And with so many applicants, it is simply a numbers game. Quite sad. Letters of recommendation, extracurriculars, legacy mean nada. They are simply scanning stats.
My son did not put down an alternate campus. When he found out he was declined for main campus he sent a quick email asking for 2+2 Behrend campus. He had an acceptance in 48 hours.
Good Morning everyone- so PSU admissions tweeted this week that they post decisions in the “overnight or early morning hours”. But I think I’m hearing kids getting decisions posted afternoon, evening. Always confusing…anyone get their decision in the morning like they’re saying??
@Barbadler Decisions are posted after midnight.
^But kids check them… whenever they can… which could be morning or afternoon 
Can you go for a certain major take classes for another major that you want and switch to the major you want or can that only be done for Dus because I just talked to a admissions counselor and she said I have a better chance of being reavaluated for a certain major.
I don’t think so but I did find out (regarding engineering) that material science engineering is under the college of earth and mineral science and not engineering. Maybe not as competitive?
Students do change majors. From experience, I went for engineering and changed to business after my freshman year. Most of the credits were applicable or could be used as electives. Best bet freshman year would be to take classes that crossover or can be used as electives (everyone takes English 15 or whatever it is now, Econ works with most majors and Math 140 satisfies requirement for most majors).
@nitlyn great advice!!
Unfortunately, you can’t switch from Engineering to Smeal anymore. That’s why if you’re unsure of your major, to just start off with DUS and work closely with your advisor.
@japsmom Wow, I guess times have changed. So what you are saying is that if someone is interested in Engineering, but finds out after 1-2 years they are no longer interested in pursuing an engineering degree they would not be able to graduate with a business degree? Of course, if you are unsure you would always be better off starting in DUS. DUS was designed for those unsure, unfortunately (or I guess fortunately for many) it has become the catch all for those unable to be accepted directly into the school of their choice.
@nitlyn yes, business is a controlled major. You need to take certain entrance to major courses and if you go above the 59 credits total, you will be completely blocked from Smeal. It’s really best for students to just start off DUS and work with an advisor. I actually know a few students who switched out of PSU because of this.
Just as a FYI - As someone who has a sucessful JD at PSU i have to disagree with some of the comments houghts on DUS. DUS is viewed a “catch all for those unable to be accepted directly into the school of their choice” and slightly as a negative. I don’t think this is correct. As we have seen on this page, many students are denied from DUS. DUS is a great way to start at Penn State without making a commitment to one school. Many students (I dont have the exact numbers) change majors because they found out what they wanted in high school is not really what they want in life. DUS is a great way to get another 1-2 years experience before making a commitment without losing time and money. Just my 2 cents
Touché, and Thank You, @Wowed777
Hi everyone! If you still want to get in the smartest thing to do would be to call and say you are willing to go in the summer. I just got accepted to college of engineering with a 1330 new SAT and a 3.7 unweighted GPA. I think that DUS is very competitive this year, judging by what the admissions counselor said. I was rejected from fall and called that day to say I was willing to go summer. 48 hours later, I’m in. Good luck to everyone
@2151994 Unfortunately Smeal is the hardest college at PSU to get into. Last year they only accepted 11%. If your son had applied DUS to start, he likely wouldn’t have to start in the summer. But at this point, the re evaluations are done AFTER the original DUS applicants so there is less space available. That’s why they suggested putting the summer option. If it helps, my daughter went in the summer 2 years ago and it was the best thing she ever did. She had an amazing amount of fun (maybe too much for mom, lol!) and got great grades to start her PSU career. It was a very smooth transition from summer to fall. I’d recommend it to anyone. The only downside is the cost, but even that I felt was worth it.
My son is going to Altoona in the fall. It’s a beautiful campus and is only 40 minutes from UP campus so the kids go up to UP often for events, football games etc…
@DeeW68 I’m not really that surprised that your child was put into summer session with those stats. The GPA is 2/3 of the decision and the middle 50% starts at 3.55. My daughter got into summer 2 years ago with a 3.5 and 29 ACT with a 2 parent legacy as well. And that was for DUS! I think many underestimate how difficult it can be to get in which is why a summer session admission is still great!
I also wonder if they tell parents the same thing every year because every single year someone calls admissions to ask about why their child didn’t get in and every year they are told that it’s “the most competitive year” and “record number of applicants”. I’ve seen it time and time again in the years I’ve been here. In fact, 2 years ago we were told it was their most competitive year ever. Was it true? I don’t know!
Regardless, if you have questions about summer don’t hesitate to ask here. Many of us have been through it. I will say my daughter will tell anyone it was the best thing she’s ever done. Great experience for her.
@wowed777 Excellent and I agree! Lots of people think going in DUS is somehow a let down. 80% of students change their major, and we know that at PSU you can’t get into some majors unless they are either a pre major in that college or in DUS. So it makes sense to go the DUS route. But, while it’s less competitive than Smeal or engineering, it’s equally as competitive as communications or liberal arts degrees. It is STILL hard to get into PSU as a DUS student. We see kids here with 3.4+ being put into summer even with DUS. It’s a competitive school. NO one should feel ‘less than’ for going DUS. It’s a great way to figure out where you want to be. My sophomore daughter started DUS 2 years ago and just got accepted into her major (communication disorders in HHD) and she’s thrilled. It all works out!
@wowed777 Never in my post did I say DUS is a negative and I did specifically say it was designed for those unsure. My point was that for those that are sure of their choice it has become the catch all if they are unable to get into the major of their choice. Clearly the evidence on these pages support that notion.
As I have previously stated, the application process has become flawed. I do think it is a fair process but after many years it needs to be updated. Adding Early Decision as an option would be helpful to those who UP is truly their first choice. Adding an option to be evaluated for DUS if not accepted to major of first choice would also be helpful.
Good Luck to All.
FOR THE GLORY!!!
I understand that if you are willing to go summer session it makes it easier to get in to UP. Can someone explain the logic behind this. If you start in the summer you obviously have a secured place in the fall so what’s the point besides a way for Penn State to make an additional 10K from borderline candidates