I’m currently a senior and I have a gpa of 2.3 and a sat score of 1320 and act score of 30 I’m currently taking a dual enrollment class and two IB classes and have all A’s in those classes and I was really wondering if I even had a chance to get into Penn State main campus and if my senior grades will affect my chances at all.
If I apply for summer or spring do I have a higher chance to get in?
Penn State doesn’t consider senior year grades. You may have a chance at a branch campus due to your SAT/ACT scores, but you are not competitive for UP, even for a summer start.
If I do attend a branch campus like Berks for example will I be able to switch to University Park my sophomore year?
@Abdxl19 Students generally do a 2+2 program - it is extremely difficult to switch to UP for sophomore year.
@lucyvanpelt Yeah that’s what I have heard about the program but is it possible or does penn state restrict students from transferring before the 2 years because of it is possible I will work as hard as possible to do it.
Apply summer, DUS, and pick a second choice campus. If you get in, it will most likely be to a commonwealth campus for the 2+2 program. What major did you want to apply for? Some may be easier than DUS to get in.
@LM3232 i was thinking of petroleum engineering but I just have a question about the 2+2 program does penn state restrict students from transferring after freshman year to UP
Yes. Except for a handful of majors, Penn State allows students to move up to UP only after 2 years at a branch campus. That’s why it’s called 2+2.
Definitely apply DUS, there is very little chance for petroleum engineering to get in with a 2.3 GPA. Since it is the 2+2 program, you will have to stay 2 years at the branch campus before going to UP, but this may be to your advantage, as you will be able to have smaller classes and slightly easier time with those really hard classes that many freshmen and sophomores need to take.
Don’t rush to get to UP. Academically, you will struggle. Many kids with much stronger stats end up switching out of engineering, so take advantage of a smaller campus and classes and be successful. Sorry if this is blunt, but freshman weed-out classes in Engineering are called that for a reason.
I’m going to be even more blunt than @lucyvanpelt. You won’t get into the main campus with a 2.3 unless you have some major extenuating circumstances that your school counselor can explain to admissions. Even in DUS. Even for summer. They don’t consider your senior grades at all. I’d apply DUS directly to one of the commonwealth campuses. Your stats are too low for engineering at a commonwealth campus as well. DUS, you have a chance.
Echoing what was said above, engineering is no joke. Don’t rush to get to UP campus. Take the weed out classes at a commonwealth where the classes are smaller and support greater. Only a handful of majors require you to go to UP campus after one year. Almost all are 2 years. They don’t even allow students to transfer from other universities in sophomore year. At UP, it’s freshmen admit or Junior for the most part.
As an aside, my son started in altoona and was in one of the majors that required you to go to UP campus after a year. He had a 3.3 GPA at Altoona and his first semester at UP he almost failed out. We were ready to bring him home. It’s a HUGE adjustment. He is a senior now and will graduate in the spring and has a good GPA now, but it was not an easy transition because he wasn’t ready. Take the two years at a commonwealth campus, soak it in, and go to UP when you are ready.
@jlhpsu I have just under a 90 W and am applying to the college of ag sciences. No SAT but very strong extracurriculars and good essays. Do you think I have a good chance?
Was also wondering if you knew if Penn State had a second major choice on their application directly through myPennState. I can’t seem to find it and thought that on a common app, it let you choose a second-choice major. Thanks!
A 90 translates roughly to a 3.6-3.7 which is above the average GPA for Penn State, so you are probably good there. It’s hard to say since this is the first year without test scores.
As for a second major choice, Penn State does not offer one. You can have a second campus choice, and a second semester start date (fall or summer) but not a second major choice. If you don’t get into your first choice major you can call and ask to be reconsidered in a different major, but they don’t offer you a second choice major at the outset.
Thanks for the help!
Hi,
I have a 3.8. GPA on 4.0 scale, 1290 SAT and very good business related extra circulars and good essay and personal statement. Should I apply to Smeal or DUS. Also, I do have the option of not submitting my SAT score so would I be better off not submitting it and applying to Smeal? Very confused if I have a good chance in getting into Smeal so please let me know!