Chance me, please?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Penn State
1

Hello,

I’m wondering if someone could tell me my chances of getting accepted into Penn. State.
I would be very appreciative if someone could tell me their thoughts.

Academics:

  • Full IB Diploma Program Student
  • 3.93 GPA (Unweighted)
  • 4.25 GPA (Weighted)
  • Top 7.5% of the class
  • Mostly IB classes (obviously), though I took “three” AP classes (I dropped one due to a change of interest)
  • IB Chem. (HL), IB Math Studies (SL), IB History (HL), IB Language and Literature (HL), IB Spanish (SL), IB Anthropology (SL), AP Comp. Govt, AP European History, AP Computer Science (the one I dropped), Theory of Knowledge

Tests:
-1320 on the “New” SAT (don’t think they super score)

  • 29 on the ACT
  • 710 on the World History SAT

Extracurriculars:

  • Archeological internship / volunteer program at George Washington’s boyhood home: 11th, 12th
  • I design and build computers: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
  • Website design: 9th, 10th 11th, 12th
  • I do Olympic-style weight-lifting and bodybuilding: 9th, 10th, 11th, 12th
  • FBLA: 12th (I probably won’t put this on applications due to the short amount of time that I have participated in it)
  • My parents’ work schedules don’t allow me to stay after school for any extracurriculars (the internship required a LOT of maneuvering)

Extras:

  • Counselor and teacher are able to write very positive recommendations
  • Interest in History and Government
  • Sadly, as a resident of Virginia, I am out of state

Unknown:

  • Admittedly, I received a minor (Junior Year) suspension for disrespecting a teacher after I received a bad grade in 11th grade; thankfully, the principal has generously agreed to write a letter stating that it shouldn’t be a deciding factor in admissions since it was minor and a mistake that I took full responsibility for.

Any feedback would be extremely helpful! Thanks!

2

Depends what major you’re applying for

3

@hasannadeem47 I am going to go for a History or International Affairs Major.

4

You should be alright then.

5

OOS - do you need financial aid?

6

@ClarinetDad16 No, I am not need-based.

7

The high school record, particularly your grade-point average (GPA) and class rank (if applicable), accounts for approximately two-thirds of the decision. Class rank is also considered for students with honors or Advanced Placement courses whose schools do not supply a weighted GPA. The remaining one-third is based on other factors, including standardized test scores, the personal statement, and activities list. The optional personal statement and activities list are sometimes considered for students whose applications require additional review.

Penn State does not have a minimum GPA or standardized test score used for admission: we consider a combination of your GPA and standardized test scores, as well as the factors listed above. Please refer to the chart of the middle 50 percent to help determine your competitiveness for admission. Remember, this chart is not a guarantee of admission, but a helpful guideline for interested applicants.

8

@ClarinetDad16 Hm, if I go solely by that statement, then I think should have a pretty good shot! (I think that’s how I should interpret it.) Of course, the only thing that will really hurt me is OOS status.

9

More than 1 in 3 are OOS. You have a shot, best of luck.