<p>I can't seem to find the place to apply for it online. Also, how hard is it to get into? (I'm already in Smeal.)</p>
<p>Hi there -</p>
<p>The Sapphire Leadership Program will be sending out invitations for incoming freshmen to apply later this month.</p>
<p>Sapphire represents the top 8% in Smeal, with the program getting more competitive each year. If you are invited to attend, a lot of it deals with the leadership experiences you write about in your essays and how motivated you are as a person.</p>
<p>Even if you don’t get invited to apply as a freshman, we are creating a junior gate program that allows any junior to apply to become a Sapphire.</p>
<p>I hope this helps – if you have any more questions, you can post them here or shoot us an email at sapphireleadershipprogram@ gmail .com</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>I just received an invitation to apply to the Spphire Leadership Program. Does this mean only some incoming freshmen were invited to apply? And what is the acceptance rate into the program? Any help would be appreciated!</p>
<p>Hello!</p>
<p>This program invites students with high standing academics to apply but all students are welcome to complete the application on the Smeal website. In terms of acceptance, the program usually accepts about 10% of applicants. If you are not accepted as a freshman, there is a second chance to apply during your sophomore year. Let us know if you have any other questions!</p>
<p>Alex
-Sapphire President, 2012</p>
<p>Thanks Alex! How heavily weighted is each component of the application (i.e. essays, recommendations, etc.)? Are SAT scores and high school GPAs considered as well?</p>
<p>They are all weighted equally. We are looking for motivated students who are eager to learn. If you have anymore questions, e-mail me at <a href=“mailto:mittal@psu.edu”>mittal@psu.edu</a>.</p>
<p>Rishi
VP Leadership Development</p>
<p>Hey guys, I just had a quick question. How many freshman applications to Sapphire do you typically receive each year?</p>
<p>Usually we sort through about ~900 second screen applicants to identify a cohort of about 60-80. Smeal actually screens the first applicant pool for basic requirements (GPA, SAT scores, etc.), and we use essays and recommendations to cull out the 2012 cohort members.</p>
<p>I strongly encourage you to apply. You will have another opportunity during our Junior Gate!</p>
<p>Kyle
VP Marketing</p>
<p>Thank you Kyle! I am definitely applying. By the way, is there a specific GPA/SAT range for accepted applicants?</p>
<p>Good question. Generally there is a correlation between higher GPA/SAT scores and our accepted applicants - that’s just the nature of high-achieving students - but we definitely evaluate every application holistically. While the Smeal College of Business uses these scores to determine who receives initial invitations, anyone may apply and ALL applications are considered. However, Smeal does not release specific ranges at this time.</p>
<p>In my personal opinion, someone who did not receive an invitation yet took the initiative to apply anyway should always be considered. Hope to see you next Fall!</p>
<p>Kyle</p>
<p>Does the sapphire application essay need to be different from that of the universal penn state application?</p>
<p>does anyone know when sapphire starts sending out acceptances? how will we be notified… by email or letter?</p>
<p>A few days ago my son was offered conditional acceptance (via email) pending signing of the Sapphire contract. After signing and submitting the offer/contract he was sent an email today with a formal acceptance into the program. He is thrilled! We also had a great visit today at the Smeal Accepted Students Program! The overall program and tour was excellent and we met many high caliber, articulate, and passionate students who really do a good job representing Penn State!</p>
<p>Still waiting to hear back from them!</p>