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College of Arts and Architecture
Connect with an admissions representative in the College of Arts and Architecture to learn more about undergraduate academic programs.College of Arts and Architecture
104 Borland Building
University Park, PA. 16802
Telephone:(814) 865-9523
Email: caaprospects@psu.edu
How to Apply – Penn State College of Arts and Architecture
Start your A&A story
Ready to build your future at Penn State College of Arts and Architecture? Fantastic! We are truly honored and delighted to have you join our college.
Whether you are applying as a first-year student, perhaps changing majors or transferring campuses, considering adding a minor, or returning for an advanced graduate degree, there are a number of steps to applying. General admission requirements, important dates, and other information are extremely well detailed on Penn State’s Undergraduate Admissions and Graduate School Admissions websites. And, in fact, you will have to submit new degree program applications through one of those two sites. Change of Major, Campus Transfer, and Minor students are encouraged to reach out to the A&A Advising Team for specific information about interleaving your current educational work with a new degree.
All students should look at the Program-Specific Admission Information section below to learn about specialized application requirements for many A&A degree programs.
Paperwork and forms rarely grab the limelight as the best part of the process, but step through, let us know if you have any questions along the way – we can help you step-by-step, and we will be cheering for you when you join A&A and help us grow!
Undergrad? Welcome! You’re just steps from expanding your horizons!
The span of A&A’s degree programs across arts, design, and performance means you will find challenges, growth, and rewards throughout your undergraduate studies and experience. Find your passions. Change the world. Become your best self. Thrive. It all starts when you apply.
Visit Undergraduate Admissions
Want to add a minor? Great idea! A&A minors are really rather major ?
The minors available in A&A don’t just fit perfectly with A&A majors, they dovetail beautifully with degree programs from across the University. The best way to learn more about these minors, and to see how to fit a minor into your degree plans, is to talk to one of the A&A Advising Team.
Grad study this way…Advanced degrees in the arts + design fields
Scholars from around the globe choose the College of Arts and Architecture as the place to build and contribute to knowledge. As you make that choice, carefully review any program-specific information below, and then proceed with your application through the Graduate School website.
Admission Requirements
Review the basic requirements for two-year and four-year degrees, as well as the additional requirements for special programs.
Penn State will be test-optional through summer/fall 2023
First-year applicants to Penn State will be able to choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their applications through Summer/Fall 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
Look here to find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to the Penn State Test-optional evaluation process.
High School Requirements for Admission
The minimum high school requirements for Penn State admission are outlined below. These requirements apply to all students who are interested in pursuing a degree at Penn State. Depending upon what type of applicant you are, you may also have to meet additional requirements. Please review all applicable requirements prior to applying for admission.
- 4-Year Degree (Baccalaureate Degree)
- 2-Year Degree (Associate Degree)
- GED Applicants : additional information for applicants applying with a GED.
The high school admission requirements apply to all students interested in pursuing a degree at Penn State. Based on your applicant type, you may also have to meet additional requirements. Please review all requirements prior to applying for admission.
Program-Specific Admission Information
Due to the specialized nature of many programs within Arts and Architecture, there are program-specific requirements that are detailed in the sections below. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Director of Enrollment Kelly Praskovich.
Architecture
Section Links:
Undergraduate B.Arch. | First-Year | Change-of-Major | Transfer
Graduate Programs | M.Arch. | M.S. in Arch. | Ph.D. in Arch.
Undergraduate B.Arch. Program Information
The following sections provide details regarding undergraduate application for incoming freshmen, change of major, and transfer students. Direct any questions about the application process or the B.Arch. program in the Department of Architecture to:
Undergraduate Academic Adviser
Erica Quinn
Phone: 814.865.5985
Email: eaq5011@psu.edu
Incoming Freshmen/First-Year Students
Important Application Dates
Priority deadline is November 30
Spots remain available until our freshman class numbers are filled.
(Applicants who have graduated from high school and attempted no more than 0-17 semester credit hours of college coursework after high school graduation.)
PENN STATE UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
First-year applicants must submit an online application found at www.admissions.psu.edu.
- The Admissions Office will review and assess all applications to the B.Arch. program.
- The Admissions Office will notify all applicants in writing on a rolling basis.
- Students who are accepted will enter the program in the following fall semester.
The Undergraduate Admissions Office exclusively handles the application process to the Bachelor of Architecture program for first-year applicants. There is no portfolio requirement.
Note: Many Bachelor of Architecture students also qualify for the Schreyer Honors College. Please consider the requirements and benefits of the Honors College at www.shc.psu.edu Also note that many requirements in the B.Arch. program also satisfy honors requirements, such as a thesis book and semester abroad.
Change of Major/Assignment Students
Important Application Dates
Portfolio submission deadline is February 15
(Penn State students who are seeking to enter the Bachelor of Architecture program including the categories of Change of Major, Change of Assignment, Concurrent Major, and Re-enrollment.)
A candidate seeking entrance to a major or wishing to change from one college to another, or from one major to another, or from the Division of Undergraduate Studies to a college, may do so provided any enrollment ceilings of the college or major have not been reached and provided the candidate satisfies the following minimum academic requirements:
- Demonstrates at least a C (2.00) cumulative average for all courses taken at the University subject to the conditions of Section 51-50.
- Satisfies any additional academic requirements that have been proposed by the college or the major and approved by the dean of the college and the University Faculty Senate Committee on Undergraduate Education. Requirements for entrance to the B.Arch. program include a portfolio described below.
In addition to the minimum requirements for application to change majors or concurrent major, the Department of Architecture requires a portfolio review. Decisions regarding entrance to the Bachelor of Architecture degree program rest with both the College of Arts and Architecture Dean’s Office and the Department of Architecture.
PORTFOLIO SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Please submit a portfolio of creative and design work to the Department of Architecture via the SlideRoom online portfolio system. The portfolio should include original work that demonstrates the candidate’s potential as an architecture student. It can include examples of architectural design, drawing, construction, fine arts, and crafts. It may include drawings, sketches, paintings, photography, models, ceramics, sculpture, woodworking, crafts, video, etc. Selected examples of architectural and mechanical drafting certainly may be included in the portfolio; however, mechanical drafting alone does not constitute adequate material for evaluation.
The portfolio should include:
- Five to 10 creative design samples
- Personal statement – “How does the work in your portfolio best represent you, your talents, and your desire to study architecture?” (500 character limit)
USING SLIDEROOM
- Access SlideRoom (stuckemanpsu.slideroom.com) and create a user account.
- Select the “Bachelor of Architecture” category.
- Follow all SlideRoom instructions for uploading content. SlideRoom will prompt you to complete all necessary steps.
- Be sure to submit the materials detailed above.
Assistance is available from SlideRoom at support@slideroom.com.
Transfer Students
Important Application Dates
Application deadline is February 15
Portfolio submission deadline is February 15
(Transfer applicants, also known as advanced standing applicants, have graduated from high school and attempted 18 or more semester credit hours of college coursework after high school graduation.)
There is a two–part process for transfer applications. The Undergraduate Admissions Office handles the first portion of application to the Bachelor of Architecture program, followed by the Department of Architecture portfolio review. The admissions decision rests with the Undergraduate Admissions Office with recommendations from the Department of Architecture.
STEP 1: PENN STATE UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Transfer applicants must submit an on-line application to the Admissions Office found at www.admissions.psu.edu. Online applications are accepted from August 1 to February 15.
- High school and college transcripts are required to complete a transfer application.
- SAT or ACT scores are not required if you have completed more than one semester of full-time college coursework after your high school graduation.
STEP 2: PORTFOLIO SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Please submit a portfolio of creative and design work to the Department of Architecture via the SlideRoom online portfolio system. The portfolio should include original work that demonstrates the candidate’s potential as an architecture student. It can include examples of architectural design, drawing, construction, fine arts and crafts. It may include drawings, sketches, paintings, photography, models, ceramics, sculpture, woodworking, crafts, video, etc. Selected examples of architectural and mechanical drafting certainly may be included in the portfolio; however, mechanical drafting alone does not constitute adequate material for evaluation.
The portfolio should include:
- Five to 10 creative design samples
- Personal statement – “How does the work in your portfolio best represent you, your talents, and your desire to study architecture?” (500 character limit)
- Syllabi for architecture courses previously taken
Using SlideRoom
- Access SlideRoom (stuckemanpsu.slideroom.com) and create a user account.
- Select the “Bachelor of Architecture” category.
- Follow all SlideRoom instructions for uploading content. SlideRoom will prompt you to complete all necessary steps.
- Be sure to submit the materials detailed above.
Assistance is available from SlideRoom at support@slideroom.com.
Graduate Programs Information
Important Dates
Fall admission: For consideration for admission, complete application materials should be received no later than January 15 of the preceding academic year. In special cases, applications may be considered after this date. To be considered for a Graduate Teaching Assistantship, a Graham Fellowship, or a Graduate School Fellowship, complete application materials must be received no later than January 15 of the preceding academic year and even earlier applications are recommended.
Spring admission: The program is structured to build on the methods and theory core courses that are offered only in the fall. Therefore, only under extraordinary circumstances are students considered for admission at mid-year, i.e. for spring semester. Students interested in applying for acceptance in the spring semester are advised to discuss the matter with the Graduate Programs Assistant prior to submitting the application.
Important Notes
- The Department will not evaluate your application packet until all materials have been submitted.
- Applications for entrance in a given academic year will be reviewed beginning January 15 of that calendar year.
Graduate Academic Advising
For questions regarding graduate programs or application, please contact:
Nina Bumgarner
Graduate Programs Assistant in Architecture
814.865.0345
ndb2@psu.edu
Rebecca Henn
Director of Graduate Studies in Architecture
814.863.5420
rlh53@psu.edu
M.Arch. Application Requirements
- Your application must be submitted to the Pennsylvania State University Graduate School at the following website: http://gradschool.psu.edu/graduate-admissions/how-to-apply/.
- Copies of transcripts, degree/study certificates and diplomas in the language of instruction from all institutions of higher education attended, both undergraduate and graduate, should be uploaded online as part of the Graduate School Application. If English is not the language of instruction, copies of all transcripts/documents in the English translation also must be uploaded.
- Once an applicant has accepted an offer of admission, he/she will be notified by the Graduate School that official/original transcripts/documents and their official English translation must be sent from the originating institutions for review by the Graduate School, in order to finalize an admission decision. Notarized copies are not sufficient.
- Scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Please request ETS to electronically submit to: Penn State University (institution code 2660).
- TOEFL/IELTS scores from non-native speakers of English. Submit to Penn State University (institution code 2660). The minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 550 for the paper-based test or a total score of 80 with a 19 on the speaking section for the Internet-based test (iBT). The minimum acceptable composite score for the IELTS is 6.5. See the Graduate School website for more information; all test scores must be sent from ETS.
- Your portfolio (not to exceed 12MB) should include 5-10 creative design samples. The presented work should have been executed at the undergraduate level or under professional guidance or independently, provided the applicant can present evidence of ownership. A minimum portfolio representation of one project for each year of academic undergraduate study, or its equivalent, is required. Applicants are encouraged to include other evidence of academic excellence, such as awards, design and scholarly achievements, and other recognition.
- Aside from a one-page CV, a statement of purpose is required that describes your professional goals and an explanation of how your previous education, academic background, and/or professional experience provide a foundation for pursuing graduate training. Within the statement, please elaborate on the following questions:
• Please identify a work of architecture that you find to be significant and explain the reasons.
• What skills would you like to acquire during your studies?
• What do you see yourself doing after completing your studies?
M.S. in Architecture Application Requirements
- Your application must be submitted to the Pennsylvania State University Graduate School at the following website: http://gradschool.psu.edu/graduate-admissions/how-to-apply/.
- Copies of transcripts, degree/study certificates and diplomas in the language of instruction from all institutions of higher education attended, both undergraduate and graduate, should be uploaded online as part of the Graduate School Application. If English is not the language of instruction, copies of all transcripts/documents in the English translation also must be uploaded.
- Once an applicant has accepted an offer of admission, he/she will be notified by the Graduate School that official/original transcripts/documents and their official English translation must be sent from the originating institutions for review by the Graduate School, in order to finalize an admission decision. Notarized copies are not sufficient.
- Scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Please request ETS to electronically submit to: Penn State University (institution code 2660).
- TOEFL/IELTS scores from non-native speakers of English. Submit to Penn State University (institution code 2660). The minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 550 for the paper-based test or a total score of 80 with a 19 on the speaking section for the Internet-based test (iBT). The minimum acceptable composite score for the IELTS is 6.5. See the Graduate School website for more information; all test scores must be sent from ETS.
- Your portfolio (not to exceed 12MB) should include 5-10 creative design samples. The presented work should have been executed at the undergraduate level or under professional guidance or independently, provided the applicant can present evidence of ownership. A minimum portfolio representation of one project for each year of academic undergraduate study, or its equivalent, is required. Applicants are encouraged to include other evidence of academic excellence, such as awards, design and scholarly achievements, and other recognition.
- Aside from a one-page CV, a statement of purpose is required that addresses your interest of study and how it relates to the research cluster in which you desire to work. Within the statement, please elaborate on the following questions:
• What is the particular research topic/problem that you would like to address in your studies at Penn State?
• What skills would you like to improve/acquire during your studies?
• With whom at Penn State do you see yourself working during your graduate studies?
• What do you see yourself doing after completing your studies?
Ph.D. in Architecture Application Requirements
- Your application must be submitted to the Pennsylvania State University Graduate School at the following website: http://gradschool.psu.edu/graduate-admissions/how-to-apply/.
- Copies of transcripts, degree/study certificates and diplomas in the language of instruction from all institutions of higher education attended, both undergraduate and graduate, should be uploaded online as part of the Graduate School Application. If English is not the language of instruction, copies of all transcripts/documents in the English translation also must be uploaded.
- Once an applicant has accepted an offer of admission, he/she will be notified by the Graduate School that official/original transcripts/documents and their official English translation must be sent from the originating institutions for review by the Graduate School, in order to finalize an admission decision. Notarized copies are not sufficient.
- Scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Please request ETS to electronically submit to: Penn State University (institution code 2660).
- TOEFL/IELTS scores from non-native speakers of English. Submit to Penn State University (institution code 2660). The minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 550 for the paper-based test or a total score of 80 with a 19 on the speaking section for the Internet-based test (iBT). The minimum acceptable composite score for the IELTS is 6.5. See the Graduate School website for more information; all test scores must be sent from ETS.
- The names, addresses, and e-mail addresses for three (3) people who will write letters of reference for you. Once you provide their names, addresses, and e-mail addresses, they will be contacted and prompted to file the letters.
- Aside from a one-page CV, a statement of purpose (Ph.D. essay) is required. The statement of purpose is approximately two pages long and provides the following information in a concise manner:
- Your reasons for pursuing graduate training in terms of your career plans.
- A clear research focus within your area of interest; articulate, in specific terms, the research topic on which you wish to focus and proposed methods to conduct this research.
- An explanation of how your previous education, academic background, and/or professional experience provide a foundation for pursuing graduate training in this research field.
- A demonstration that you have considered carefully our Ph.D. program and are aware of how your interests match faculty expertise and interests; please be sure to identify faculty with whom you are interested in working.
Visiting Ph.D./Visiting Scholar application forthcoming.
Application Review Process for First-Year Students
Penn State receives over 70,000 first-year student applications, so ensure your application is as competitive as possible.
Penn State will be test-optional through summer/fall 2023
First-year applicants to Penn State will be able to choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their applications through Summer/Fall 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
Look here to find answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to the Penn State Test-optional evaluation process.
Application Submission
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 including the Self- Reported Academic Record [SRAR] by the deadline of November 1.
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.
For those students choosing not to apply Early Action and for all domestic students, we recommend submission of a complete application, including all required materials, by December 1. While not a deadline, admission becomes more competitive for applications received after December 1.
NOTE: The majority of students that apply by December 1 will receive an admission decision in January, but some students may receive their decisions earlier.
Application Evaluation
The most important piece of our review is your academic record, which represents your individual four years of academic development. Penn State’s assessment of application materials includes the academic courses, grades and levels of those courses and standardized test scores (optional for summer/fall 2021), plus additional factors that may include an audition, a portfolio review, the geographic and cultural background of the student, the personal statement, and the activities list. We take a hard look at the many roles you serve as a student, sibling, athlete, son or daughter, volunteer, and/or employee. Assembling a class of students with diverse interests and experiences is a task that we take seriously.
Penn State does not have a minimum GPA or standardized test score used for admission. There are no such things as “cut offs.” We review students taking into account a full range of factors.
Estimating Eligibility
Please refer to the provided chart of the middle 50% to help determine your competitiveness for admission. Remember, this chart is not a guarantee of admission but a helpful guideline for interested applicants.
Class of 2024 Profile:
Middle 50% GPA and Test Scores Data
The ranges in the chart below represent the middle 50 percent of students offered admission for Summer/fall 2020—they are not cutoffs or averages. This chart is for estimating purposes only and in no way represents a promise or guarantee of admission.
Placing in the upper end of both ranges increases the likelihood of being offered your first choice of campus and/or major. Placing in the lower end may require you to be more flexible in making your campus (and perhaps major) choices.
| University Park | All other Campuses | |
|---|---|---|
| High School GPA (4.0 scale) | 3.55-3.90 | 3.07-3.60 |
| University Park | All other Campuses | |
|---|---|---|
| Evidence-Based Reading and Writing + Math | 1240-1410 | 1080-1260 |
| University Park | All other Campuses | |
|---|---|---|
| Composite ACT | 27-33 | 23-28 |
To learn more about admission at the University, including the class profile for incoming first-year students, please review our Admissions Statistics.
Review of Additional Application Components
In addition to the main admission criteria outlined above, the Penn State application includes other components that can impact a student’s admission.
Major Selection
Penn State typically reviews applications for admissibility to the chosen campus, rather than a particular program (with the exception of a few majors, like our special programs). As a result, changing the major on your application typically does not change your admission decision–often times, the application review for a different major will lead to the same decision.
When evaluating applications, we look at the standardized test and academic performance in math more closely for admission to our math and science programs. Additionally, some of our programs, due to enrollment limitations, are more competitive for admission than other programs.
Summer Session at University Park
Those students who are interested in University Park and would like to increase their chances of admission to that campus have the option of indicating interest in the summer session. Students can select this option when completing the application.
We review students’ applications for their chosen semester of enrollment first, which is typically the fall semester. If we are unable to offer fall admission, and a student indicates that the summer session is an option, we then review the application for admission to the summer session. Admission to this session is slightly less competitive than fall admission. The summer session is mandatory for students accepted into the summer session at the University Park campus if the student is not admissible to the fall semester start.
Please note: This is not a remedial, transitional or introductory session–students will take two standard Penn State classes during the 6-week session. Students making satisfactory progress will then continue in the fall semester at University Park.
Alternate Campus Selection
First-year students are required to provide an alternate choice campus on their application, regardless of the application method used. Including an alternate choice campus allows us to efficiently review a student’s application for admission to Penn State, should they not meet the qualifications for their first-choice campus.
Please understand that we review a student application for their first-choice campus first. If we are unable to offer admission to that campus, we then review the application for summer (if University Park and if applicants have selected the summer option in their application.) or for admission to the student’s alternate choice campus. If the student receives admission to the alternate choice campus, this decision means we were unable to offer admission to the first campus. Students may then choose to remain at their offered campus for four years if their program is available, or they may opt to participate in our 2+2 plan by completing two years at that campus and their final two years at another campus.
Additional Application Materials for Special Programs
Some of our programs require additional application materials to complete an application. Please review the admissions requirements for those details.
Should you have questions about your application or admission decision, please contact Undergraduate Admissions to discuss your status.
Application Review Process for International Students
Penn State requires specific supplemental materials in order to accurately review international student applications.
Application Submission
We recommend that international students submit a complete application, including all required materials, to Penn State by the preferred filing date outlined for their applicant type on our Dates and Deadlines page. Completing your application by this date gives you the best chance of admission to your first choice campus and/or major.
Penn State will not review a student’s application until all of the application requirements have arrived. If you have not sent us all of the required materials, like proof of English language proficiency, we cannot evaluate your application. You can check MyPennState to check the status of your application and to verify the receipt of all of your materials.
Application Evaluation
While there are some additional components of an international student’s application that Penn State evaluates, the application review process is very similar to that of a domestic student, based on their applicant type.
First-Year International Applicants
The application evaluation for first-year international students is a comprehensive review, focusing on all of the required credentials of the application.
In reviewing a first-year application, we look for students who have successfully completed courses or examinations in the core subjects of mathematics, physical science, social science, and language in all years of high school. Students who have not successfully completed these courses may not be eligible for admission to Penn State.
First-year international students may receive offers for summer session at University Park, or they may receive an offer of admission to a campus other than University Park. For more information on these application options, read more on the application review process for first-year students.
Transfer International Applicants
The application evaluation for transfer international students is based on the student’s post-secondary coursework. In addition to establishing proof of English language proficiency, international students have to meet the transfer requirements for their intended program and campus of interest. Visit the transfer student section for admissions requirements.
Dates & Deadlines
Find out when you should apply and when you can expect a decision.
Dates and Deadlines by Applicant Type
Students have different dates and deadlines to track based on their applicant type. Please review the information below to learn more about the important dates of the application process.
Dates & Deadlines for First-Year Students
Application Deadline and Decision Information
Applicants are evaluated on a modified rolling admissions schedule. Additionally, some academic programs have limited enrollment and specific application dates. The deadline for first-year, domestic students to apply Early Action is November 1. For those students choosing not to apply Early Action and for all domestic students, we recommend submission of a complete application, including all required materials, by December 1.
To meet the application deadlines outlined below, you have to submit a complete application by the provided date. The important application dates are:
Fall and Summer Starting Semesters
| Decision Plan | Application Available | Complete Application | Admission Notification | Deadline for Student Notification of Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early Action | August 1 | by November 1* | by December 24 | May 1 |
| Rolling Admission | August 1 | by December 1 | by January 31 | May 1 |
| Rolling Admission | August 1 | after December 1 | Rolling | May 1 |
Spring Starting Semester
| Decision Plan | Application Available | Application Submission Date | Admission Notification by: | Deadline for Student Notification of Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rolling Admission | June 1 | December 1 | Mid-December | Refer to offer notification |
Those students who submit a complete application, including a Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR), by November 1 will have the best chance of admission to their first-choice campus and/or major and will receive an admission decision no later than December 24. Applying after November 1, while acceptable, may limit your campus and major choices.
The following programs require the receipt of a complete application by specific dates:
| Program Name | Application Deadline |
|---|---|
| Accelerated Premedical-Medical | November 1 |
| Nursing | December 1 for Penn State University Park Applicants Penn State Altoona, Behrend (Erie), Fayette, Mont Alto, and Scranton are not held to this deadline |
Penn State Campuses
Students are most competitive for their intended campus and/or major if they follow the schedule outlined above. But many of our campuses, with the exception of University Park, accept applications throughout the spring and summer and notify applicants of their admission on a rolling basis. Contact your campus of interest to inquire about applying.
Applying to the Schreyer Honors College
The Schreyer Honors College requires the completion of a supplemental application in addition to the Penn State Undergraduate Admissions application.
The important application and notification dates for applications to the Schreyer Honors College are:
| Term | Priority Filing Date | Interview Deadline for Priority Applicants | Final Application Deadline | Decisions Announced |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester and Summer Session Application Available: Aug 1 | November 2 | December 18 | December 4 | March 1 |
Applicants who apply by November 2 have the opportunity to participate in an optional interview as part of the selection process. Applications received after November 2 will still be evaluated for the Schreyer Honors College, but those students will not have the opportunity to interview.
For more information on the selection process, please visit the Schreyer Honors College website.
Financial Aid Information
The Office of Student Aid at Penn State is responsible for making all financial aid awards.
Penn State recommends that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) be received by December 1 to receive maximum consideration for all types of student aid. The FAFSA is available online at studentaid.gov beginning October 1. Those students who submit their FAFSA by December 1 will receive their financial aid packages beginning mid-February. Please visit the Office of Student Aid website for more information about the student aid process and for specific deadlines.
Students enrolling in the summer session will have to submit the prior year’s FAFSA in order to be considered for financial aid for that session. This FAFSA is due June 30.
Dates & Deadlines for International Students
Application Information for First-Year Students
In order to have the greatest chance of acceptance to your first choice of campus and major, be sure to submit a complete application (including all of the required supplemental materials) by the appropriate dates, as outlined below:
| Term | Application Available | Early Action | Early Action Notification by: | Priority Filing | Final Filing Date | Priority Notification by: | Deadline to Accept Offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | August 1 | November 1 | December 24 | February 1 | July 1 | April 1 | May 1 |
| Summer Session | August 1 | November 1 | December 24 | February 1 | May 1 | April 1 | May 1 |
| Spring Semester | June 1 | Early Action is not available | Early Action is not available | October 1 | November 1 | December 1 | Refer to the date on the offer notification. |
Early Action:
International students are able to participate in our Early Action option. Complete and submit your application with all supplemental materials by November 1 and receive an admission decision by December 24
Please Note:
Some of our programs require complete applications by December 1. For more information on specific program deadlines for first-year students, visit Dates & Deadlines for First-Year Students.
To ensure that you have met the priority filing date, continue to check your application status in MyPennState to verify that we have received all of your application materials.
Application Information for Transfer Students
Transfer applicants are reviewed on a rolling basis, but we encourage students to apply by the priority filing dates for their intended session. The important application dates are:
| Term | Application Available | Priority Filing | Final Filing Date | Priority Notification by: | Deadline to Accept Offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | August1 | February 1* | July 1 | April 1 | Refer to the date on the offer notification. |
| Summer Session | August1 | February 1* | May 1 | April 1 | Refer to the date on the offer notification. |
| Spring Semester | June 1 | October 1* | November 1 | December 1 | Refer to the date on the offer notification. |
*Some academic programs have limited enrollment, specific application dates, or other requirements. Refer to the Dates & Deadlines for Transfer Students for more information.
Please submit a complete application (including all supplemental materials and transcripts from previous institutions) by the priority filing date, or as soon as possible following that date. To ensure that you have met the priority filing date, continue to check your application status in MyPennState to verify that we have received all of your application materials.
If you have specific questions regarding your intended program, please contact your campus of interest for preferred filing dates and program information.
Dates & Deadlines for Transfer Students
Application Information for Transfer Students
Transfer applicants are evaluated on a rolling admissions basis. Some academic programs have limited enrollment or specific application dates other than the priority deadlines outlined in the chart below.
*Some programs have specific deadlines, limited enrollment, or other requirements. Review the details below.
| Term | Application Available | Priority Filing Date | Priority Filing Admission Notification by: | Application Submission Deadline | Deadline for Student Notification of Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | August 1 | April 15* | Late spring | July 31 | Refer to the date on the offer notification. |
| Summer Session | August 1 | March 1* | Late spring | June 1 | Refer to the date on the offer notification. |
| Spring Semester | June 1 | November 1* | Mid-December | December 1 | Refer to the date on the offer notification. |
*Some programs have specific deadlines, limited enrollment, or other requirements. Review the details below.
Please submit a complete application (including all supplemental materials and transcripts from previous institutions) by the priority filing date, or as soon as possible following that date. If you have specific questions regarding your intended program, please contact your campus of interest for preferred filing dates and program information.
Preferred filing dates for Commonwealth Campus programs may differ from those shown above. Please contact your campus of interest for more information.
Specific Program Deadlines for Transfer Students
A number of four-year and two-year programs open to transfer applicants have specific deadlines different than those listed above. Review the information for those programs with deadlines.
Four-Year Program Deadlines
All supplemental materials must be received by the Undergraduate Admissions Office or academic department by the date listed below.
In addition to the application deadlines outlined above, many Penn State programs have additional requirements to be eligible for admission. To review any additional requirements that might apply to your intended program, visit:
College of Arts and Architecture
For information on application requirements and guidelines for programs within the College of Arts and Architecture please refer to: artsandarchitecture.psu.edu/howtoapply.
- Architecture (BARCH): December 31 (fall admission only)
- Art (BA, BFA), Art Education (A ED), and Interdisciplinary Digital Studio (IDS): January 10 for fall/summer, November 1 for spring
- Graphic Design (GD): January 10 (fall admission only)
- Integrative Arts (INART): March 30 for fall, November 15 for spring
- Landscape Architecture (LARCH): February 15 (fall admission only)
- Music (MUSBA) and Music Education (MU ED): February 1 (fall admission only)
- Musical Theatre (THRMT), Theatre (BA, BFA): November 30 (fall admission only, audition scheduled after application)
Two-Year Program Deadlines
All supplemental materials must be received by the Undergraduate Admissions Office or academic department by the date listed below.
In addition to the application deadlines outlined above, many Penn State programs have additional requirements to be eligible for admission. To review any additional requirements that might apply to your intended program, visit:
World Campus
The deadlines for all transfer students applying to World Campus programs are:
- Fall admission: June 30
- Spring admission: October 31
- Summer admission: March 15
Berks College
- Occupational Therapy (2OTBL): December 1 for fall
University College
- Medical Laboratory Technology (2MLT_AS): December 1
- Occupational Therapy (2OTUC_AS): December 1
- Physical Therapist Assistant (2PTA_AS): December 1
- Radiological Sciences (2RSUC_AS): December 1
Dates and Deadlines for World Campus
World Campus applicants are reviewed on a rolling basis. Students interested in pursuing a degree through World Campus, regardless of whether they are a first-year or transfer student, must provide Penn State with a complete application by the deadlines below:
| Term | Application Available | Application Deadline (firm) | Admission Notification by: | Deadline for Student Notification of Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall Semester | August 1 | June 30 | Mid-August | Refer to the date on the offer notification. |
| Spring Semester | June 1 | October 31 | Mid-December | Refer to the date on the offer notification. |
| Summer Session | August 1 | March 15 | Early May | Refer to the date on the offer notification. |
The deadlines for complete applications at World Campus are firm. Penn State requires a complete application (including all supplemental materials and transcripts from previous institutions, if applicable) by the application deadline in order to be eligible for the chosen term. Please visit worldcampus.psu.edu for more information.
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