How many applicants normally apply to the MCRP program?

We typically receive over 50 applications each year.

How many students are in the MCRP program?

Each class has approximately 18-24 students.

What types of financial support are available?

You are invited to apply for support through the university Financial Aid Office (http://www.ess.calpoly.edu/_finaid/) and through the City and Regional Planning Department. Deadlines are around March 1 of each year, so investigate early!

What is the cost of attendance?

See the Financial Aid website for detailed expense information:
http://www.ess.calpoly.edu/_finaid/NewFinAid/Cost.htm

Do you review applicants all at once, or on a continual basis?

We have a rolling admission process, so applications are reviewed monthly and applicants notified soon thereafter. However, applicants are encouraged to apply early, as the program is impacted.

Do you require GRE test results?

GRE results are not necessary unless your GPA does not meet the 3.0 requirement. If that is the case, please contact the MCRP program coordinator.

How can I best prepare myself academically for the start of school?

We strongly suggest that you purchase and read the following book. It provides an excellent introduction for the program and will be a valuable reference during your tenure in the program:

Fulton, William. 1999. Guide to California Planning, 2nd ed. Solano Press Books.[Available at El Corral Bookstore (Cal Poly) or directly from Solano Press, 1-800-931-9373]

Do you accept applicants for terms other than fall?

Fall is the preferred term to start, as that maintains the integrity of our curriculum sequence. However, admission to other terms is considered on a case-by-case basis. Contact the MCRP Program Coordinator for more information.

What is the Admissions deadline?

The deadlines below reflect the date by which your application must be complete (i.e., all supporting materials and transcripts received). Remember, those seeking admission to a term other than fall must first speak with theMCRP Program Coordinator.

Fall Quarter: July 1
Winter Quarter: November 1
Spring Quarter: March 1

Deadline dates vary for returning or international students; please see the Admissions Office website:
http://www.ess.calpoly.edu/_admiss/grad/regular.htm

I've received my admissions acceptance letter. Now what?

You will be mailed a registration packet outlining all registration and enrollment instructions. Grad students enjoy registration priority, so you are among the first on the registration calendar. If you happen to miss your registration date, you can still enroll anytime up until registration closes (approximately 2 weeks after the start of the quarter). However, do check the quarterly class schedule for the "late registration deadline" in order to avoid penalty fees.

Is it possible to defer my application?

You may defer your application once without paying another application fee. Your request must be made in writing to Admissions, with a copy to our department.

Which materials go to the department and which go to Admissions?

Application, transcripts and fees are mailed to Admissions. Letters of reference (3), statement of purpose, writing sample, and proof of prerequisite are mailed to the City and Regional Planning Department,

City and Regional Planning
1 Grand Ave, 34-251
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407-0283
attn: Graduate Admissions Review Committee

Is a special form needed for the letters of reference?

What are you looking for in the computing prerequisite?

Basic word processing and spreadsheet capabilities. If you have taken a course covering basic computing, that will suffice. Otherwise, please submit a statement on your skills in this area.

How can I secure housing in SLO?

Housing resources include Cal Poly's Housing and Residential Life Office (http://housing.calpoly.edu/) and the local paper (The Tribune) classified ads (http://www.sanluisobispo.com/mld/sanluisobispo/classifieds/). You may also wish to email your fellow grad students for leads (crp-mcrp@calpoly.edu)

What are the most common undergrad degrees of applicants to the MCRP?

The MCRP Program is designed to accommodate students from any undergraduate major. In fact, this diversity is the strength of planning education and the profession. The most common undergraduate majors are environmental studies/science, political science, public policy, planning, urban studies, architecture, biology, and engineering, but we have had the full diversity of majors represented over the years. One of our top recent grads was an accounting major.

I've been out of school for a while; are there support services for me?

Each fall the Student Life and Leadership Office hosts a re-entry student orientation (generally held a week before school starts). For more information, see their website:

http://studentlife.calpoly.edu/orientation/reentry/index.html

http://studentlife.calpoly.edu/orientation/reentry/resources.html

When do I submit my formal study plan?

This should be done during your first term of attendance.

What is the required GPA for grads?

3.0 each quarter.

What is full-time status for grads?

Eight units.

Can I take a 300 level course for my Formal Study Plan?

Only courses 400 level or above can be used for credit on the Formal Study Plan.

Can I take courses Credit/No Credit?

All courses on the Formal Study Plan must be graded with the exception of those that are set up as credit/no credit only (i.e., internship).

Where can I find an internship?

Check the Internship/Job Board in the hallway for current postings or check the CRP website: http://www.planning.calpoly.edu/employment/
Dr. William Siembieda, department head, is the internship coordinator, and would be pleased to discuss opportunities with you. Also, contact firms or agencies that interest you; you may be able to carve out a position for yourself!

What if I want to take more than 16 units?

Complete the Excess Unit form (available at:
http://www.ess.calpoly.edu/_records/forms/Excess_units.pdf)
and bring it to the CRP Department for signature.

What student services are available to me?

Please see the following website for information on several student services of interest:
http://studentlife.calpoly.edu/orientation/reentry/resources.html

What is the employment outlook for MCRP graduates?

The City & Regional Planning department has an excellent reputation for providing a hands-on, learn-by-doing education that will prepare you to successfully enter the planning profession. We achieve 100% placement of our graduates and they receive excellent pay, placing us among the top professional programs in the university.

When am I eligible for "advancement to candidacy"?

Advancement to candidacy simply means you have been cleared for the final stages of the program. Students are advanced to candidacy once they have submitted their formal study plan, completed the graduation writing requirement, have maintained the required 3.0 GPA and have fulfilled any conditions of their admission. Advancements should be done in Fall term of your second year, after which you should request a graduation evaluation.

How do I apply for my graduation evaluation?

Once you are advanced to candidacy, complete an evaluation request and submit it to the Evaluations Office (Admin. 218). You should submit your request 2-3 terms before you intend to graduate. The form is available at:
http://www.ess.calpoly.edu/_records/forms/Grad_Eval.pdf