fiN01

Simple question. My SAT is great (1440/2180) but my GPA is a 3.42, and I'm wondering how that will hold me back.

PSU MAN12

I got in with a 29 ACT and I had a 3.44 unweighted GPA, however, I took about 13 AP and honor classes. Proudly attending next year class of '12.

fiN01

I'm going to end up taking 5 AP's and 8 honors classes. I am also Hispanic and OOS, and applying early, if that helps at all.

reasonwhy

I think you have a good chance depending on the college you want. My S (a white male) got into the College of Undergraduate Studies, starting in the summer session, with a 3.1 unweighted GPA and 1380 SAT and 30 ACT. He applied early (in late August). He did not write an essay. He had Cs in German and some in math; his GC's recommendation indicated that his Cs in Math were due to not handing in homework, not test performance.

RealM

You are fine.

fiN01

I'm applying to the college of engineering.

lil_killer129

That's really hard to say then. For engineering, you really want to have at least the average gpa (I think 3.57 or something, I can't remember).

fiN01

ARGH! This is so frustrating! Opinions have ranged from Penn State being a safety to me having little chance...

lil_killer129

That's how it was for me last year. LOL.

jec7483

The people that say it's a safety are the people that have no idea and don't know there is a difference between Penn State and UPenn, or they got rejected. I think you have a good shot as long as you apply as early as possible. Anyway, best of luck with your application.

toneranger

It is a bit hard to predict since certain schools are tougher to get in (engineering and business come to mind). DUS admissions are usually not as difficult.
It looks like you have a good shot...but be sure to apply very early and have another school under your belt just in case. Kids with the reverse profile (higher gpa, lower tests scores) are in better shape given how the formula works.
Good luck to you!

aaa12321

My unweighted GPA was just under 3 (I don't know what the weighted was, and I don't really care to find out) but my SAT and ACT were both near perfect. I was quite surprised I was accepted considering I applied extremely late. Make SURE to apply early.

lil_killer129

Was your courseload heavy with lots of AP/honors? Was your high school very competitive?

aaa12321

Yes.

I must stress the importance of applying early for all applicants. They do not look at senior grades so it will be of no use trying to bring up a low GPA. Admissions standards are lower when you apply early as opposed to at a later date, where those accepted will have high scores and grades.

The Bubble Chart may be helpful, but it's outdated.

lkf725

How early is "early" for Penn State applications?