Quarter Plus

Program Dates: Monday, August 15 - Tuesday, September 13

Accept the Challenge

The Quarter Plus program provides an intensive academic opportunity for you to accelerate your academic studies and begin your college experience during the early fall.

Quarter Plus application is now open!

Only newly admitted first-year students who have confirmed their acceptance to Cal Poly will be able to access the Quarter Plus application. Students will need to sign in through their single sign on upon clicking the link.

Apply Now

Quarter Plus Interest Form

The application cycle for Quarter Plus 2022 is open for newly admitted first-year students who have confirmed their acceptance to Cal Poly. Fill out our interest form and you will receive an email with a link to apply within approximately 5 business days.

Interest Form
The Quarter Plus residential program and virtual a.m. option are full, but there are still spaces available in the virtual p.m. option. Please email quarterplus@calpoly.edu if you are interested in applying to the virtual p.m. option.
The Quarter Plus residential program and virtual programs are full and the application cycle for 2022 is closed.

Program options in the past consisted of both in-person and virtual.

Residential Program

Students will participate in a residential program and take two classes, COMS 101: Public Speaking as well as another lower level General Education course for a total of 8 units.

Virtual Program
with one course

Students will not live in a university residence hall during the program and will take one virtual class, COMS 101: Public Speaking for 4 units.

Quarter Plus 2023 will offer ENGL 145: Writing Arguments (Cross listed as ENGL/HNRS 145)

Quarter Plus 2023 will offer ENGL 145: Writing Arguments (Cross listed as ENGL/HNRS 145) that residential program students may take instead of COMS 101: Public Speaking. Students may be placed in this class if they already have completed the equivalent of a GE Area A2 course. If students have taken AP English Language & Composition 36 or AP English Literature & Composition 37, which meets the GE Area A2 requirement, and earned a score of 3 or better on the exam, they may be enrolled in ENGL 145. Students do not need to be in the Cal Poly Honors Program to be enrolled in this course, but if a student has been accepted into the Honors Program, they would earn 4 Honors units from this course.

Limited availability based on prerequisites.

In-person or virtual social activities to get to know classmates before the fall quarter are added benefits of all programs.

Benefits of Q+

  • Mentoring and encouragement from trained learning assistants, professional staff, and experienced faculty
  • Enhanced academic preparation and skills for university-level coursework
  • Accelerated progress-to-degree by earning 8 units of academic credit prior to fall quarter
  • Greater sense of belonging and social connection
  • Academic and psychological preparation for the faster pace of Cal Poly's quarter system
  • More confidence and preparation for success in the fall
  • Small group activities and study sessions led by learning assistants

Accept the Challenge

This four-week program includes enrollment in 8 units of academic coursework.
Social activities and the opportunity to get to know classmates before fall quarter begins are added benefits.

Hear from previous Quarter Plus Students and watch an overview!

Quarter Plus allowed me to adjust to college-level academics in a fun environment. I met so many wonderful people and had so much fun doing the activities. I feel confident in my ability to be a successful college student after my experience in Quarter Plus!

E. Sumera

2022 Quarter Plus Student

Contact Us

Have questions about Quarter Plus? We are happy to help.