<p>So, I was wondering if it’s possible to switch into the honors college after being at Penn State for a year or less. Due to a close death in the family, my GPA suffered ninth and tenth grade. In eleventh grade, I switched into all honors/ AP and got straight A’s. Long story short, I’m aiming for a high ranking medical school and want to be a part of the Penn State Honors College. Does anyone know if this is possible? I know that if you retain a 3.5 gpa at OSU, you automatically qualify for the honors college. Also, can I take honors classes without being in the honors college freshman year?</p>
<p>Yes, you take honors classes but you’ll get last pick of the classes after the rest of the honors students schedule. </p>
<p>The honors college is difficult to get into as it is very selective. Most of the students are admitted going into freshmen year. There is another major entrance period at the end of sophomore year (jr gate). But you aren’t just “admitted”. You have to have a certain college GPA (3.75?) and have to fill out an application showing why you deserve to be in the college (evidence of research and scholarly activity). A few students gain entrance going into sophomore year but typically it is not a lot. I am not sure how that works. If you enter the honors college after your freshman year, you do not relieve the academic scholarship (3500) that regular freshmen who enter the college receive.</p>