I currently have an 86.5 GPA not counting my senior your since the semester isn’t over. I would have a 87.3 if my current semester grade was to be factored into my GPA. I also have a 25 ACT and I’ve only been able to test once. I want to go to University Park and major in cyber security. I saw for computer science that was incredibly hard to get into but I also saw cyber security doesn’t fall under that umbrella. Does anyone know if that major is particularly hard to get into compared to most at university park and if so am I better applying undecided? Also a side not about my GPA although it is lower then most I started freshman year with an 81 cumulative and have gone up a solid 3-4 points per year. In my CA essay I describe my freshman year struggles, particularly my mom going through cancer and my brother being sent to the peace corp where I didn’t have any contact with him. I’ve spent a lot of time on the essay and my counselor and I believe it is well written so overall I’m wondering what you think my chances at acceptance would be to university park. I’m applying tomorrow for the early deadline. My extracurriculares are solid but don’t stand out much, a lot of sports and a non for profit that I’ve spent a lot of time with my whole life because it benefits a disability by cousin has. Thanks in advance for the responses and enjoy your weekends.
Penn State doesn’t look at senior grades at all so your senior year won’t help, unfortunately. An 86 translates to a low B average I think. If that’s the case then UP admission will be challenging regardless of the major you choose.
DUS used to be easier than other majors, but as more people have caught on to DUS being a back door to competitive majors, DUS has become ever more competitive.
Cybersecurity is in the college of IST. Computer Science is in the college of engineering. IST is not as competitive as Engineering.