PSU Class of 2021 Decision Thread

Did anyone hear back from Smeal? I applied December 30th and heard nothing so far. Probably got rejected.

IN that case, DUS would be best. She could still choose whatever she qualifies for during her sophomore year.

Applied to Penn State UP for engineering today. Hopefully they still have spots. Any idea what my chances will be and if they’re full?
34 ACT
4.45 W
3.89 UW
Few leadership positions and some related ecs with a lot of community service

They’re full. Your odds are very low.

@BradyBromide I applied 11/28 and got into Smeal UP 1/28 OOS
Good luck!

@MYOS1634 At the risk of sounding gullible, how do you know they are full?

Thanks

Because it’s one if the first to fill up and most studebtsbwho applied in December and January were offered 2+2, even with high scores. You may luck out but it’s so late that I think it’s highly unlikely.

Thank you @MYOS1634 I guess was wondering if you had heard that directly from PSU. So there is still hope but it’s very slim.

WAITLISTED!!!
(Main Campus)

Stats:
SAT:1410 730CR 680M
ACT: 32 Highest section scores: 30-MATH 35-ENLIGH 36-READING 33-SCIENCE
GPA: 4.0 unweighted (I took 9 ap/dual enrollment classes and got/currently have all unweighted A’s)
Rank:1 out of 300
Other stats: 5s on AP Euro and U.S. (I’m taking 6 of my college/ap classes this year)
Senior Year classes: AP Calc BC, AP BIO, AP physics C, Spanish 3, Organic Chem, Dual Enrollment English Comp I and II, dual enrollment college algebra.

Subjective:
Essays: Really solid
Teacher Recs: Penn State doesn’t consider
Counselor Rec: Penn State doesn’t consider
Hook (if any): was homeschooled up until sophomore year of high school, play keyboard for a band (if these can count as hooks)

Location/Person: in state/PA
School Type: public (1,200 students)
Ethnicity: White

Gender: Male

Extracurriculars: Treasurer for my local NHS, member of my local Spanish National Honor Society, helped to start a club at my school, varsity basketball, varsity track, play keyboard for a band, Link Crew.

Does anyone have any idea how I was not accepted?

@dandlion When did you apply? For what major?

for those who have received the provost’s award, how were you notified?

Why are you taking organic chemistry in high school?

Accepted- Eberly College of Science
SAT:Didn’t send
SAT IIs: Didn’t send
ACT: 26
GPA: 3.7
Rank: 280/1000
Other stats: Senior year course: AP macro, AP Gov, AP calc ab, AP psychology, theatre production

Subjective:
Essays:10/10, wrote about something I am really passionate about.
Teacher Recs: 10/10, the teachers that I asked to write me recs, loved me!
Counselor Rec: 10/10
Hook (if any):

Location/Person: NYC
State or Country: NY
School Type: Public, pretty large and prestigious school, over 4,200 students
Ethnicity: Hispanic
Race: Black
Gender: Male

If it helps, I applied on the 23rd of December.

@dandlion It must have something to do with the major you selected and the time you applied. Any application after November 30 faces much more rigorous selection and space availability. You were likely waitlisted because the program is currently full. So they are waiting to see who doesn’t accept their admission to determine if there is space available for you.

You can call and ask to change your major to a similar one that is still open. Or change to DUS (undecided) if available and then work towards your major from there.

What major did you apply for and when?

@dandlion Doesn’t surprise me that you got waitlisted. Those stats are way too good for Penn state. I got accepted into Smeal yesterday and my stats are nowhere near yours. Some schools when they see an overqualified applicant they waitlist or defer because in their eyes they see themselves as your safety school. However, if you show interest and email them they HAVE to let you in. Not gonna lie though you should be applying to some ivy league. Hope this helps

I’m an international student and I was accepted to Smeal College of Business on Feb 24th. Does anyone know if PSU offers aids for international students? I just got the acceptance letter online without any info on the money

@dandelion my D was also “waitlisted” for UP, but given her choice of other campuses. When she called, they basically said that her program, as well as DUS are full. She opted for waitlist, because she really wants UP.

I guess we are at the mercy of students who are no longer interested in Penn State. So PLEASE, if you don’t intend to go to Penn State, let the school know so they can offer spots to those who really want to be there.

@flute1298 Students have until May 1st to decide if they want to go to Penn State. I’m sure there will be a lot of spots available for students who are in waitlist. I’m a transfer applicant and I have to wait until MAY to hear back from Penn State. So relax and be thankful that D was waitlisted!

@utOOSman201 As I’ve reiterated several times in this thread, Penn State DOES NOT do that. Please don’t spread misinformation.

@NASA2014 Yes, I know that students have until May 1st.,including mine, who will have to choose a different school if she hasn’t heard from Penn State.

However, Penn State said that as students refuse spots, they will notify candidates.

So, as I have told my own kids, if you are sure you aren’t going, do the kind thing and let the school know now. Someone, somewhere will be very thankful that you did.
Nothing wrong with being empathetic.