out-of-state high school senior going to a private school (transferred here junior year)
4.01W (3.01UW yikes)
28 ACT (29 superscored)
7 APs, 9-10 honors
lots of community service because of a club i was in, good ECs, did model un for 2 years + ski team for one
self studied 2 languages, fluent in both
im thinking about majoring in lingustics (although penn doesnt have a major option) or international relations (or anything of that sort). not 100% sure. I’m really interested in foreign affairs, cultures, languages, etc.
i’m probably going to apply before nov. 30, will that up my chances?
Well a few things. One, Penn STATE does have a linguistics program: http://linguistics.psu.edu/undergraduates. Linguistics is in the college of liberal arts which is not a highly competitive college within Penn State.
Penn State does not superscore so they will look at your 28 ACT which is in the middle 50% so I don’t think that will hinder you. I am a little concerned that your UW GPA is a 3.01 and your Weighted GPA Is a 4.01. That is a huge weighting difference. Penn State does take into consideration how your school weights classes and if it is considered to be weighting grades too heavily, that will have a negative impact on your entrance. HOWEVER, if your WGPA is so different because you got A’s in all of your AP and honors classes, then that will certainly help you.
Lastly, DEFINITELY apply before November 30. That means every single document needed and your application is considered complete by November 30. It gets much more competitive after November 30.
Some people may tell you to apply DUS, but it’s not necessary if you are applying to the liberal arts college because the entrance requirements for DUS (Undecided) and Liberal Arts are similar.
thanks so much for the informative reply! i didn’t even know penn state had an lingustics program. i am not entirely sure how my school weights classes but i’m actually meeting with my counselor tomorrow so i will be sure to ask her. so yeah, i’ll definitely apply before nov. 30. do you think i have a good chance of being accepted if i were to apply to the liberal arts college?
Yes, I think you have a good shot for Liberal Arts. If you have good grades in your AP/HOnors classes, see if you can become a Paterno Fellow Aspirant. You’d be able to take some Honors classes in Humanities and Social Sciences with Schreyer students and you’d have a shot at joining Schreyer later on. (You can look it up and mention it on your application).