@MYOS1634 I think this was meant as a question for @lisajohnson07. My kid was admitted to DUS, and is considering Criminology and Forensics as well as a few other options (HDFS, Psych, Commuincation Disorders (AUD/SLP)). Sheās a bit all over the place at this juncture. Not sure sheāll land at PSU, but would be interested in hearing thoughts on courses if she does.
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starting to wonder if no rhyme or reason to when decisions are made. Seems like stats are now all over the placeā¦
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Thank you so much! Iām really so glad we listened to you!! Their course rigor and GPA (and possibly ECs, essay, awards, honors) must have sealed the deal. But maybe it was the SAT too?! I mean, so many kids these days arenāt submitting SAT/ACT scores out of fear that they have to have a 1400+ or 1500+ to even have skin in the game. Itās really quite sad. My older child (now a college sophomore) had a 1520 (even was named a national merit scholar) and was advised not to submit to certain schools - ridiculous. Iām proud that my current kid took a chance recognizing that so many kids donāt even submit their scores fearing theyāre scores are too low. But then that leads to a new worry that the AO might think youāre score is even lower because you didnāt submit. A 1300 is considered about a 90% if converted to a grade. Not too shabby especially when considered along with their perfect GPA and course rigor. I truly believe you were right that it was better to submit than not to submit in their case. Maybe if their score was lower, we would have recommended they go TO. But a 1300 seemed āgood enoughā as you thought. Iād be curious to continue to see how things play out this year and what combo of GPA/course rigor/SAT gets kids into Smeal. But again, thank you - it was great advice! A good gamble lol!
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@Ephmen it IS random. There are high stats kids who hear early and high stats kids who hear late. The only ones that are most likely to hear early are the ones who arenāt in the ballpark for UP and get the 2+2 program right away. That doesnāt mean those are the only 2+2 decisions - only the ones that were the easy ones.
In general, they push the button on the tails of the bell curve early. But that doesnāt mean all high stats kids hear early. They are figuring out where the line is for the rest of the big group in the middle of the bell curve.
This is exactly why some of us who have been around encourage patience. Admissions has not missed a deadine (yet) ā¦ and many times when the deadline is missed, it turns out that the students grades (STARS submission) was delayed or the SAT/ACT was delayed. Which is why we also encourage applying before the last day to allow for some wiggle room if an issue.
Soā¦ be patient. You will drive yourself crazy otherwise!
good luck
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Thank you for your help and advice. My son was admitted last night to a Fall start at UP for the Energy Business and Finance major! He is very excited.
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Congratulations! Is this major at the Smeal School of Business or separate?
Itās separate but very employable. Itās been funded by a million-dollar grant. Students need to be strong at science/math, since calculus 1&2 +calc-based stats are required as well as Computer Science, Econ, business law and accounting. Senior year they have classes like Electricity Markets or Global Energy markets.
A minor is required for the General Option, which is recommended to be in Math, Engineering, Supply Chain Management, or Foreign Language, with a 4-year plan including study abroad for those who want it (this I think may be due to Scotland being at the forefront of ocean solar panel tech or the Marcellus Shale being drilled by French&Canadian companies.)
Students can also get a certificate from Smeal but based on the courses the students already take for the major, advisers consider it doesnāt really enhance their coursework/resume whereas the recommended minors would, however obviously if students like the subjects theyāre welcome to complete that certificate.
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Does anyone here know any athletes that got in and their stats? Or if you were to estimate the avg GPA and test scores athletes have to get into psu what would they be? Thanks
Any suggestions on what major to ask for reconsideration if D26 wants to do Kinesiology? No decision yet, but weāre expecting 2+2, and we just want to see if UP would be possible at all. She was in love when we visited. GPA is 3.23 UW Because of poor sophomore year due to medical circumstances. Strong upwards trend, 3.7 GPA Junior year, 3.9 GPA Q1 senior year. Just looking for any chance, willing to do summer start. School does not offer AP or Honors, or rank. Tiny private school OOS. Strong ECS/Essay.
Penn State is, obviously, in the top tier of athletic schools in the country. Their top athletes are recruited, paid and courted depending on their perceived contribution to their respective teams and the value of their sport in the ecosystem. If a 5 star recruited quarterback was recruited to play at PSU, itās unlikely that there would be GPA or SAT requirements to accompany it. They would, of course, need to maintain academic eligibility but thatās about it.
For less prominent athletes, I think their academic requirements would vary based on the talent level and the importance of the sport to the school.
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I think that would depend highly on the sport and the level of athlete. Have you spoken with the coach?
Yes, the coach told me not to worry but per usual I am worrying because I havenāt gotten my decision yet.
Or maybe Smeal review does not put much importance on SAT score even when reported. S26 is on the other end of the split stats, 3.7 uwGPA and 1490 SAT, course rigor (8 APs 3 DEs), Internship, above average ECs & Essay etc.
If he doesnāt get admit even for optional Summer start then weāll know more about Smealās review process that they consider GPA more than SAT.
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Overall, GPAĆrigor=2/3 decision. The SAT is just supposed to confirm what the transcript presents or can try to offer back up when some grades may cause pause (āsure I messed up in Algebra 2 sophomore year but look I got an A in precalculus and a 650 on the SAT Maths so itās proof Iāve improved since then and you can trust I will be able to handle the math in my degree programā).
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I am hoping this is the case, as my sonās 4.1 seems low for Smeal (not sure about Summer Smeal) but he has a 1440 SAT (710 Math)? He has very high rigor though so not sure what they will do with him. The wait is hard.
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My son was just accepted to Smeal, Summer session. WE ARE thrilled and relieved
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YAY! So happy for you! I was rooting for him (and you)! Congratulations. 
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I so appreciate your and everyone elseās support and guidance. It was truly invaluable.
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I have a 4.0 unweighted GPA and did not submit my 1320 SAT score. My button is still active. Now I am wondering if I should change course. I wish they required the SAT, so this wasnāt a guessing game.
Congratulations 
You must be very relieved. 