wouldn’t “direct to summer” be reviewed separately? that was my understanding
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My daughter got 2+2 for forensic science. She’s devastated. She applied for summer and her gpa is a 3.5 weighted and SAT 1310. We are out of state. We are going to do reconsideration for a different major- possibly criminology. Any tips are welcomed and appreciated.
Is criminology easier admit than DUS?
Hope all went well 
I am so sorry she did not get the result she was hoping for. This is such a difficult process. I wonder if you should consider Sociology as a pathway to forensic science or criminology down the line?
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I hope not! My son is waiting for DUS and his stats aren’t that high!
I have no idea! Hoping someone here might know
I applied for criminology and nothing yet, but my stats are below the avg so hoping for the best.
I think criminology is also a competitive major. How competitive DUS is this year is an unknown. Another possibility might be the Pharmacology and Toxicology major, but this is probably one of the more competitive majors in the School of Agriculture.
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Is it OK if I apply for a related major (chemistry) that is easier to get into, complete the required courses for the major (forensic science) I actually want, and then apply to enter the major in my third semester?
Yes, this is possible. Have you already applied? Received a decision?
Edited to add: I saw that you posted that you have already been accepted to Smeal at UP.
is it really competitive? I thought that the finance related majors and sciences were harder to get in compared to criminology.
Yes, my son applied and got in.
Criminology is a highly ranked and thus a very competitive major at Penn State.
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This is helpful thank you!
I’m sorry your daughter didn’t get the result she wanted. I believe criminology is also a competitive major at PSU. I would echo the suggestion of someone else who suggested maybe applying as a Sociology major?
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I’m starting to think that is a better route also. Thank you!
That has historically been the case. But they may be establishing new lines. Or they just haven’t gotten to the “straight Summer” “pile” and all the decisions are going to come out at once this week… Sometimes it really is random 
Criminology is indeed highly ranked as @kidzncatz said and very competitive. Two possibilities are Sociology (Soc and Crim 1st year courses have maximum overlap, the difference being that there’s a secondary process for Criminology) and Toxicology in College of Ag.
What’s her Unweighted GPA? What APs, especially science or social science, has she taken? What about AP stats, precalculus?
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Smeal has much better professional outcomes and is way more selective than Chemistry. However it’s always possible to add a science minor.
Congratulations 
I remember your worry about that SAT score, it’s so hard to know what is best and especially for Smeal this year. I’m very glad for you 
in addition, thank you for the reassuring message for parents who are so worried right now.
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