This is the official thread for those applying EA to Penn State University.
List your unweighted GPA, any SAT /ACT scores, and ECs. What majors are you going into?
Ask your questions, the CC community is here to help!
UW 3.6 W 3.74 in state, summer session. 1250 SAT. Should I submit?
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Based on the profile linked below:
University Park : No
Commonwealth Campuses: Yes
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If you are selected for summer start instead of fall, do you get that decision immediately as part of the Early Action notification or does that selection occur later?
Hey Lt71… parent of a current PSU DUS freshman… His acceptance letter to University Park campus included the phrase that stated Summer session was required for admission. We’re OOS, so 2+2 wasn’t on the table. Applied EA, but didn’t hear back until early spring… painful wait. HIGHLY recommend LEAP and summer IF you are serious about UP. A lot about it on the site… Take 2 major renovated electives, live in newly renovated East dorm…
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DS 24 had virtually same GPA, but OOS… and similar SAT… he submitted test optional and was offered University Park with the caveat of accepting Summer start (LEAP)… you’re instate with better odds… good luck… BTW- Freshman now and very happy to have those few months in the summer to learn his way around SC before the fall students arrived… made his transition from HS to college student somewhat more manageable given he’s on his own…
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Thanks. Did he get told in December that he was being considered for summer session, or did you get no decision at all until spring?
Daughter wants to double major in criminology and psychology. Any insight on which might be better to put on the application for UP admission?
The decision was received in early February IIRC. It was posted in Lionpath BEFORE an email was sent or a letter in the mailbox…later on you will see the “Lionpath” early reveal discussed more…there’s a term called portal-astrology that has become synonymous with the application process… many get sucked into noticing variations and changes in their application , their access, their notifications …everything…some of it has legitimate meaning and some does not.
@MYOS1634 @lucy_van_pelt and @jlhpsu are the usual experts answering questions on major choices and admission chances.
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@Lt71 Criminology and Psychology are both in Liberal Arts, so I don’t know if it really makes a difference since admissions are reviewed on a college basis.
I do think selecting those majors is better than DUS (undecided). You will hear advice that applying DUS (undecided) is an easier pathway in. Last year, we saw DUS admissions continue to rise and is more competitive than it has ever been. I believe Liberal Arts is less competitive than DUS, so stick with the majors you’ve mentioned.
hoping @jlhpsu will chime in also.
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@jlhpsu would likely have insights too.
For best chances, if it’s her top choice, I would include the scores and apply to Psychology, straight Summer (not checking both Fall and Summer) if you can afford it. If you can’t, you can give “Fall” a shot, just in case.
I think the SAT score is solid enough for these majors.
Does she have any AP score and if so in which subjects?
Thanks. Think you were looking at the scores from @rlutness. My daughter’s stats are: UW 3.67 W 4.0, OOS, Legacy (parent), Test Optional, Good ECs. Was planning to select Fall with Summer option.
Yes you’re right! 
Does she have AP scores? Precalculus or calculus?
TO applicants aren’t as scrutinized for Psychology as for STEM majors in Eberly, IST, and EMS (where demonstrated ability in precalculus or calculus as well as all 3 sciences is scrutinized for TO students) but it’ll strengthen her application if she has a 4 or 5 in an AP class where she got an A.
Fall (with summer checked if she’s willing to attend) is a good choice.
On a similar note…
Need some advice. My child’s stats: UW 3.8, W 4.4, 1240 SAT/27 ACT but applying TO, 9 AP & 8 honors classes, good ECs, 4 sport athlete. Top 10 in class but school doesn’t rank. Applying for Mech E for fall but will do summer if needed. Got a 4 on AP Calc AB exam, so would you report that? And how? Also got a 4 on AP World (3’s on APUSH & AP Lit) but probably wouldn’t report those. Thanks in advance!
If he’s applying TO for MechE, yes I would report the 4. It shows decent mastery of Calculus and of course he’ll be taking 140E (Calculus for Engineers1) so it shows he’ll be well-prepared.
Okay, thanks! Would you send them the official AP Score Report? Or just list it somewhere on the application?
I would send the official score and list it on the application if there’s a space for it (not sure…)
@jlhpsu do you know?
Btw, is he taking Calc BC this year?
Note: the SRAR takes a while to process and must be processed by Oct 30 to count for EA, so make sure to submit everything by Oct. 15 to be safe (Oct 20 at the latest.)
Penn St wants official scores. But there is a option in the portal to go Test Optional if students change their mind.
Just to add they also want a SRAR instead of transcripts, but there is possibly an exception made for International students but I am not 100% sure.
Okay. We did list it on the application, but will consider sending an official score report. Yes, he’s taking BC now. Already submitted the SRAR.
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