Tuition is not more expensive in the summer. The reason why people are saying it’s expensive is because typically financial aid is not offered in the summer. As of this morning on the university‘s website, the LEAP program would cost about $8000 for the summer, including staying in the dorms. The courses you take are typically general requirements so they do count towards your degree. Hope that helps
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Advertising is actually an Enrollment controlled program - the first year is similar to most Communication majors’, but students must meet specific targets in order to be allowed to get to the major
(basically no grade lower than B and preferably As in English 15 or 30, Stat 200, Econ 102, Psych 100, and Comm 160, keeping in mind Econ 102 is weed out during the year - not during the summer- and Stat 200 is easier if you took a statistics class in HS, including AP stats. You are free to either take the credits for AP stats and be rid of that requirement so you can take fewer classes and focus on them or, if you enjoyed Stats and are pretty sure you can get an A, not claim the AP credits then “retake” and aim for an A.)
If she doesn’t get in, she can pick another Bellisario major or Political Science. A’s in AP Gov and AP English + level 3-4 in a foreign language would help with admission to Poli Sci. You call or email Admissions. If the qualifications match what they’re looking for in the new major, the decision is not as long as the 2-3 month wait for the first round 's decision.
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Thanks so much for your response. Is there any value in reaching out now to admissions in advance or is she better off waiting since decision is probably imminent and then asking for reconsideration?
Have a similar question. Student applied fall with summer option, Criminology intended major. Student now would like to double major with Political Science as end goal is law school. OOS - TO, 3.4 UW, 4.17 W, 4 AICE, 1 AP, 10 Honors classes. Lots of extra curricular, works 20 hrs per week, two sports all four years, captain and leadership role in clubs as well as volunteer hours. Large competitive high school. Is it worth changing start to straight summer this late in the game? Or wait and see what happens? With a double major head start in summer would be great. Was thinking summer start would likely be only shot at UP anyway wondering if changing it matters. Would also love your opinions @jlhpsu @lucy_van_pelt - thank you.
I’d leave it the way it is. If they get in for fall, you can still ask to go in the summer.
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Always wait for the decision if you applied before Nov1 or before Dec1.
But have a plan ready to set in motion as soon as the decision is sent, in case it is not to your liking and you wish to pivot.
I know it’s hard but you need to wait for the answer. The fact you haven’t heard yet doesn’t mean anything.
I agree Penn State UP is a reach with that uwGPA but the rigor is decent so it might happen.
Would Penn State be your (her) #1 choice if you/she were admitted Summer/Criminology? If not, just wait.
Btw if you get “Fall” and change your mind, you can absolutely request Summer and get it.
I think that’s what @jlhpsu’s child #3 decided to do, because it does allow an easier transition and a smoother start. I’ve yet to find a student who regretted LEAP/Summer start. Imho also after Senioritis Spring and AP exams in May, most seniors are just so ready to start their new college life they don’t even mind going back to class in July. Downsides are fewer hours for summer jobs (if any - it’s possible to prospect for a job in SC over the summer of course since you’ll be there in the Fall too) and most importantly, 
8k added to the bill.
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Thank you. Yes, it is the student’s first choice and summer start would be fine all around if given the choice.
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If she checked both Fall and Summer, she’ll be reviewer for both. If she gets neither Fall nor Summer, she can ask for reconsideration for another major in CLA+Summer. 
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Anyone “branched” yet?
Anyone w a successful reconsideration under a different major?
If so, can you outline the steps
yess tysm! also, what is the leap program?
Similar to a few recent questions, but my son applied DUS as he really does not know what he wants to do yet for a major. His stats are on the lower end of the common data set for UP and he’s applied willing to do summer session. Now that I’ve seen DUS is more competitive than originally thought based on previous posts, any suggestions on a major that would make sense for him if he needs to ask for a reconsideration? Ty!
LEAP is the summer bridge program for incoming freshmen. It is a really great program. Although, in the interest of full disclosure, I should say that I taught in it for three years, so I’m a bit biased. 
LEAP Program at University Park | Summer Session
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I am currently a HS Senior awaiting my decision. Could I get some feedback on if I should be worried about acceptance to main campus? I’m in state, I applied EA with a major in Political Science, my GPA is a 3.87 out of 4. I have taken all honors classes and APs, but have chosen not to submit SAT scores. I also have various activities from volunteering to student government. It is hard not to stress so I would really like some honest feedback of my chances!
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You have a very good shot. 
Depends what his academic strengths are: what did he take APs in (did he get As/4-5s?)
What’s his highest math class?
Has he taken through level 3-4 in a foreign language?
Although DUS has become more competitive than it used to be, it’s not as hard to get into than Smeal 
Still waiting on daughter’s Criminology application. UP + Summer- 3.7uw/4.0W, TO, OOS (NJ), Legacy. 13 total H/AP/DE. Thoughts on chances?
Also, in case of need for reconsideration, would History be a good option? She has A’s in all the Honors/AP history courses she’s taken and would probably want to at least minor in History anyway.
Odds are in her favor with 13 AP/H/DE, summer, and 3.7 Uw. She should also request Paterno Fellow Aspirant: it’s a gateway to Schreyer - basically, you’re in when you declare you want to try the challenge and then it’s up to you not to be kicked out by meeting specific but logical benchmarks. Offers more opportunities.
But if offered 2+2, she can indeed request History+ summer, again with Paterno Aspirant. (There’s even a summer LEAP just for aspirants).
BTW, History either requires further education (law school, grad school, journalism…) or a professional certificate/certification/minor, from Business to Education, for direct employment.
Having a major-similar level in one foreign language is useful (and required for grad school in at least 1 language).
Spanish (or French with Creole) for Education; for a PHD, a language from the geographical area studied.
For international business, depends on the product: raw materials like gas, aluminum or wood, which may come from Canada, would require a different language than manufactured goods or luxury cars.
Penn State offers intensive foreign language courses for students who need them (in the summer or during the year).
For Schreyer or Honors Thesis, research conducted abroad can count.
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Thanks for the insight!
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Good luck to everyone that is still waiting! Hoping everyone that hears this week gets good news! 
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