Penn State Update

I attended a counselor’s workshop at Penn State Behrend and received some really nice updates and announcements from both University Park and Behrend.  I wanted to take some time to share these with you.

Important Dates

The Penn State admissions process does not use early decision or early action admissions deadlines.  They do encourage all applicants to apply and complete their file by November 30^th.  The file must be complete with a submitted application, high school transcript, and official test scores sent directly from College Board or ACT.  If a student has their materials in by November 30^th, they will receive an admissions decision before the end of January.  A student is able to apply after November 30^th, but it may become more difficult to get accepted.  A student has the best chance of getting accepted if they apply and complete their application before the end of November. 

March 1^st is the deadline for students to submit their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).  All students need to submit this financial aid paperwork in a timely manner in order to receive the financial aid award letter before the May 1^st admissions decision date. 

All students should confirm their enrollment with Penn State by May 1^st.

Admissions Standards

Students always ask me, “Will I be admitted to Penn State?  Are my scores or GPA high enough?”  Penn State discloses what they call the middle 50%.  The chart represents the middle 50% of students offered admission from the previous admissions year.  There are no cutoffs or averages.  To view this chart, visit:  http://admissions.psu.edu/apply/statistics/

Additional Information

• Penn State requires two years of the same foreign language in high school.  If an applicant does not have two years on their transcript, they will have to take at least a semester of a language while attending Penn State.
• Penn State does not super score multiple SAT or ACT exams.  They take the highest combination of scores from any single test date.
• If a student attends an open house or campus visit at the Behrend campus, the admissions staff will waive the admissions application fee.  Going for a college visit can save you $50.
• Many questions come up about the Schreyer Honors College at Penn State.  Students admitted to the Honors College must display:  academic excellence, strong leadership skills, motivation and self-discipline, and a commitment to citizenship and civic responsibility. Students submit essay questions and letters of recommendation.  Two reviewers read a “blind” application copy of these essays and letters of recommendation.  The reviewers do not see ACT or SAT test scores when reviewing the application.  Students need to set themselves apart in their essays by demonstrating their commitment to the characteristics I mentioned above.  Top academics will not automatically get you into this prestigious group. More information on the Schreyer Honors College can be found at: http://www.shc.psu.edu/future/