Your Next Steps

Once you have accepted your offer of admission, you are officially a Penn State student.  The following are the next steps leading up to the start of classes for the fall semester and some tips for your first year.

Select Your NSO Date (Summer and Fall)

New Student Orientation (NSO) is a full day of programming and events to acclimate new students and their guests to Penn State held on specific dates in June, July, and August. NSO attendance is required of all first-year students. The reservation system will be available in early April. Questions about NSO can be directed to Advising and Career Services at [email protected] or 610-892-1390.

If you or your guest anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided during this event, please email [email protected] in advance of your visit.

Placement Tests

While all students are required to complete an Educational Planning Survey before their NSO, many students will also be required to complete a math placement test. Details on how and when to complete these items will be available on your Pre-Orientation Task List.

Please note that placement test scores do not in any way affect your offer of admission. The results will be used during your NSO to assist your summer adviser in selecting appropriate starting courses. While Penn State does not encourage you to study for the placement tests, you should do your best since your scores will help to determine appropriate starting points for your first-year coursework.

Questions about the placement tests can be directed to Advising and Career Services at [email protected] or 610-892-1390 or visiting ALEKS Math Assessment. For technical difficulties, call ALEKS Support at 714-619-7090 or visit ALEKS Support.

Events for New Students

Meet other incoming students, get to know returning students, and learn about clubs and organizations. Get all the details on events for new students here. Questions about events for new students can be directed to Student Affairs at [email protected] or 610-892-1270.

Convocation/Fall Orientation

Convocation is a special annual event at Penn State Brandywine and is the official start of the academic year. Questions about Convocation can be directed to Student Affairs at 610-892-1270.