Do I have a chance of getting into Penn State?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Penn State
1

I am currently a senior in high school, I have steadily had around a 3.8 GPA during my whole high school career and I currently have a 3.72. I have for the past couple of years taken honors and AP courses. I received a 1090 on my SATs which is what is worrying me, but I am planning on retaking them soon and I am preparing for them more. I am involved with National Honor Society and National Art Honor Society along with 2 internships I have received from my school (one paid and one not). I want to major in pre med or psychology (possibly do a double major or minor in psychology) because I want to work towards becoming a psychiatrist. I am out of state. Penn state is my dream school and I will work as hard as possible to get into it and I am looking for some honest advice.

2

Your chances are around 30% with your current stats. That’s pretty much a certain decline. Your GPA is a little above average. The SAT average is 1270. If you can raise it to that level, your chances increase to 50/50. From what I see, every 100 points higher increases your admission chances by about 15%.

3

My daughter’s friend was admitted for a fall start with the same SAT score and slightly lower GPA. The choice of major matters a lot in Penn State admissions. Applying for one of the less competitive majors (not pre-med), being open to starting in the summer, and improving your SAT score (and possibly trying the ACT as well) will help your chances.

4

You may want to consider applying to College of Liberal Arts where psychology is housed and indicate a willingness to start in the summer, assuming your parents are able to pay for the additional semester. The summer LEAP program serves as a wonderful transition for students who are borderline. If you go for any of the premed majors associated with Eberly, you are more likely to be rejected due to the low SAT score.

5

Penn State is expensive, particularly for OOS and there won’t be any aid given. Will your parents pay the $50k+ per year to go there? If not, find some affordable favorites.

6

There are no scholarships so can your parents afford to be full pay?
If they can, apply before November1, check summer session and psychology (NOT pre-med*), assuming you can bring your SAT up to 1150-1200. Indicate interest in being a part of fellowship aspirant.

  • Pre-med is an intention, not a major.