<p>I know the Penn State app comes out on September 1. My question is when should I apply based on my GPA/SAT scores? </p>
<p>My GPA is about a 3.85 (top 15%), and my SAT score is 1900. I am re-taking the SAT's in October. </p>
<p>However, I wanted to know if I should wait until after the October SAT's when I hopefully get my scores up, or if I had a better chance by applying earlier in September. I know Penn State bases 2/3 of its decision of the HS transcript, so that leads me to think I should try to apply earlier, possibly before the SATs. </p>
<p>Why wait? Every year there are disappointed posters who weren’t accepted. Why not do everything you can to increase your chances of success? Your SATs are GOOD.</p>
<p>Penn State’s priority deadline is Nov. 30- but common knowledge is that the earlier you apply, the higher your chances of acceptance.</p>
<p>There is no downside to applying early (Sept) with your current scores. You can send in your Oct SAT later if you improve. FYI Penn State uses the best single sitting for SAT, and does not superscore.</p>
<p>rsmith4494, I have nearly IDENTICAL stats (3.93 GPA, 1880 SAT single-day sitting) as you and I have been wondering the same thing! However, I am an in-state resident. </p>
<p>I contacted both an admissions counseler at Penn State and my college planning group and asked whether applying as early as possible gives you an advantage in admissions, and I got the same answer from both: all applications sent in the priority timeline (September 1 - November 30) are CONSIDERED EQUALLY. However, I find this very hard to believe since there are so many applications to PSU and not enough room for everyone; it would seem logical to look at the appications in order based on the date they were sent and just keep admitting students until there is no more room.</p>
<p>Thank you Pens1394! It’s great to know that you actually got in touch with someone in the admissions office who said that is is equal for all who submit during the priority deadline, whether or not its late September or early November. Now whether or not they actually hold true to that like you were saying is another thing. I think I will take my chances and wait until after SAT scores come about. It should be October 20th-ish at the latest, which is still a month early. Thanks for the helpful tip!</p>
<p>rsmith- I would advise you to apply now and send your existing SAT scores. You can always send the October scores later. There is an advantage to applying early-as Penn State does release some admissions decisions in early November.</p>
<p>So if rsmith and I were to send our application in September online, can we submit our October SAT when we get the results back even though our application is already completed?</p>
<p>That’s what I was wondering. Wouldn’t they likely be done reviewing our applications by the time we sent in our October scores since it’s rolling admissions?</p>
<p>rsmith, Im leaning towards applying early (September) at this point. I think we both have strong enough grades/test scores that if we send what we have in it should be good enough for both of us to be admitted.</p>
<p>Good point, it’s not like we have drastically low numbers or anything. I think I will probably end up following your lead. Good luck in admissions!</p>
<p>Did this ALL last year with our daughter. She applied about 3rd week in october and was out of state. Her GPA was 3.75 was accepted on December 18th into Eberly college of science. I think alot has to do with what college within Penn State you apply to determines when you hear back ~ There were kids that applied the first days the application came out and still hadn’t heard back in Janruary. Hope this helps you.</p>