Entrance to Major

Colleges & Universities Penn State
1

<p>Son is a rising HS senior and PSU is at the top of his list. He is interested in majoring in engineering, specifically civil. I love PSU, and it has a great reputation in engineering, but my biggest concern is the minimum GPA requirements for the enrollment controlled majors. [PSU</a> COE Controlled Majors: 2014 ETM Pool](<a href=“http://www.engr.psu.edu/advisingcenter/ControlledMajors/2014ETMpool.aspx]PSU”>http://www.engr.psu.edu/advisingcenter/ControlledMajors/2014ETMpool.aspx)</p>

<p>I am an engineer myself, so I know how difficult it can be to maintain a 3.0 GPA, especially in the first couple of years. I take it that the if one does not attain the required GPA after 3 semesters, then the only options are to select a major that is not enrollment controlled (or has a lower required GPA), or to transfer to another university.</p>

<p>How common is it not to achieve the minimum GPA in engineering?</p>

<p>BTW, S is also considering Pitt, Temple, U Md, Va Tech, UVA. I am not aware that any of these schools have a similar requirement.</p>

2

<p>The enrollment controls are not hard and fast numbers and the college makes every effort to place qualified students in their first choice programs. The enrollment cap in CE is 175. In 2011, 184 students were admitted; 17 students were denied. The GPA cutoff was 2.74. This past spring, 180 students were admitted to the program; 19 were denied. The GPA cutoff was a little lower at 2.64. According to one assistant dean, “Every qualified student who wanted C E got it this year.” That is not to say that, in a year where there is an unusually high demand for one department, the GPA requirement would not come into play.</p>

3

<p>Thanks. Those stats make me feel better. Are they published somewhere by PSU?</p>

<p>DS has been a hard worker in HS and if he applies himself in a similar manner, I am confident he can succeed.</p>

4

<p>I asked a friend who works in the college. I think knowing he had to achieve a particular GPA helped my son stay focused as an incoming freshman.</p>