First-Year Students/ Admissions Requirements

Admissions decisions for first-year students are made on the basis of several combined factors including:

• Final grades in all subject areas for 9th, 10th and 11th grades
• 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 is based upon the high school GPA. The remaining one-third of the decision is based on other factors, which may include standardized test scores, class rank, personal statement, and activities list.

 

High School GPA* Middle 50% Range		Composite SAT Middle 50% Range		Composite ACT Middle 50% Range
University Park	3.51-3.90	University Park	1180-1340	University Park	26-30
All other Campuses	2.87-3.35	All other Campuses	960-1150	All other Campuses	20-25
*High School GPA range is based on a 4.0 scale.

Although different academic programs have different admissions criteria, these numbers represent the middle 50% of students who were offered admission last year. Students who fall above and below these ranges may be eligible for admission. We encourage you to apply and let us decide what admissions options are available. Contact us at 570-963-2500 or email us at wsadmissions@psu.edu, if you have any questions concerning your eligibility for admissions.

The SAT ranges reflect the old SAT 1 test. Currently, Penn State may use the new SAT scores for placement purposes, but will begin using them for admission evaluations beginning in 2008.