Chances at Penn State Univesity Park

<p>I previously posted here about this college (but it was months and months ago). Basically, all of my grades/activites were above the standards for Penn State except my SAT scores. I just recently visited Penn Sate University Park and, although it was huge, seems like a great college to go to. The campus looks incredible and the only thing that freaked me out was random people coming up to our group during the tour, yelling "We Are!". We're expected to say "Penn State!" back at them but none of us really got into it.</p>

<p>Anyway, during the presentation, they mentioned that 2/3 of the admissions process was mainly based on GPA and the courses taken. The other 1/3 of the process was based on SAT or ACT scores, along with activites and essay. This is an advantage for me because my SAT scores are weak but my GPA/courses taken are pretty impressive. It's getting late so I don't feel like posting all of my information for you to look at. The last time I did it, the majority of replies told me to up my SAT score and that everything was really good.</p>

<p>So, to get to the point...The average SAT score for Penn State University Park is roughly 1700. I scored a 1540 (second time I took it...first time I took it, I got a 1440). As you can see, I did improve. I planned to take the SAT a third time but I've been having second thoughts. Basically, I've been scoring very well (or at least above average) on the Verbal/Writing. It's the math section that's been weighing me down. I'd have to do some intensive prep work to boost my math score and I don't know if I could do that at this point. I've been considering taking the ACT and seeing how I do with that. What I want to know is: If I end up submitting my score of 1540 when I apply, what are my chances of being accepted?</p>

<p>Thanks and I hope to hear plenty of replies!</p>

<p>-Dan</p>

<p>Dan, it depends on if you're going to do the summer session or the regular fall session. The summer session is easier to get accepted in, but you'll have to go to school all summer.</p>

<p>I was looking to go to the fall session...so looks like my chances aren't as good. Would they look as heavily on my ACT score as my SAT score? Because I believe I can do a lot better on the ACT.</p>

<p>Your chances with fall won't be as good as for summer, but that's only because of the number of people competing for enrollment. I don't think taking the ACT after the SAT could hurt anything, but I am not 100% on that. Maybe you should ask the school.</p>

<p>I've decided to list all of my activites/grades so you guys can give me a better idea. By the way, I would post this in the "What are my chances" section of the site but nobody really answers my questions there. So here we go:</p>

<p>GPA: 3.7
Courses Taken: Took 1 honors class freshman year (English), 2 honors classes sophomore year (English and Biology), and then 3 honors classes junior year (English, Spanish, and Chemistry). I plan on taking 2-3 for my senior year too, along with 1 AP course (Biology). Basically, every year, I challenged myself a little bit more than the previous year.<br>
ECs: 1. JV Baseball freshman year, Varsity Baseball sophomore year (earned my Varsity Letter), didnt play Baseball my junior year due to personal reasons but I'm definitely playing Senior year.
2. I've done DECA (business program) for 2 years, sophomore and junior year, and plan to go into a 3rd year for my senior year.<br>
3. Spanish Honors Society
4. Jerseymen (political club) for my Junior year and plan to do it for my senior year.
5. Student Council (Homeroom Rep.) for my senior year.</p>

<p>I could be missing something but can't put my finger on it. If I remember something, I'll be sure to post.</p>

<p>Thanks
Dan</p>

<p>I think admissions is almost entirely based on statistics. Perhaps the admissions office or the website can provide this information.</p>

<p>BTW, I know a student who was initially rejected from main campus and accepted to a branch. He appealed and won, but had to go in the summer. (not sure of his stats) The summer was actually good, as he was familiar with campus and knew people by September. And they just let him move his stuff into his fall dorm from the summer dorm...alot less work!</p>

<p>interesting...I was thinking about that too. The tour guide said that they only have about 1,000 to 2,000 people for the summer session. It could be a great way to get used to the University Park campus. </p>

<p>I'll think about it...I'd still prefer the fall session, but summer isnt too bad.</p>