Cal Poly Pomona

[Booyashako]

Hey there! I was just wondering what you guys down in LA thought of Cal Poly Pomona and/or its urban planning program. I am a high school senior up here in Canada interested in studying urban planning en route to (hopefully) becoming a real estate developer and (again hopefully) establishing myself in Southern California. I have seen Cal Poly Pomona once before but at the time did not see it as a potential destination for my post secondary education. I was hoping to send them a request for an information package but unfortunately there is no way to make such a request online (and I can't phone them...long distance...I will get in trouble....again!!!). Well anyways, I am just curious about Cal Poly Pomona's reputation down there and I hope to learn something about it that I never knew before.

So...now I'd like to hear about Cal Poly Pomona from a Southern Californian's perspective.

[benji45]

Its reputation? Well, I asked a few friends and funny thing is, they have never heard of it. It is very low profile, I guess. Or else my friends are just stupid. My Sister, who has lived here 4 years longer than I have said she has never heard of Cal Poly Pomona either, strange.

[ChrisLA]

I'm suprised your sister or your friends have never heard of it. Perhaps because its in Pomona closer to the eastern suburbs of the Inland Empire. I don't know much about it, but I do know its well known in the Inland Empire, and I've never really head anything bad about it. What little I have heard was good, and Its also rather close to the Clairemont Colleges (which btw is a beautiful area of charming historic homes and has sort of a Ivy League feel to it. I think some of the housing is shared by a few of the colleges in the surrounding area. The one thing that I always noticed the nice campus view as you come down the hill on the 10 freeway. Cal Poly is in Pomona, but it in the neighborhood of Scripps Ranch which is more of a upscale area and it more so associated with the city of Diamond Bar. It's a nice suburban area, but with lots of hills basically surrounding this small valley. Anyway I can't help much about the school itself but I hope this paints a small picture of the area. Oh I almost forgot to tell you, this college is also very close to Orange County, it takes about 15 mins over the hill in a car.

[ChrisLA]

Have you check out this website? www.csupomona.edu

History of Cal Poly Pomona

Cal Poly Pomona opened in the fall of 1938 as the Voorhis Unit of the California Polytechnic School, with an all-male enrollment of 110 students. The campus was located on the 150-acre site of the former Voorhis School for Boys in San Dimas.

In l949, breakfast cereal magnate W.K.Kellogg deeded 813 acres of land located three miles south of the Voorhis campus to the State of California. In 1956, 550 students and 30 faculty members moved to the Kellogg campus. The student body included women for the first time in 1961, when 322 women enrolled.

In 1966, Cal Poly Pomona separated from the San Luis Obispo campus to become California's 16th state college. University status was granted in 1972.

Today, the campus covers about 1,438 acres and is the second largest in area of the California State University's 20 campuses. More than 2,300 people are employed as members of the university's faculty and staff.

The university has been served by five Presidents in its 52-year history. Julian A. McPhee served as president of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Cal Poly Pomona from 1938 to 1966. Robert C. Kramer held the office from 1966 to 1977; and Hugh O. La Bounty served from 1978 to 1991. Bob H. Suzuki, held the office from 1991 to 2003. J. Michael Ortiz assumed the president's office on August 1, 2003.

[ChrisLA]

Here are some pictures I found on the internet, perhaps you may have seen the campus already?

Student Housing
http://img125.exs.cx/img125/9978/polydorm-suites02.jpg

http://img125.exs.cx/img125/3692/polyjapanese-garden.jpg

http://img125.exs.cx/img125/649/polynew-student-ctr-building.jpg

http://img125.exs.cx/img125/1605/polypomona1.jpg

http://img125.exs.cx/img125/2817/polypomona2.jpg

http://img125.exs.cx/img125/2293/polypomona-pointy-building.jpg

http://img125.exs.cx/img125/8337/polyquad-students.jpg

[Booyashako]

Nice pics...I especially like the fifth to last one...my guess is that it is their student life center.

I have never actually visited the campus but I have seen it from the highway.

BTW...The reason why Cal Poly Pomona is attractive to me is b/c first of all it is in the Greater Los Angeles area, it is 5 min. drive from my cousin's place (I'd be staying with them), I have the option to minor in Real Estate, it is affordable, and I don't have to take the SAT's.

[benji45]

Funny story, I have never heard of this place right, well today I met my sister at the Zebra Cafe in Marina Del Ray and There were these ppl sitting two tables over and all they talked about was Cal Poly Pomona. They seemed to enjoy it very very much. Its funny because I have never heard of that place since yesterday and all today practically I have been hearing of it!

[BigDan35]

Well I've never been there so I can't say much as far as an opinion goes but I can give you some numbers.

California State Polytechnic University, Pomona...

approximately 14,000 full-time students and 3,000 part-time students.

Student/Faculty ratio is 21/1

1438-acre campus 30 miles east of Los Angeles. There are 80 buildings.

38% Asian-American, 30% White, 27% Hispanic

I would say more but I have a feeling nobody will care :) so I'm done for now unless you want anymore info then just ask.

[Booyashako]

^^ Plz...say more! m))

[BigDan35]

Okay...

Student housing accommodates approximately 2,025 students, but 92% of students commute.

There are 6 intercollegiate sports for men and 6 for women. Facilities include a 5,000-seat stadium, tennis and racquetball courts, basketball and volleyball courts, soccer, baseball and softball fields, a track, a swimming pool, gymnastics and weight rooms, a horse arena and dance studios.

Average class size in an introductory lecture is 40; in a laboratory, 24; and in a regular course, 27.

There are regularly scheduled orientations for prospective students, consisting of tours of the campus and a 90 minute walking tour.

The most popular majors are: computer information; liberal studies; and marketing.

Email address for the Admissions office is: ggaines@csupomona.edu and if you want to visit the website of the school it is, www.csupomona.edu

[Inland Empire]

I have alot of friends at Cal Poly Pomona and have been there a few times for functions they have there.

It borders very close to the Inland Empire and even though in LA county it doesnt feel like it. The city of Pomona is just a blah grey suburb, kinda ugly city. The school is pretty nice, some neat buildings.

Housing is ugly. The old ones are very rundown inside and the new ones are all messed up cause the school wasnt gonna pay the workers so they went in and screwed it all up.

They have a huge architecture program. Something like 1 in 5 architects in CA come from CPP.

Very much a commuter school. Close to LA on the West; Chino, Berdoo, and Riverside on the East; and Southwest Riverside County and Orange County to the South.

[AzN8oi]

The school is best known for its computer engineering majors (that's what they're famous for). If my digital camera didn't run out of batteries, I would've taken some pics of the brochure I have of them. It's nothing much though. And no, I don't have a scanner. I guess this school might not be too bad for "urban planning" because they offer programs for "Masters of Architecture", "Master of Landscape Architecture", Master of Public Administration", "Master of Urban and Regional Planning" etc etc. But honestly, with my bias, I will tell you this: while this is a good school (it really is) it wouldn't be where I would want to go, because I'm sure you can find a better school. Oh yeah, and I just finished applying to this school about 13 days ago. I would much rather go to a UC, because it probably looks better on a resume than going to a Cal State. If you need me to explain just reply.

[AzN8oi]

I am a high school senior up here in Canada interested in studying urban planning en route to (hopefully) becoming a real estate developer and (again hopefully) establishing myself in Southern California.

AH! Just caught that. Yeah, it's too late for you to apply to pretty much any high-level public universities in CA, as their deadlines passed Nov. 30. Lots of private schools like Stanford and USC are in their 2nd phase already. I think it's pretty much too late to apply for anything. You might need to wait until Fall 2006-2007 to even go there now. :|

[Booyashako]

^^ Trust me, I have considered the "higher-end" schools like Stanford, USC, UC Berkeley, UCSD. In fact USC was my first choice. BUT....problems:
- Can't afford tuition $10000USD+, especially if they're not willing to provide financial aid for international students
- Although I have a 4.0 and quite a few extracurriculars, I didn't want to take the SAT's (we are not as prepared as american students up here)

I chose CPPomona b/c:
- It's in Southern California
- It's not too expensive
- They have a co-op program
- They have an undergraduate urban planning program with an opportunity to minor in Real Estate
- They're only 5mins away from my cousins place (I'd be staying with them)
- I don't have to take the SAT's
- It's not too competitive to get into
- they claim to have a good reputation
- they have a diverse student body w/ pretty good Filipino representation (I am half Filipino)

So yeah, CPPomona just strikes me as the ideal place for me to pursue post-secondary studies. Anyways, I plan to obtain an MBA/MRED from USC.

Btw...I almost applied to USC in August actually, but then I realized that I wouldnt be able to go there anyways. Up to now there still sending me admissions info.
AND
I have already applied to CPPomona and CPSLO (right before the deadline) and I guess I am just waiting now.

...Would anyone happen to know whether I am to be expecting something from the universities after submitting my application 'cause after submitting my application I got some message that the university will send me stuff within 30 days and it has already been 5 weeks. So I am kinda worried.

[savvysearch]

Some students think they can't afford to go to a school when they really can. It all depends on the financial aid. I went to a school that was about 15K a semester. Financial aid covered about 11K with the rest school loans that I didn't have to pay off until I graduated. Even though you are an international student, you should speak to someone at the school. The school also offers financial aid separate from the state and country standards that may be covered for international students. Most of my financial aid was provided by the school and not from the state and country.

[Booyashako]

^What school is this?

I tried looking up whether they have financial aid for international students but they said they don't have any (this is for Cal State and USC).

[savvysearch]

Look for private institutions like Chapman U, Azusa Pacific, Pepperdine. I think as an international student, you may find better help at private universities than at state schools which have an obligation to the residents of the state. Private institutions don't. This is just speculation though. Im surprised USC doesn't have aid for international students.

[Booyashako]

YAY!!!...My parents assured me that should CPPomona accept me, I will be able to go...and perhaps live in my own condo...So now I'm just hoping they'll accept me. How often do they reject students with a 4.0gpa?

[squeemu]

4.0 GPA trying to get into Cal Poly Pomona? I know people who had less than 3.5 who got in...

[VansTripp]

Does in Cal Poly Pomona have deaf people?

[LAuniverse]

I know you like LA but I could imagine Cal Poly San Luis Obispo having the better urban planning program. Its architecture program is way ahead of CP Pomonas at least. Why not try UC Irvine or UC Riverside if youre concerned of doing worse on SATs. I know UCI is getting tough to get into, but I think UCR accepts all that qualify to apply or something like that....but I dont know if UCR Has urban planning.

[VansTripp]

Do you know about CSUN? It have special deaf program there so I think it was good college.

[Booyashako]

I can't even afford the UC's...that's why I am sticking with the Cal States. Well it's too late for me to apply to any other campus now (but I could consider transfering in the future).

BTW...I did apply to Cal Poly SLO...and I did consider CSUN, but the Cal Poly programs were more appealing to me.

[LAuniverse]

Im rooting for you Booyashako! Which cal poly do you think youll choose if you get both? Its a tough one huh? When do you find out?

[Booyashako]

^ Thanks for the support. I'd probably choose Pomona since its in metro LA and I'd get to live with my cousins (who live around 10 mins away from the university). Also my aunt told me she'd let me use her car. I guess I'll find out in May like everyone else.

As a matter of fact I will be going down to LA this March break (Mar.11-Mar.21 [booking right now]) to take the ELM and EPT test and to visit the campus. I saw some sample questions for the math test and it seems so easy it may actually be fun :)

[LAuniverse]

Pomona area has excellent Chinese, Korean, and Mexican food. you wont feel like you left Toronto at all (maybe except the mexican:)) good choice!

Good luck on the tests. Im sure you already know everything there is to know fom cousins but if you have any questions, dont hesitate!

[Booyashako]

That's good. I'm all for international cuisine. I will actually be staying in West Covina which I heard is like the heart of the Filipino community there and I'm half filipino. I know that Seafood City and the other new store across the street has some good products from the Philippines that we don't get here in Toronto (i.e- Saba, purefoods hot dogs)...So...looking forward.

BTW...does Taco Bell count as mexican, 'cause then I am a pro with mexican food LOL

[LAuniverse]

oh I forgot about the filipino pouplation. then youll be even happier to know LA has the largest filipino population in the Western World. Its around half million. Youll have plenty of chicken adobo and goldilocks to eat. I dont know if theres a jollibees in w. covina though.

BTW...does Taco Bell count as mexican, 'cause then I am a pro with mexican food LOL

Taco bell is as mexican as mc donalds haha! wow will you be shocked to eat REAL mexican food. Its soooooo good! and cheap! heres the rule of thumb...the dirtier the restaurant looks, the better the food will be. guaranteed. the taco trucks are the best if you can find one.

[Booyashako]

There is a Jollibees right around the corner from my aunts place. Bring on the champ burger! I'm not big on adobo but I love sinigang.
BTW...Would you happen to be Filipino?

[LAuniverse]

no but a lot of my friends were filipino all the way back to pre school. Im chinese american.

If youre into the asian community in LA, you cant escape filipinos, chinese, and koreans becaue theyre everywhere. In that respect LA is a lot like toronto - witihout mexicans haha!

[Booyashako]

LOL...the Mexican presence in LA is probably like the South Asian presence where I live.

[LAuniverse]

I guarantee you ITS MORE. Mexicans (or latinos I think) are already the majority in LA!

how many south asians live in GTA? (south asians = viet, thai, indonesian, malay, cambodian, lao no? or do you guys also include Asian Indians/Pakis/Bengalis?)

[Booyashako]

South Asians up here consist of Indians, Pakistanis, Bangledeshis, Sri Lankans. Thais, Viets, Filipinos, Indonesians, and Malays are considered Asian here as far as I know. I should actually modify what I said earlier...the Mexican presence in LA is probably like the South Asian and Middle Eastern (Including Saudi Arabian, Jordian, Egyptian, etc..) presence where I live.

The south asian pop in the GTA is almost as high as the Chinese pop here. In the GTA, Chinese people alone account for one tenth of the population. If I can recall, Vancouver claims to have the second largest Chinese pop in North America, and Toronto claims to have the largest Chinese pop in Canada, therefore Toronto probably has the largest Chinese pop in North America. As for South Asians, I have yet to see a city in North America with a stronger South Asian presence than Toronto and Vancouver. Sorry I don't have any updated figures.

[VansTripp]

Again...

Does in Cal Poly Pomona have deaf people?

[LAuniverse]

Hi booshayako. While Im sure it probably is the larger by proportion, Im not quite sure Ive seen GTA represented as largest South Asian or Chinese population in NA. And Im positive Vancouver isnt even close. I think that title goes to LA and NYC respectively. What is the population of GTAs chinese poupulation? Is there database for a GTA census? Sorry but I'm a population numbers nerd!



Here's data from the U.S. Census. They are of races "alone" or unmixed ("purebred"). I doubt GTA has over 804,000 Southeast asians, but Im not sure about the chinese population as I've heard Toronto's Chinese community could compare with America's biggests.


NORTHEAST ASIANS:

Chinese alone
NYC: 493,970
LA: 411,632
SF: 466,792

Japanese alone:
NYC: 48,685
LA: 154,621
SF: 75,639

Korean alone:
NYC: 167,977
LA: 255,664
SF: 56,759

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SOUTHEAST ASIANS

Filipino alone:
NYC: 154,441
LA: 368,289
SF: 319,968

Asian Indian alone:
NYC: 389,026
LA: 103,153
SF: 141,886


Pakistani alone:
NYC: 41,304
LA: 9,247
SF: 6,079

Bangladeshi alone:
NYC: 20,710
LA: 2,186
SF: 658

Sri Lankan alone:
NYC: 3,570
LA: 4,163
SF: 998

Vietnamese alone:
NYC: 26,407
LA: 231,930
SF: 145,108

Cambodian alone:
NYC: 3,968
LA: 35,970
SF: 10,445

Thai alone:
NYC: 7,604
LA: 26,091
SF: 5,764

Indonesian alone:
NYC: 3,415
LA: 12,372
SF: 3,615

Laotian alone:
NYC: 1,823
LA: 7,539
SF: 11,401

Malaysian alone:
NYC: 1,785
LA: 938
SF: 618

Hmong alone:
NYC: --
LA: 2,492
SF: 872

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TOTAL NORTHEAST ASIANS:
NYC: 710,962
LA: 821,917
SF: 599,190


TOTAL SOUTH ASIANS:
NYC: 651,053
LA: 804,370
SF: 647,412

[Booyashako]

Okay...well I went on statcan.com and for 2001, the GTA (Golden Horseshoe) had 452,565 people of Chinese decent. The GTA in 2001 had 5,967,970 people. ( I guess not exactly 10%).

I'll get back to you on more stats later.

...What's with the question about deaf people?

[VansTripp]

Okay...well I went on statcan.com and for 2001, the GTA (Golden Horseshoe) had 452,565 people of Chinese decent. The GTA in 2001 had 5,967,970 people. ( I guess not exactly 10%).

I'll get back to you on more stats later.

...What's with the question about deaf people?

I just want know about have deaf people in this college?

[LAuniverse]

Okay...well I went on statcan.com and for 2001, the GTA (Golden Horseshoe) had 452,565 people of Chinese decent. The GTA in 2001 had 5,967,970 people. ( I guess not exactly 10%).

I'll get back to you on more stats later.

Thanks Booyashako! I always knew Toronto had a huge Chinese population that can rival NY LA and SF. And percent wise, the Chinese in Toronto is really high.

Is that number of Chinese only or also includes Chinese mixed with other races?

[Booyashako]

^ I believe it includes Chinese people mixed with other races although I am not 100% sure.