First-Year Students
You are considered a first-year student if you are a currently in high school or have attempted fewer than 18 college credits after high school graduation.
Admission decisions for first-year students are made on the basis of several combined factors including:
- Final grades in all subject areas for years 9, 10, and 11 of high school
- Weighted average or class rank for students who have taken AP/Honors courses
- Required Carnegie (high school) units
- Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT)
Approximately two-thirds of the decision for each student is based upon the high school grade-point average (GPA). The remaining one-third of the decision is based on other factors, which may include your standardized critical reading and math test scores, class rank, personal statement, and activities list.
Penn State offers three methods for first-year students to apply for study at the University.
If you are an international student, please visit the international student admissions page.