The Orfalea College of Business receives applications from a wide variety of applicants. The factors considered in the admission process are listed below. You can expand () each item for additional information.

1. Possess an acceptable Baccalaureate Degree from an accredited institution

   You must have successfully completed your undergraduate degree (or you will finish that degree by June).

2. Possess a competitive grade point average (GPA)

   Our mid 80% range GPA is 2.8 to 3.75. The GPA is calculated using the last 90 quarter units (or last 60 semester units) of study. GPA requirements vary with the undergraduate degree, and we therefore consider and make adjustments for students coming from programs/schools without grade inflation or with a reputation for rigor. We also evaluate the GPA in conjunction with the GMAT - the stronger the GMAT, the more latitude available for the GPA.

3. Possess a competitive GMAT score

   Our mid 80% range GMAT is 580 to 690. The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is administered by Pearson VUE. The test dates, times, and location can be found at this website. In addition, free tutorial and test preparation downloads are available. Note this exam costs approximately $250 and can be taken once per calendar month. Please take these factors into account as you prepare for the GMAT. Click here for GMAT study tips. Pearson VUE (GMAT) Website: http://www.pearsonvue.com An official copy of your scores must be sent to Cal Poly (Program Code: JQL-CM-82). If the testing service offers an unofficial copy of your score, you can fax it to us for a preliminary review (Graduate Program fax number: (805) 756-0110).

4. Complete the CSU Mentor application

   The application for admission is completed and submitted via CSU Mentor's website. A non-refundable $55* check made payable to California State University is required for the admissions office to process your application and should be sent directly to the Admission Office at the following address: Admission Office Cal Poly State University San Luis Obispo, CA 93407-0031 For these informal engineering (non-EMP) dual degrees, the application process begins with applying to one of the desired programs by completing an application on the CSUMENTOR system. If admission in one program is granted, students may begin to pursue admission into the second program. This is normally done by contacting the program directly to determine the requirements to add the program. Traditionally, students adding a second program are held to the same admission standards as all other applicants, however, the submission of the materials may vary. If granted permission to add the second program, a "Change of Objective" form is completed to document the additional degree goal. It does not matter which degree program a student is admitted to first; however, because the admission requirements for the MBA program are more structured and rigorous, students often find it more beneficial (and are strongly encouraged) to apply to the OCOB MBA program first and then add the second degree in their engineering discipline. * The amount of this fee is subject to change. Verify the current fee amounts on the CSU Mentor's website.

5. Submit official transcripts from all previous colleges attended

   Do NOT send your transcripts until you have submitted your application. Unsolicited transcripts will not be processed by the Admissions Office. We require official transcripts from every college you've attended so that your degree status can be verified, and your GPA calculated. Send transcripts directly to: Admission Office Cal Poly State University San Luis Obispo, CA 93407-0031 Note: Transcripts are not needed from students who received their undergraduate degree from Cal Poly and have not attended any other colleges or universities since their graduation from Cal Poly.

6. Submit a supplemental application

   The supplemental application provides additional information about our applicants that we would not otherwise get from the regular application. Download the information below and mail your responses directly to: Graduate Programs Office The Orfalea College of Business Cal Poly State University San Luis Obispo, CA 93407-0712 Supplemental Application

7. Have two confidential letters of recommendation submitted on your behalf

   Letters of recommendation can be from an academic source or your employer. Select individuals with whom you have had considerable professional or academic interaction such as your supervisor, a major client or a professor who has worked closely with you. The letter of recommendation should include the name of the recommender, their position/title, organization and address, how long they have known the applicant and under what circumstances. Topics of discussion recommended as useful in our admission decision include your: Drive, persistence and initiative Intellectual and leadership ability Maturity Ethics and character, in both an academic and professional context Major professional and/or academic accomplishments Motivation to pursue a graduate degree Interpersonal skills Analytical ability Planning and resource management skills Oral and written communication skills General strengths and weaknesses RECOMMENDER SHOULD SUBMIT THEIR RECOMMENDATION DIRECTLY TO Graduate Programs Office The Orfalea College of Business Cal Poly State University San Luis Obispo, CA 93407-0712 Recommendations are not subject to the provisions of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. The applicant will not have access to recommendations under that law.

8. Demonstrate prior work experience

   Although not required, we prefer students possess some prior work experience.