Questions About Penn State
How are decisions made about who will be offered admission to University Park?
The Penn State Undergraduate Admissions Office is responsible for managing the admissions process for all Penn State locations. Since the demand for admission to University Park is greater than the available space for first-year students, starting campus location decisions are based on a combination of a number of factors, with SAT and high school GPA being most dominant. Please visit the eligibility page at Undergraduate Admissions for more information about criteria used to determine acceptance to Penn State
About 60 percent of our entering class begins at campuses other than University Park, where they take advantage of a small college environment: smaller classes, a great sense of community, and more personal interaction with faculty.
To help manage the demand for first-year courses at University Park, some students are offered admission to University Park, provided they start in the summer. However, if you are unable to start at University Park your first year, there is always an option to change your campus after the end of your sophomore year.
What are the advantages of applying by November 30?
In order to have the greatest chance at your first choice of campus and major, be sure to have a complete application submitted by the November 30.
One advantage of applying early is that you will be notified of a decision sooner. An earlier offer gives you the opportunity to accept, request special housing earlier, and participate in the First-Year Testing, Consulting and Advising Program (FTCAP) earlier. The sooner you participate in FTCAP, the sooner you can register for your first semester classes.
It also will benefit you to apply before November 30 if you are interested in starting at University Park. The criteria for an offer of admission to University Park becomes more competitive after November 30.
What is FTCAP and do I have to participate?
FTCAP is the acronym for First-Year Testing, Consulting and Advising Program. All entering first-year students at Penn State must participate in the program, regardless of academic college or campus location. See the FTCAP Web site for more information about the program.
If I accepted an offer of admission for the fall semester at University Park, can I still start in the summer?
You will need to work with the Undergraduate Admissions Office to determine if your beginning semester can be changed.
Starting in the summer is a great way to start your Penn State experience. There is a six-week session during which you will take 6-7 credits of course work that is relevant to your program.
You can also take advantage of the Learning Edge Academic Program (LEAP) at University Park. Students live together, take courses together, and are provided an upper-class student mentor.
Are there any academic advantages to starting in the summer at University Park?
Advantages to starting in the summer include:
Can AP Credits be used at Penn State?
Yes. Undergraduate Admissions maintains a complete list of accepted AP courses and scores required on the exams.
What if I really want to start at University Park but am offered admission to start at another location?
Starting at a campus other than University Park has many advantages and should be fully explored. Many students ask to start at other campuses because they believe that it is easier to make the transition to college life at a smaller campus. Class sizes are smaller and, if you are a Pennsylvania resident, there may be a campus located close to your hometown. You can also take advantage of the "2+2" plan to attend University Park during your junior and senior years.
If I begin at a campus other than University Park, what classes will I take before I move to University Park and enter my major?
All Penn State campuses are part of Penn State's singular educational system, so your curriculum will be the same at any campus. All courses are taught by Penn State professors and are part of one transcript.
Can I get from one class to another in the 15 minutes between classes at University Park?
Yes, but there are a few locations that will require you to walk fast. Free buses circle the University Park campus every few minutes. Visit the Centre Area Transportation Authority for more information on bus service.
