I have a 3.7 weighted gpa (my school doesn’t do unweighted) and a 1250 SAT score. I think that based on these stats, I would have a good chance of getting into Penn State, but I don’t know how competitive their economics major is, which is what I plan to major in. Would it be better for me to declare economics as my major when applying, or to apply DUS and switch my major after I get accepted/a year or two years after attending the school? Also, since people say that applying undeclared can hurt your chances of getting in based on your extra curriculars, the only ecs that I have that could possibly impact my chances (negatively?) are being a member of DECA and having my own business of all natural cosmetics.
Your SAT is a tad low for University Park (1230-1410). Unfortunately, students on the bubble have caught on that they will have an easier time getting accepted if they apply DUS and/or indicate their willingness to start in the summer. The result, at least it appears from this board, is that DUS has become incredibly competitive–so now it’s anyone’s guess.
Econ is out of the college of Liberal Arts, which tends to be easier to get into compared to other Colleges like nursing or engineering. Therefore, I’d recommend that you apply directly to the College of Liberal Arts for Econ, but speak with your parents about the feasibility of starting in the summer. The summer LEAP program is wonderful and will help you adjust to college life easier while getting two of your freshmen year courses out of the way before fall.
You may also want to consider retaking the SAT and shoot for a higher score—and always apply before the priority or early deadline.