First-Years:
Apply to Penn State
As you consider Penn State as your college choice, it is important to understand our admissions process. We take a number of factors into consideration as we review your application, and it is to your advantage to get a head start in familiarizing yourself with the process.
Your Application
Several key components comprise a complete application. When you apply to Penn State, you will need to send us the following:
- Your completed application form (Web preferred)
- $50 nonrefundable application fee
- An official copy of your high school transcript or a copy of your General Education Diploma (GED)
- Any transcripts from other colleges and AP scores, if applicable
- SAT or ACT scores (SAT code #2660 or ACT code #3656)
Your application will be complete after all of these materials are received.
(Please note: If you have not already done so, please request that your SAT or ACT test scores be sent directly to Undergraduate Admissions from the appropriate testing agency. We no longer take test scores from your high school transcript. It is not necessary to send test scores using the “rush” option. Testing services send us scores electronically at the student’s request on a nearly weekly basis.)
In addition, you should have the following information available to include on your application:
- Social Security number
- SAT and/or ACT test dates
- High school address and College Board code number
- Immigrant visa information (if applicable)
- U.S. military service information (if applicable)
Deadlines
Penn State has rolling admissions, which means there is no deadline for applying. However, we recommend that applications for first-year admission be submitted by November 30th. Applications will be accepted after that date, but as admissions criteria rise throughout the academic year, it may become more difficult to gain acceptance to your first choice campus or academic program.
The Undergraduate Admissions Office strives to evaluate undergraduate applications as quickly as possible. The application timeline for Summer/Fall admissions for first-year students is as follows:
- If you apply by November 30, you can expect notification no later than January 31
- If you apply by December 31, you can expect notification no later than February 28
- If you apply after January 1, you can expect notification after March 1st
You can check the status of your application by logging into your MyPennState account.
Transfers: Apply to Penn State
As you consider Penn State as your college choice, it is important to understand our admissions process. We take a number of factors into consideration as we review your application, and it is to your advantage to get a head start in familiarizing yourself with the process.
Your Application
Several key components comprise a complete application. When you apply to Penn State, you will need to send us the following:
- Your completed application form (Web preferred)
- $50 nonrefundable application fee
- An official copy of your high school transcript, or a copy of your General Education Diploma (GED)
- SAT or ACT scores (SAT code #2660 or ACT code #3656)
- Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended, the military, and AP scores, if applicable
- List of course work, in progress or planned, prior to enrollment at Penn State
- Catalog descriptions of all course work completed and scheduled
(Please note: if you have not already done so, please request that your SAT or ACT test scores be sent directly to Undergraduate Admissions from the appropriate testing agency. We no longer take test scores from your high-school transcript. It is not necessary to send test scores using the “rush” option. Testing services sends us scores electronically at the student’s request on a nearly weekly basis.)
In addition, you should have the following information available to include on your application:
- Social Security number
- High school address and College Board code number
- Immigrant visa information (if applicable)
- U.S. military service information (if applicable)
Deadlines
Penn State has rolling admissions, which means there is no deadline for applying. However, the evaluation of transfer applications does lengthen the review period, so transfer students are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
If you plan to begin in the Summer or Fall Semester and you apply by Dec. 31 you can expect notification by April 1
If you plan to begin in the Summer or Fall Semester and you apply on or after Jan. 1 you can expect notification late spring
If you plan to begin in the Spring Semester and you apply by Oct. 15 you can expect notification in mid-December