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Easiest Penn State branch campuses to get into?

Hey peeps, I'm looking at Penn State and its multiple campuses. Anyone have insights on which Penn State college is the easiest to get into? How should I decide which one might be the best fit for me?

a year ago

Penn State operates with a system where students apply to Penn State as a whole rather than a specific campus, and the admission standards across campuses are generally consistent. However, certain campuses may be less competitive due to their size, location, or the relative demand among prospective students.

Penn State has its main University Park Campus, which is most competitive for admission. Its other campuses, known as the Commonwealth Campuses, like Altoona, Abington, Berks, Harrisburg, and Erie, The Behrend College, may have a somewhat higher acceptance rate.

To determine the right campus for you, consider factors beyond competitiveness. Start by considering the programs or majors each campus offers. Some campuses may have more specialized or robust programs in your areas of interest. Additionally, consider campus size, location, and available resources; these can greatly influence your college experience. For example, if you thrive in a smaller setting, then a smaller campus such as Abington or Berks might be a good fit.

Visit the campuses if you can, or at least do a virtual tour or chat with students or alumni. Seeing the campus and getting a feel for the students and culture can often be a better indicator of fit than any stat on a webpage.

Finally, remember that Penn State has the 2+2 Plan, which allows students to spend their first two years at one campus (which can be a smaller, Commonwealth campus) and then move to University Park or another campus for their final two years, depending upon their major. Every year, about 50% of the graduating seniors at University Park started their studies at a different Penn State campus. This plan offers greater flexibility and can be a good choice if you're looking to ultimately graduate from University Park but want a softer launch into college life.

a year ago

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