Sorry–not from admissions–it is just I know other schools have been releasing admits over the weekend since it is likely computer-programmed, but this is an inference that Penn State might be doing this too.
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Highly doubtful
I spoke directly to admissions. She said they do not read the common app essay, nor do they read the optional essay. I then asked why have it - she replied it can be useful if a candidate is asking to be re-evaluated, but she was clear that admission to PSU is 100% based on academics.
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Interesting. Seems like most schools have been saying essays and holistic reviews are most important these days, so if what you learned is true, sounds like Penn State is mostly using GPA and test scores if students submit them.
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Don’t be nervous. My oldest student was admitted to UP on 12/24 a few years ago and so were all of the current roommates.
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I’m hoping they don’t give bad news on Christmas Eve and ruin our holidays.
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I bet that’s the biggest kept secret of all… PSU not alone… most probably follow the same model…honestly don’t have time to read these essays and we labor over them for hundreds of hours …
I don’t think it’s really a secret, though. PSU’s CDS says rigor, grades, and scores are the only things they consider.
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I went to UP for Masters, it’s personal preference but everyone in my classes had a mac air or pro.
so they won’t even look at my extracurriculars? disappointing considering my essay and ec’s are what represent me the best
Do they look at AP exam results
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I’m no expert, but from what I’m told “no”…
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are we still buying into the trend of buttons disappearing at 7?
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well regardless mines still there 
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As jlhpsu pointed out previously…as we get closer to 12/24, PSU has historically updated portals a few times per day. As of this time, they appear to only update once a day around 7pm eastern (weekdays) Nobody here really knows, considering they also have a new admissions chief.
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If this is the case, allowing kids to apply test-optional seems like an odd choice.
I also know kids who have been rejected despite higher scores than people who have been accepted.
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My son was accepted, but I admit a little part of me is disappointed that they don’t look at other elements of the applications. I think you phrased it well in terms of people being more than just grades, scores, and classes. People who bring other attributes that are less easily measurable, but just as valuable, help make for a well-rounded, positive student body. That’s not to say stats aren’t an important part of the equation and should be ignored, but I do wish they’d include a bit more of a holistic approach. Even if they don’t have time to read an essay, even just a glance at extracurriculars, jobs, etc, could help recognize more of what a student can bring to the table.
Best of luck to you!
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Penn State usually releases decisions on Saturday overnight as they are decisions from the previous day - which is a work day. There aren’t decisions usually released at Penn State because no admission reps are working on Sunday.
This is correct information. Penn State doesn’t consider essays. The things they mark as “very important” on the CDS (Common Data Set) are GPA, Rigor and Test Scores, if submitted. They can go to look at a more holistic approach if a student is borderline or asks for reconsideration.
That said, the idea that they are a numbers game does not infer that they are a computer-based admission system. There are SO many different grading scales, weights and rigor available across the US, that Penn State still needs to have eyes on the applications to get a full picture. A student who has a 4.0 at a school without high rigor or with a lax weighting system may not be admitted. We see that every year.
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There will be variable decisions based on major, stats, etc… A student at one school might have a scale where an A is a 94% and at a neighboring school the scale could be an A at 90%. One school might have AP classes available and another doesn’t. The student who didn’t take AP to get that 4.5 GPA because their school didn’t have it isn’t penalized.
Unless people are applying to the same major, with the same exact classes, from the same exact high school it’s impossible to judge that the person with the higher GPA should have been accepted over the person with the lower GPA.
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