Thank you.
Darn, they changed it for UP (and UP only) - because it was clearly a nice loophole so OOS students could escape going to a branch campus first. It makes sense for Penn State though, no choice if you want UP. 
The only way now is either apply during your first semester (you’re considered a 1st year student and have no college grades yet) or wait till Spring Sophomore year.
I’m sorry for my mistake. I didn’t think to check if they’d closed the loophole but of course with the PASSHE becoming almost tuition free and branch campus closing/restructuring, it’s only rational for them to do everything they can to get students to attend one of the 20 branch campuses.
Thank you @Nursingmom27.