Hi! 
So I’ve applied to Penn State University Park already, to the Smeal College of Business. I knew it was competitive going in, and I have truly good stats, but the more I read these threads, the more nervous I get! I’m considering reapplying DUS, as I know I will be fine with my stats going that route, but I was wondering if I did that and emailed admissions to make that change, would it technically put me past the priority deadline and into the second wave of applicants? Or would it just update my application and I would still get my decision by January 31st?
Changing your major at this point generally means you get put in the next wave…but you can call and ask. I know that if you get denied and then ask to be reconsidered DUS, you will not get a decision until after all other DUS applicants get their decision. However, if they haven’t begun to review your application, they MAY allow a change of major. But only they can tell you that. I’d call and ask and make sure you ask whether it will move your decision date or not. They will allow you to change your major -that’s not the issue. You need to ask specifically if you would still get a decision by Jan 31 if you change.
Alright- that was what I was afraid of. I might just wait it out, and then if I get denied I will call back and ask to be reconsidered for DUS. I’m not sure if that is the smartest route, I’m just incredibly stressed as I’ve wanted to attend PSU since I was around 9 or 10! Thank you!
Did you put summer session option? You can call and add that - that may help avoid a denial if your stats are borderline. What are your stats? Bearing in mind Smeal is one of the hardest majors to get into at PSU!
I’ve considered that, but unfortunately summer session would be difficult for me to do because of a summer job I have and wish to keep- but I have not ruled it out if it is the only way into UP. I know a lot of people benefit from the program as well, so maybe I should. Would I just have to call the admissions or could I email them as well? My stats are:
GPA: 3.96 UW 4.2 W (My school grades a 93% as an A)
SAT: 620 M and 720 CR+W for a 1340, or a 1970 old SAT composite
19 Honors and AP classes with a straight-A track record, and plenty of community service and extracurriculars. Although they don’t really look at that.
In-state, with several uncles who graduated from UP.
The more I look at it, the shakier it seems for Smeal. The whole process is incredibly frustrating as I know I probably won’t head back until the end of January and I’m beginning to get anxious as I applied in September.
Your stats are very good. I think if you are denied you can always ask to be reconsidered for DUS.
My daughter did summer and loved it, so if you have any questions about it feel free to ask. You can always add summer and thsdn decide when you get your decision. They will only offer you summer if you check it on your application and only AFTER you are denied for fall. So it doesn’t hurt. Summer is ASN extra cost though so its something to keep in mind.
Your stats are good. I don’t think it is unreasonable that you applied direct.
@NittanyLion1202 That’s what i would do. Your stats are good for Smeal. If you get denied you can always call and get reconsidered for DUS. Good luck!
Thank you, I think I will call back and add the summer option just in case. If I have any questions I’ll let you know!