GPA: 2.974
SAT: 1280/1600 Math: 700 Reading + Writing: 580
Major: Computer Engineering
8 Honors/AP classes throughout highschool
4+ years of volunteer work
1 year in the lighting club
3 recommendation letters
Thanks for any help
Also class rank is top 58%
Going to be very tough with that GPA. If you apply undecided and summer session you might get in because your SAT is pretty good.
By undecided do you mean the major? Would i be able to change it to CE afterwards because i know it’s harder to get an admission as a engineering major.
That GPA is probably not going to get you into UP campus without needing to start in the summer. I’d apply undecided with summer option. It’s what my daughter did and it was the best thing she ever did. You can change into engineering later, but I’d verify the entry to major requirements for the major you are interested in to be sure. But for almost all majors, starting DUS doesn’t really change your plan.
Hello, so i did some research and found out that its such a hassle to go from undecided to a engineering major since the class requirements are very different. Do you think it will really affect my chances that much if i apply for engineering? (Btw im doing the summer option)
I’m not sure what you mean? The entry to major classes will be the exact same starting undecided as if you started in engineering. The entry to major requirements for Civil Engineering are:
CHEM 110
MATH 140
MATH 141
MATH 251 (required for major) or MATH 250
PHYS 211
PHYS 212
NO ONE can apply to the program until they’ve completed 40-59 credits. So even those directly “in” engineering are considered pre-majors until they complete the entry to major requirements. The “required” courses in DUS are simply the general ed classes which are required in every major.
You will not get into Penn State engineering with a 2.94. Penn State’s decision is 2/3 based on GPA. Only 1/3 is test scores and other factors. I’m not sure where you read that it will be a hassle to switch from undecided to engineering. In general, you can switch to almost any major from engineering. It’s the entire purpose of undecided. Some majors require you to start freshman year…like architecture and nursing. But most don’t.
if you are set starting in engineering, I’d apply to one of the branch campuses or at the very least make sure you have one listed as a backup. PSU Altoona is a beautiful campus only about 40 minutes from state college so lots of people go up for football games and events etc. Good luck!
Your odds of getting into UP with a sub 3.5 GPA are low, and virtually non existent if you want engineering. You may have a shot at engineering at Altoona/Erie or you may have a shot at UP (very high reach = very unlikely) if you apply dus + summer session. However with a sub 3.0 even Altoona or Erie can’t be considered sure things for engineering. (Altoona and Erie are safeties however if you apply for other majors or dus.)
GPA is 2/3 decision and GPA 's in the 2.9-3.4 range are primarily directed to branch campuses.
Have you taken calculus and either AP physics or AP chemistry? This may help for altoona/erie.
I’ve taken AP Physics 1 and AP Physics 2. Final average of 96% in AP 1
Good job for AP physics.
What about calculus?
What math class are you taking currently?
Pre Calc H, currently have a 94 average. I’ve always taken H/AP science and math classes and done good in them. But what ruined my gpa is spanish and us history. I’m applying for computer engineering which is a math and science field so does that increase my chances?
Also one more question, is ■■■■■■■■■■ good at estimating your chances? because it says i have a above average chance of being accepted.
@Sidvas No, engineering is on of the most competitive majors at Penn State. Students with much higher stats (3.5 GPA 1300 SAT) may not get in. GPA is again 2/3 of the decision and yours is on the low end even for some branch campuses. The best thing to do is to apply undecided and check yes for the summer session. Cappex is not accurate.
You have a shot at PSU Erie or Altoona for engineering, not University Park. But even at these two campuses, you’re not sure to get in for engineering as those admitted to engineering at branch campuses tend to be at the B+ range, not B- and you’re probably safer applying DUS there too if you want them as a safety.
(University Park would expect 16+ AP/Honors and 3.5+, higher for engineering, and definitely AP Physics AND Calculus.)
Even DUS + summer session, a 2.9 is out of range for UP. Even a perfect 1600 doesn’t get in. In order to have a shot wih DUS+ summer session, you need a 3.2 and your SAT needs to be 1400+. Keep in mind it’s harder for engineering.
So, you have to decide: apply for Engineering at Erie or Altoona, OR apply DUS Summer session for UP. In both cases, keep your fingers crossed. If I were you, I’d switch to DSU Summer session and add a second campus (either Erie or Altoona).
Cappex is not accurate. The “Bubble chart” is, and you need to use the upper range for engineering. The bubble chart indicates UP is a reach with DUS+Summer session, and rejected otherwise.
Since i am a nj resident my hope is to get into UP otherwise i’ll just go for njit. Thanks though fingers crossed (also what does dus mean sorry)
@Sidvas DUS means Division of Undergraduate Studies…which means Undecided.
I think what people here are trying to tell you is that it is very unlikely that you will get into UP campus with a 2.9 GPA. Virtually impossible for Engineering with a 2.94.
In looking at Penn State’s Common Data Set report, only 3.8% of all students admitted as freshman for SUMMER AND FALL 2015 had between a 2.5 and a 2.9. They were likely athletes. They were certainly not engineering majors. To compare, NJIT has 9% between a 2.5 and 2.9. Also probably not engineering majors - but still a better chance than PSU UP. If I were you, I’d have some back up choices. The PSU branch campuses are very good and you can still go to the UP campus after 2 years and graduate with a PSU Engineering degree which is worth quite a lot. Don’t be short sighted in dismissing the branch campuses.
You’re not getting into UP engineering - anyone out of bubble chart range (3.4 and below) must have special circumstances and dus. You may have a shot at Erie (Behrend) or Altoona engineering though. Both are equal to njit and after two years you automatically go to up and receive a Penn state degree. Whether a Penn State degree is worth more in terms of costs however is for you and your family to decide.
To sum up: 2 years at universities academically equal to njit but for higher cost, followed by two years at more expensive but better-networked school OR 4 years at njit.
What’s your budget BTW?
20-25k. Should be getting financial aid
A lot of people are saying that it doesn’t matter what area of interest you pick in your applications, because students tend to change their major throughout college.
You’re right, that’s true, especially at liberal arts colleges (like Muhlenberg, Goucher, Lemoyne, Drew…)
Except that some universities, such as University Park, admit by college or major. Engineering is the most competitive college - only top applicants are admitted . Even at brabch campuses Engineering is reserved for top applicants for the branch (so, 3.0-3.4 typically) .
Penn State doesn’t offer oos financial aid, only merit, and very sparingly (like if you have a 3.98 GPA and a 1500 SAT and apply to a less requested major.)
Considering your budget, njit sounds like the best possibility.