Hi I’m going to be a senior next year and I’m wondering what my chances for penn state is:
I go to a public in state HS that is ranked in the top 10.
GPA: 3.2 unWeighted (12 combined Honors+AP courses from 9-11 grades) ill be taking 2 APs and 3 Honors as a senior.
SAT: 1270
Extracurricular Activities: XC, and Both Track seasons all 4 years (I’ve won awards).
Volunteer at a library since last few months of Junior year and during this entire summer.
I’m probably going to be undecided on my major.
Also I have a question: does penn state require the common app essay or just their own essay questions r required
Just their own essay but take it seriously.
What’s your weighted GPA (where honors : +.5, AP +1)?
Are you recruitable for X and track?
Are you retaking the SAT in August and currently prepping?
My weighted GPA is a 3.6 (My school doesn’t weight so I went on a site that did)
I’m not good enough to run for a top tier D1 program
And I’ve kinda settled for the 1270 because I’ve taken it a few times and its the best ive done, and I think its in the penn state middle 50% range
You’re borderline but applying DUS will help. Check you’re okay with summer session if you don’t get Fall entrance and your odds improve.
Have you tried the ACT?
Does going to the summer session guarantee admission into fall semester and beyond?
and no I wont be taking the ACT since the SAT is the better test suited for me
Summer admission means you are admitted to PSU. You are not a provisional student trying it out. Provided you don’t fail out of your class, you move into fall like every other student. In past years, applicants may have been encouraged to select summer as their back up choice should they not be accepted for fall. Selecting DUS (undecided) was also encouraged. However, here are a few things to consider:
- Before selecting summer, make sure you and your parents are aware of the heavy price tag that comes with it. Many parents were shocked by the $8K+ price tag. And PSU doesn’t provide a lot of aid.
- This past year it is my understanding that DUS filled before some of the colleges (liberal arts, communications, etc.) because so many kids picked that route figuring it would be easier to get into.
This is just my recommendation so take it for what its worth. Talk to an admissions counselor about your interests and see if s/he can align you with a college/program consistent with your strengths where you do meet the entrance requirements. If you are leaning towards psychology, for example, there’s no reason to apply DUS. You can apply to the College of Liberal arts, where psychology resides. However, if your interests fall in line with the more competitive programs (engineering, Smeal’s business school, etc.) you may do better in the 2+2 program — 2 years at a branch campus and 2 years at UP.
Good luck with your decision.