Demographics: 16 Male, Asian, New York, Public HS, second generation immigrant
-Intended major(s): Undecided (potential: politics, finance/business, psychology)
-ACT: Composite: 31 (retaking after studying in sept)
-UW/W GPA: UW= 94.5 / W= 97.7 (3.7/3.88)
-Coursework: AP: Capstone 4; Euro 4; English Lit; 5 APUSH; 3 - Some APs, College and honors.
-Awards: Outstanding Choral Musician, National Honors, National Business, National Spanish, AP Scholar w/ Honor, (probably 2 others)
-Extracurriculars: Art and Stock Market Clubs, choral group, Libary volunteer (not much, 20-40hrs), Chinese govt sponsored trip/camp to China (20± hrs)
Looks good, submit that app right away if you haven’t already! Fortune favors the brave, and the early. Don’t worry with the essay, but if you want to attach one just use your Common App essay, and no need for recommendations, either. It’s a big school, admissions are largely based on numbers, no time to personally read all of the apps.
Just my opinion, but there is absolutely no need to retake that ACT, 31 is an outstanding score and Should serve you very well in the admissions game. Good luck to you!
^ Agreed 
Good luck, OP. Make sure you run the Net Price Calculator to get a sense of out of state costs.
Wow! Thousand thanks to you both! @naptownnittany and @bodangles
Do include the essay, even if you’re applying DUS. Do you intend to apply to Schreyer?
If you apply soon, you should get in, no problem.
The big question is… can you afford full costs? (You’re unlikely to get any financial aid).
My son just applied an the ‘essay’ is more of a personal statement that is supposed to be no more than 500 words. He had to cut down his regular essay a bit for it. Regular “essays” aren’t considered for general admission (they are needed for Schreyer). Only the personal statement within the application. Just an FYI! The rest of your application looks good. Apply prior to November 30.
NB: “you should get in, no problem” = to Penn State, NOT Schreyer (which is super selective, but definitely something you should try for.)