This is the official discussion thread for Penn State Class of 2029 RD applicants. Ask your questions and connect with fellow applicants.
My son OOS got admitted in the engineering program at a Satellite Campus of Harrisburg and not in the Main Campus. As a former PostDoc from PSU, I was surprised how he couldn’t get into the Main Campus with his credentials.
I am wondering what it means to be in a Satellite Campus? Even worth it for OOS.
Is PSU Engineering so selective that leaves me wondering he may not have much chance after this outcome at places like U. Del or U. Minnesota which have good programs of his interest.
Did your son apply to all of these schools RD? Many of the more popular programs (such as engineering) fill up in the EA round. Acceptance to a PSU commonwealth campus may have been due to a later application (after Nov. 1). Has he received any acceptances yet to the main campuses of universities with ABET-accredited engineering programs?
A branch campus isn’t worth it from OOS. There has to be an instate college that’s just as good or better but less expensive, with a more residential atmosphere.
Did he apply for ChemE?
What are his stats? He can ask for reconsideration: choosing another major (Engineering can also be found in Earth&Mineral Science or Agriculture), possibility checking Summer.
If he has test scores, he should submit them unless they’re under 1200.
Reconsideration means his application gets a second shot for a new major, second and third if he checks Fall&Summer.
There’s the 2+2 so he could transfer to UP after 2 years, right? The other option is the summer session (LEAP). If your son is dying to go, it might be worth it to ask for him to be reconsidered for UP with a summer start. It’s expensive so I agree with others about exploring other schools - and I don’t think UD is crazy competitive?
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One thing about University of Delaware is that if your student has the stats to get in, but not for engineering, they will offer you the opportunity to select another major.
I would consider LEAP for PSU if it’s an affordable option. Lots of students do the summer start and I’ve heard nothing but good things about it. We went on a tour yesterday and admissions said it’s less competitive to be considered for the summer start. Good luck!
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This is kinda a misplaced question but initially in the College Application process I was going to apply to Penn State but now I’ve decided against it (nothing against PSU) but why did I get an email asking to submit my FAFSA if I never even sent in an application?
Yes, summer start is less competitive: students take 2 classes as a group, only 24 in a class, and they have an older student showing them the ropes around campus and taking them on field trips. Then, in the fall, they’re ready to hit the ground running while newly arrived freshmen are still figuring their way around; in addition they can take just 14 credits since they got 2 gen eds out of the way during the Summer (typically the other “light semester” is saved for the semester when they have to take the difficult weedout class all majors have.) It makes the transition much easier so that students who may need it have a good launching pad (sort of).
They probably have your name&email because your started the app… and they have an automated system that sent the request to all students in your situation. 
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Assuming folks are still waiting for RD? My son missed EA by literal hours (SRAR transmission) so he’s been waiting impatiently since 11/1. His brother is a junior so the pressure is on - not really but we want an answer obviously.
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We are in the exact same situation! According to admissions “priority applicants” this after 11/1 but before 11/31 will know by 1/31. Fingers crossed it comes soon! Good luck!
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Thanks - good luck to you too!!!
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Very relieved, son was accepted for UP engineering - hoping good news for others that are waiting.
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when did he apply?
He applied 11/2 (submitted application on 11/1 but the SRAR transfer pushed it into the next day - and into the regular decision timeline).
Any results for students who applied in December or January?
My kid was just accepted, they applied in late January
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OOS daughter accepted to University Park with the Provosts Award. I am thrilled! She hasn’t toured there yet. It wasn’t her top choice (only bc of location, she’s a warm weather kid) but it’s a great school. Can anyone provide feedback on dorms and meal plans?
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Congratulations 
What major?