The Penn State Early Action Program allows students to submit their applications before the official deadline. The Early Action Program is extremely competitive and is only recommended for students with a very strong academic record who are looking into Penn State as their first choice college.
Have you ever wondered what its like to be in Penn State Early Action? Do you want to study in Penn, don’t worry here is an insight about Penn state acceptance rate and Penn state early decision. Are you interested in finding more about Penn state admissions and you don’t know how to go about it? Here at collegelearners.com we proffer solutions to questions like Penn state application and give them a detailed answers to their questions. Check collegelearners.com for answers to Penn state out of state tuition.
Pennsylvania State University
Located in—you guessed it—University Park, Pennsylvania State University–University Park is ranked #20 in the nation for top public universities and #59 for overall best universities, according to U.S. News and World Report. Penn State prides itself on being a top school that prioritizes accessibility, with nearly a quarter of their students being first-gen students, commitment to nontraditional students, and providing exceptional graduate and professional programs.
With so much going on for it, Penn State remains a popular choice for high-achieving students. But with only 43.3% of applicants being accepted, Penn State does not make getting in easy, even for highly qualified students. Keep reading to learn more about the tips that have helped College Vine’s students get into the school that’s perfect for them.
Penn State Admissions Process
Penn State admissions is selective with an acceptance rate of 56%. Students that get into Penn State have an average SAT score between 1160-1360 or an average ACT score of 25-30. The regular admissions application deadline for Penn State is rolling.
- Accepted
- Rejected
- Considering
- All Majors Agricultural Sciences, Anthropology and Sociology, Architecture, Art, Biology, Business and Management, Chemistry, Communications, Computer Science, Criminal Justice, Design, Economics, Education, Engineering, English, Environmental Science, Film and Photography, Finance and Accounting, Food and Nutrition, Foreign Languages, Global Studies, Health Care Management, Health Professions, History, Information Technology, Interdisciplinary Studies, International Relations, Kinesiology and Physical Therapy, Legal Studies, Math, Music, Nursing, Performing Arts, Philosophy, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sports Management and Leisure Studies, Trades and Personal Services, Veterinary Studies.
- In/Out-of-State In/Out-of-State In-State Out-of-State
Penn State Admissions Statistics
Acceptance Rate 56%
Early Decision Acceptance Rate—Total Applicants 52,742
SAT Range 1160-1360
SAT Reading 580-660
SAT Math580- 700
Students Submitting SAT 74%
ACT Range 25-30
ACT English 25-33
ACT Math 25-30
ACT Writing 8-9
Students Submitting ACT 21%
Penn State Admissions Deadlines
Application Deadline
Early Decision Deadline —
Early Action Deadline November 15
Offers Early Decision No
Offers Early Action Yes
Application Fee 65 DOLLARS Application fee may vary by program and may be waived for certain students.
Penn State Admissions Requirements
What Really Matters When Applying
- High School GPA Required
- High School Rank Neither required nor recommended
- High School Transcript Required
- College Prep Courses Recommended
- SAT/ACT Required
- Recommendations Neither required nor recommended
Penn State Early Action Application Process
First-year, domestic students may apply for undergraduate admission to Penn State via Early Action. To apply Early Action, students must submit a complete application (the application itself and the Self- Reported Academic Record [SRAR]) must be received by the deadline of November 15. If opting to include standardized test results (official scores from either the SAT or ACT) must also be received by the deadline of November 15.
Students applying Early Action will receive a decision by December 24 and will be part of the early financial aid awarding process beginning in mid-February if Penn State has received the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by December 1. Possible decisions for Early Action qualified applicants will be 1) admit; 2) deferral of decision to the November review group (see below); or 3) denial of admission.
Early Action is a non-binding commitment by Penn State to respond to applicants earlier in the admissions decision cycle. Applicants will still have until May 1 to pay their enrollment deposit or commit to Penn State. If you tend to stress out more than most and have been dreading the college admissions process, applying early action may be the best way to make your senior year of high school as enjoyable as possible.
Penn State University Park
Freshman Admission Requirements
Entrance Difficulty
Very Difficult: More than 50% of freshmen were in the top 10% of their high school class and scored over 1230 on the SAT I or over 26 on the ACT; about 60% or fewer of all applicants accepted.
High School Preparation
High School GraduationHigh school diploma required and GED is acceptedHigh School ProgramCollege preparatory program is required
High School Units Required or Recommended
Subject | Required Units | Recommended Units |
---|---|---|
English | 4 | |
Mathematics | 3 | |
Science | 3 | |
Foreign Language | 2 | 3 |
Social Studies | 3 | |
History | ||
Academic Electives |
Examinations
Exam | Required Units | Scores Due in Admissions Office |
---|---|---|
SAT or ACT | Required | Not reported |
SAT Only | ||
ACT Only | ||
SAT and SAT Subject Tests, or ACT | ||
SAT Subject Tests Only | ||
SAT Essay Component Policy | Accepted with or without essay component | |
ACT Writing Test Policy | Accepted with or without writing component | |
ACT Writing Test Policy | Not reported |
Penn State University Park Applying for Admission
Admissions Office
Address201 Old MainCity, State, ZipUniversity Park, PA 16802Phone(814) 865-5471Fax E-mailadmissions@psu.edu
Application Dates and Fees
Regular Admisson DeadlineNovember 30Application Fee$65Application Fee WaiverAvailableRegular Admission NotificationRollingAccept Offer of AdmissionBy May 1 or within 2 weeks if notified after May 1Waiting List UsedYesDefer AdmissionStudent can defer admissionTransfer AdmissionTransfer applications accepted
Early Admission
Early Decision OfferedNoEarly Decision Deadline Early Decision Notification Early Action OfferedYesEarly Action DeadlineNovember 1Early Action NotificationNot reported
Application Form
Common ApplicationAcceptedUniversal College ApplicationNot acceptedElectronic Application
Other Application Requirements
InterviewNot RequiredEssay or Personal StatementRecommended for all freshmenLetters of Recommendation Other Financial NeedFinancial need is not a consideration in the admissions process
Selection of Students
Factor | Very Important | Important | Considered | Not Considered |
---|---|---|---|---|
Rigor of Secondary School Record | X | |||
Academic GPA | X | |||
Standardized Tests | X | |||
Class Rank | X | |||
Recommendations | X | |||
Essay | X | |||
Interview | X | |||
Level of Applicant’s Interest | X | |||
Extracurricular Activities | X | |||
Volunteer Work | X | |||
Particular Talent/Ability | X | |||
Character/Personal Qualities | X | |||
First Generation to Attend College | X | |||
State Residency | X | |||
Geographic Residence | X | |||
Relation with Alumnus | X | |||
Religious Affiliation/Commitment | ||||
Ethnicity | ||||
Work Experience | X |
Profile of Fall Admission
Overall Admission Rate50% of 56,114 applicants were admittedWomen54% of 28,270 applicants were admittedMen46% of 27,844 applicants were admittedStudents Enrolled9,479 (34%) of 28,233 admitted students enrolledWomen4,639 (30%) of 15,300 admitted students enrolledMen4,840 (37%) of 12,933 admitted students enrolledEarly Decision Admission Rate Early Action Admission RateNot reportedStudents Offered Wait List2,168Students Accepting Wait List Position1,359Students Admitted From Wait List0
Grade Point Average of Enrolled Freshmen (4.0 scale)
Average GPA3.583.75 and Above33%3.50 – 3.7430%3.25 – 3.4925%3.00 – 3.249%2.50 – 2.993%2.00 – 2.49
SAT Scores of Enrolled Freshmen
SAT Math580-680 range of middle 50%Score of 700 – 80019%Score of 600 – 70047%Score of 500 – 60030%Score of 400 – 5003%Score of 300 – 4000%Score of 200 – 3000%SAT EBRW618 average
580-660 range of middle 50%Score of 700 – 80011%Score of 600 – 70055%Score of 500 – 60031%Score of 400 – 5003%Score of 300 – 4000%Score of 200 – 3000%
ACT Scores of Enrolled Freshmen
ACT Composite28 average
25-30 range of middle 50%Score of 30 – 3628%Score of 24 – 2961%Score of 18 – 2310%Score of 12 – 170%Score of 6 – 110%Score of 5 or Below0%
Other Qualifications of Enrolled Freshmen
High School Class RankTop tenth: 35%
Top quarter: 73%
Top half: 96%National Merit ScholarNot reportedValedictorianNot reportedClass PresidentNot reportedStudent Government OfficerNot reported.
Penn State uses a holistic review process that emphasizes academic performance to select a diverse freshman class. Use your application to highlight your strengths in the following areas.
For international students: You will need to submit an official copy of your secondary school report, as well as a line-by-line translation if the documents are in a language other than English. If English is not your first language, you’ll also need to demonstrate your English proficiency through one of the following:
- TOEFL score of 80 or higher
- IELTS score of 6.5 or higher
- SAT Evidence Based Reading and Writing section score of 570 or higher
- ACT English section score of 24 or higher
- GCSE or GCE Score of A, B, or C on the English language exam
- International Baccalaureate (IB): Score of 5 or higher on the English Language & Literature (SL/HL) exam
- Receive official certification through Penn State’s Intensive English Communication Program (IECP)
For homeschooled students: Although your application will be virtually identical to other students, Penn State may ask you for further documentation about your high school coursework and grades.
Admission Requirements to Penn University
Academics. Penn State takes your academic preparation seriously. To give you an idea of what to aim for, the middle 50% of last year’s incoming freshmen earned GPAs between 3.55 and 3.97, earned SAT scores between 1250 and 1430 or ACT scores between 28 and 32. The admissions counselors also take into account the rigor of your classes, including AP, IB, or dual enrollment.
Extracurriculars. Penn State doesn’t care what activities you were involved in throughout high school, but they do want to see that you pursued something you were interested in with passion and excellence. This could mean taking a leadership position at your school, starting a new organization or initiative, or being recognized for your talents through awards. Whatever you do, show why those activities were meaningful to you and how you went above and beyond in following them.
Character. It’s important that you give the Penn State admissions officers insight into who you are and what your strengths are. They want to know what you are passionate about, why you’ve chosen the activities you participate in, and why your intended major or why Penn State matters for your future. Write a compelling essay that demonstrates your strengths and values.
Contribution to Community. Penn State is looking for students who will bring a vibrant presence to their campus through their past experiences and college involvement. Show how you’ll bring value to Penn State through your unique qualities or by mentioning extracurricular college opportunities you want to pursue.
Every application is different, but over the years we’ve seen these strategies give our clients applications that are three times more likely to gain favorable admissions results.
Excel academically. According Penn State, “The most important piece of our review is your academic record.” Show the admissions counselors that you’ve got what it takes by earning good grades in all of your courses, taking challenging classes throughout high school, and preparing adequately for the SAT or ACT. If you’re having trouble getting a standardized test score that falls within the ranges of last year’s freshmen, you may want to work with a trusted teacher, adult, or a company like CollegeVine to improve your test score.
Tell your story. Pennsylvania State University–University Park wants to know who you are; they give special consideration to first-generation college students, and they want to know what you’re passionate about and what has impacted your life. Whatever you don’t include in your application, they won’t know about, so make sure you highlight your strengths, your values, and your passion throughout your application.
Work with a counselor. Creating a strong application takes a lot of work and creativity, but it’s much easier to do if you work with someone who has helped students get into their dream school before. Whether you work with a company like CollegeVine, find an alumni in your area, or work with your high school counselor, getting help with your application is the best way to make sure that your application stands out.