I have a 3.89UW, 4.25W GPA and a terrible 1110 SAT. Chances? Has anyone gotten in with worse?
100% if you apply summer session and DUS. Your GPA is beyond perfect for admission into main campus. If you increase your SAT to an 1150+, I’d say over a 75% chance to get into main campus WITHOUT summer session (though I heard the summer session is relatively fun). You might even be able to not have to apply to DUS f your SAT is higher (I wouldn’t risk SMEAL, engineering, or nursing). But for sure I’ll know you get into main campus. A kid from my school got into main campus for the summer session with a 3.1 and 1100 SAT, no extracurriculars and legacy. He did DUS too, that’s why I’m suggesting it. The consensus is it’s the easiest college at PSU UP to get into. Others might tell you to increase your GPA even more or SAT to like a 1200+, but believe they’re delusion. Your stats are beyond perfect for entrance into main campus. My advice: take a few more practice test and try to boost the score to an 1150+ like I mentioned earlier.
There is pretty much no such thing as “100%” in college admissions.
https://budget.psu.edu/CDSRedesign/cds.aspx?reportindicator=FreshAdmn&Location=UP&AY=20172018
Section C9 has information about test scores. If you’re below or near the 25th percentile, getting your score up would probably be a good idea.
Are you preparing for your sat retake?
Adding up all honors and AP you’ll have taken by graduation, what number do you get?
What major are you thinking of?
I’m already a HS Graduate, so no retakes for me at this point. I’ve taken 11 or 12 Honors classes, 2 being AP. Applying DUS.
Are you applying for the spring semester? Taking a gap year?
Why are you a HS graduate and considering applying to PSU this late?
Also, you are allowed to retake the SAT whenever. I’d suggest retaking it in August. Many students retake it if they’re looking to transfer since colleges still look at it usually.
Yes I am going for Spring. Took a semester off due to some family stuff, hence why I am applying so late (though, spring app. didnt even open till first of june). I know I can retake SAT, however I am not so sure it will be much help to me. I might, though.
Definitely retake, and prep beforehand. That’s the only part of your application you can still do something about. So, do something about it.
You’d have a good shot at DUS.
Beware that Spring admits get even less financial aid.
Spring seriously gets less aid? Thatll put a hurting on my pocket…
@Spartan149 Penn State gives very little aid anyway. Make sure to run the net price calculator because lots of people get sticker shock after the excitement of getting in. Penn State gives very, very little aid. As advised before, retake the SAT. Penn State is 2/3 GPA and only 1/3 test scores but anything can help. You will likely get admitted,especially to DUS or liberal arts colleges. If you are thinking of applying to engineering or business, don’t. At least not with that SAT score. DUS is a better route in that case.
He said he’s applying for the spring semester. You think he’ll get admitted into University Park? I thought spring was limited.
I checked and the spring application isn’t due until December 1st. You could retake the SAT in August and aim for a 1200-1300. You also can take it in October too. My advice would be to study through khan academy, YouTube, the SAT subreddit, and practice test available online. I doubt applying early for spring matters since they need to make sure they have room for spring and not many people are even applying to begin with.
@Tylerhex Penn State admits for Spring - there are less applicants than for fall, but that means there is also less competition. Also, since sophomores can’t apply to Penn State as transfers and only freshmen and juniors can apply, that leaves room for new applicants as well as students leave who either decide Penn State isn’t for them or they fail out or graduate… The benefit of Spring admission is that competition is less fierce. But I agree, study and get that SAT up and he has a better shot.
I appreciate all the help guys, I’ll look into a retake.
First, what are you planning to major in? I would strongly consider applying for that college first, with DUS as a second choice (with caveat that Smeal / Engr / Nursing are very competitive).
Second, definitely retake the SAT, as it will help not only with admission but with possible merit aid as well.
To be completely honest, no one here can accurately predict your chances of getting in. That being said, to give yourself the best shot apply for the summer program. I am currently doing it and it’s totally worth it.
Try logging into collegeboard and syncing your last SAT score with Khan Academy. Then you can more efficiently practice on the areas where you need the greatest improvement.