I have a question regarding Smeal Business School and the College of Information Sciences and Technology. Which one would I have a higher chance of getting into? I know they are both competitive and Penn State is a competitive school.
The reason why I am asking this is because I am confused whether I should apply as a Information Technology Major or Finance major. Whichever gives me a greater chance of getting into Penn State. Btw I am OOS.
Smeal is the most difficult college within Penn State to gain acceptance. So not even knowing your stats, I’d say IST is definitely less competitive. What are your grades and test scores?
IST.
3.46 gpa and 1240 sat
@jlhpsu 3.46 gpa and 1240 sat
Is 3.46 unweighted or weighted? A 3.55 would put you in the 25th percentile of accepted students at UP. Your SAT is near the 25th percentile as well. Typically students below the 25th percentile are either recruited athletes, special circumstances, or a local kid whose family works at the university. Now that doesn’t mean you have no chance, but I think it’s more likely you may be deferred to a branch/commonwealth campus…or whatever campus you put down as your second choice. If your heart is really in finance, Behrend in Erie has an amazing finance program. Re: University Park, I personally think you are on the bubble and will definitely need to check off that you are willing to start in the summer. However, before you do that, you should run the net price calculator with your parents for PSU. Penn State isn’t known for generous financial aid for out of state students. You will need to go into this assuming you are full pay. For summer, that could mean an extra $8K and you basically start college almost right after graduation.
You have no chance getting into Smeal as most (90%?) are denied for this college. Admits tend to have 1450+/3.8+. It’s the most selective college for high school applicants.
IST and other majors are iffy with a 3.46 but if you have good rigor (15+honors/AP) you may have a shot at IST.