guide has more information on your student account and making payments.

Submit Transcripts and Other Documents

We will need to receive an official transcript(s) that includes your work in progress as well as any AP and IB scores as soon as you are accepted. You will need to submit your official, final transcript(s) by July 15. Some students may need to submit other documents and will be notified accordingly. 

Register for Orientation Programs

Transfer students are required to participate in new student orientation programs, Student Life Orientation Days (SLO Days) and the Week of Welcome (WOW).

• SLO Days is a one-day program focused on preparing you for registration and familiarizing you with Cal Poly. It will also give you time to connect with your college's academic advising center. More information will be emailed to you prior to the event.
• WOW is a program that allows you to connect with other students and your academic college. The program will be held right before classes begin.

Register for Classes

Transfer students register for classes in early to mid-August. Seats will be held specifically for transfers, so it is important that you make sure you register on the day and time you are given. You will receive more information about the process over the summer.

Immunization Requirements

All incoming students must satisfy the immunization requirements.

California Residency

California law requires every student attending Cal Poly to be classified as either a California resident or nonresident for tuition purposes. This residency classification is important because nonresident students pay additional fees each quarter.

Connect with the Transfer Center

The Transfer Center provides resources and community to help you navigate personally, academically and professionally while you are at Cal Poly.