<p>Hey everyone-I've been furtively searching the internet for anything to ease my conscience when it comes to colleges. Based on this info, what are my chances of getting in to Main?</p>
<p>GPA--4.019
SATs--1080 for Math and Reading, but 1750 with Writing.
Rank--10th out of about 162
2 AP/Honors courses
Applying for English program, said I'd consider summer classes.</p>
<p>Extra Curriculars:
-I was class Historian for three years, 9th, 11th, and 12th grade.
-I was chosen out of everyone in my class to write a weekly column for our local newspaper.
-I was the school newspaper editor for three years.
-I was involved in art shows for three years and had a first place win.
-I won first place in a creative writing festival, out of 300 entries (though I didn't put this last part on the application :[)
-I was a Spanish tutor for 3 years
-I was played soccer for 4 years, lettered senior year.
& I also put photography as a hobby, as I have been active in it for the past 4 years as well.</p>
<p>HERE IS MY DILEMMA!
I filled out the application in a rush before Thanksgiving break, when I found out that apps had to be in by November 30th for their best chance.
I had also just given blood and ran to my computer to fill out the application, even though I was very ill and dizzy (I get incredibly sick every time!)
So here are some things I "messed up" on the application (due to lack of blood!):
1. Completely neglected to put that I played soccer for 4 years. But if this is on my transcript, does it matter?
2. Neglected to put that I was Historian in 11th grade.
3. SKIPPED THE PERSONAL STATEMENT!! Ugh. I believe my brain saw "optional" and I didn't think any further. :[</p>
<p>What should I do? E-mail with the changes? They're relatively minor but enough to make me sweat. Or are my chances good enough as it is? Should I send in an essay? It's been 2 months...is it too late for changes?</p>
<p>Yea I would say that you probably won't be able to make changes to the app after you submit it unless you mispelled or identified yourself somehwere in the personal info sections. </p>
<p>ECs in HS won't be a big factor with PSU so 1 or 2 more would not add anything special to your app. The personal statement may hurt you in the long run, they use that for qualifying some potential students for some scholarships. I am not sure which ones though. I was awarded several merit $ from PSU and they diddn't indicate that my personal statement was used or not so don't give up on money from PSU.</p>
<p>There's a chance that they're in the process or will about to start reading your application. Since you got it in before Nov.30, your GPA should be sufficient. I'm not so sure about the SAT score, M/R portion. As for class historian, even though you left one year out, since you were one previously, I don't think it'll have much impact. As for the sports, it would seem like you didn't see soccer as a major achievement that you accomplished or cared about. But if you had recommendations sent that talked about your soccer talents, then you should be ok. </p>
<p>Here is my opinion:
At this point, just hope for the best. It's been a month, and it'd probably wouldn't look good for you to be sending in all this material now. It would seem like a ploy to get extra time to get the stuff done.</p>
<p>I'm not sure if PSU defers you from your 1st campus choice, but if you don't get in to your first choice, maybe you could have your counselor call them and explain your situation. Or, go see your counselor ASAP and have'em call the admissions office and explain the situation, and see if you can get supplementary materials sent in. </p>
<p>Again, this is what I personally would do. You should do what you feel is right to maximize your chances. Good luck!</p>
<p>afitscher...are you saying they DON'T look at GPA(w) much or they are b/c WEIGHTED GPA is 2/3 of the decision... I don't know how much of a problem the personal statement is could be bad could not effect it much but i would say leaving out soccer shouldn't hurt you to much.</p>
<p>hmm does it matter if they receive your application before Nov. 30th but not SAT scores and guidance counselor form? B/c SATs usually take two weeks to get there ya know..is it like you hadn't even sent it in before nov 30th?</p>
<p>if afitscher is saying what I think he is about the weighted GPA, than he is completely wrong...here's proof from Penn State admissions FAQs:</p>
<p>Is it better to provide a weighted or unweighted grade point average? </p>
<p>Penn State recognizes that some schools will use more than one grading scale to reflect varying degrees of academic challenge across the curriculum. We prefer to use the weighted GPA because we feel that schools have identified the courses within their curriculum that are more rigorous. The weighted GPA more accurately reflects student performance and the demands of the curriculum. In our review of applicants with unweighted GPA's, any student who has completed or is completing honors and/or AP courses is given a positive factor based on the cumulative class rank. Based on the counselor page that is provided as a part of the application, we consider the maximum grade-point average that a student can earn in the "regular" or academic/college prep track as comparable to a 4.0 = A scale.</p>
<p>Penn State accepts SAT and ACT test scores from October and November of the senior year in the November 30 review group. Please do not encourage students to delay submitting an application if they plan on taking an exam this fall. Students should request that the scores be sent to Penn State when registering for the exam, so that we receive these scores before November 30.</p>
<p>ah thank you...i believe it is also true that if you send in your things before dec. 31st you hear back no later than feb 28th, which isnt too bad</p>
<p>i would call the office, if they haven't made your decision yet, sometimes you can send in more things. i messed up my u of wisconsin and didn't do the optional essay, i called and they said just send it in by mail because they hadn't even opened my file yet</p>
<p>Ohh, this helps a lot! Does Penn State look at essays though? I have one I can send in. Or should I just do the personal statement? I think I'm putting too much thought into this, hah.</p>
<p>well the personal statement box only allows for 1200 characters, which is approx 200 words. they say they don't want a lot, just something short and sweet.</p>
<p>and if u dont get into university park and you put down a 2nd choice, u could always automatically transfer, if you're into that.</p>
<p>Hmm automatically transfer? You mean after 2 years at a branch, transfer to main?</p>
<p>Also I just remembered that I forgot to mention my 24-hour-a-week job of babysitting...sighhh. I really shouldn't have filled this out while sick. I put lots of care into my Pitt application, and I feel terrible for what happened with this one!</p>
<p>I don't think Penn State admissions has the time to sort through everyone's extensive lists of ECs and work that they are able to conjure together on their apps, GPA and SAT scores are going to be most of what is considered at Penn State, like alot of large state schools. So don't fret about your forgotten ECs and work, I am sure you will be fine without it.</p>
<p>Thank you! Yes, I am in the blue on the bubble chart, at least. :\ Still think I should've taken my SATs another time, but it was too expensive for me & my twin.</p>
<p>usually its two years. i know that they make it a seamless process, anyone that wants to is eligible. you may be able to, but i don't know how many credits PSU requires from a transfer applicant. but if you just stay your 2 years at branch, as long as you r in good academic condition you're good to go</p>