Hey everyone! I'm currently a junior and starting to look into Pennsylvania State University as a potential school to apply to. Can anyone tell me what their admission requirements are, like GPA, test scores, and any special requirements for applying? Thanks in advance!
Hello! It's great that you're considering Pennsylvania State University for your college journey. Here's a breakdown of their admission requirements.
1. GPA: While there is no minimum GPA requirement, the average high school GPA of accepted students at Penn State is around 3.6-3.93 (on a 4.0 scale). It is important to note that having a GPA within this range does not guarantee admission, but it indicates a competitive academic background.
2. Test Scores: Penn State is test-optional for students applying for Fall 2023 and beyond due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This means that you can choose whether or not to submit your SAT or ACT scores, and your decision won't negatively impact your application. If you choose to submit test scores, the middle 50% of admitted students typically have SAT scores between 1290 and 1460, and ACT scores between 29 and 33. Keep in mind that these ranges are merely guidelines, and students with scores slightly outside of these ranges can still receive admission offers.
3. High School Requirements: Penn State generally expects applicants to complete the following high school core curriculum:
- 4 years of English
- 3 years of Social Studies (including US and World History)
- 3 years of Science (including 2 years of lab sciences like biology, chemistry, or physics)
- 3 years of Math (including Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II, or their equivalents)
- 2 years of Arts/Humanities or Foreign Language
4. Application Materials: When applying to Penn State, you'll need to submit their online application or the Common Application, a high school transcript, a list of extracurricular activities, a personal statement, and letters of recommendation (which are optional but encouraged).
Remember, admissions are holistic, and while meeting these requirements will make you a competitive candidate, your extracurricular activities, personal statement, and recommendations also play a significant role in the admissions process. Good luck in preparing your application!
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