First-Year Students/Admissions Requirements

Admissions decisions for first-year students are made on the basis of several combined factors including the following:

• final grades in all subject areas for years nine, ten, and eleven of high school
• class rank (weighted average is used for students who have taken AP/Honors courses)
• required Carnegie (high school) units
• standardized test scores, SAT or ACT  (we do not require the SAT II subject tests)
  
  Approximately two-thirds of our evaluation is based on high school grades, and one-third on standardized test scores.  The evaluation may also include a review of the personal statement and list of extracurricular activities that you may submit with the application.

The following chart shows the middle 50 percent range for students offered full admission to Penn State in fall 2008---they are not cutoffs or averages.  This chart is intended to give you a general idea of your admissibility to Penn State. In no way does it represent a promise or guarantee of admission.

High School GPA (4.0 scale)		Middle 50% Range
Penn State University Park All Other Campuses		3.57 - 3.97 2.96- 3.41
Combined SAT*		Middle 50% Range
Penn State University Park All Other Campuses		1740 - 1980 1470 - 1710
Composite ACT*		Middle 50% Range
Penn State University Park All Other Campuses		26 - 30 20 - 25

*ACT and SAT writing components are required for admission consideration.

 

Need To Send Transcripts?

All high school transcripts should be sent directly to the Undergraduate Admissions Office at University Park regardless of your campus choice:

Undergraduate Admissions Office
201 Shields Bldg
Box 3000
University Park, PA 16804

Need To Send SAT Scores?

All SAT scores should be sent electronically directly from The College Board.  Penn State's SAT code is: 2660.

Need To Send ACT Scores?

All ACT scores should be sent electronically directly from the ACT testing agency.  Penn State's ACT code is: 3656.