Pennsylvania State University, commonly known as Penn State or PSU, is a public land grant research University located in Academic facilities throughout the state of Pennsylvania. Its primary campus is located in University Park, but the university has 23 additional campuses across Pennsylvania, in addition to its online campus.
What is Penn State?
Penn State, founded in 1855 as the Farmers’ High School of Pennsylvania, became the state’s only land grant research University in 1863. In 2001, the University Park Campus of Penn State was named one of 30 “public ivies”. Its current instructional mission includes undergraduate, graduate, professional, and continuing education offered through resident instruction and online delivery.
Testing Scores for Admission
According to the college, the average SAT score ranges from 1270 to 1450, while the average ACT score is between 28 and 33. The average unweighted GPA of acceptance ranges between 3.59 and 3.93. As such, GPA is just as important as the main two standardized tests.
Acceptance & Graduation Rate
To get into Penn State, a student’s standardized test scores and high school GPA have to be good. This is reflected in the acceptance rate as it is 55%. However, this school has enrolled good students as the graduation rate is 98%.
How Are Applicants Rated?
There is only one factor that Penn State ranks as being “very important” to their admissions process and that is an applicant’s GPA. The only category ranked as “important” is the rigor of one’s secondary school record. Six factors are “considered” by Penn State. Those are: standardized test scores, talent/ability, legacy status, geographical residence, state residency, and racial/ethnic status.
Tips to Get Into Penn State
- You can apply via the Common Application by November 1 to meet the Early Action deadline. The Regular Decision deadline is December 1.
- You must list an Intended Major/Program of Study on the supplemental Common App form. There are a number of Direct Admit Majors at PSU.
- Penn State does not consider “demonstrated interest” so you will not be judged on whether or not you made a campus visit, contacted an admissions officer, etc.
- Penn State does not offer interviews. Therefore, the best way to personalize the admissions process is through your essays and recommendations.
How Does Compare to Other Top Universities?
Penn State’s yield rate—the percentage of accepted students who elect to enroll, divided by the total number of students who are admitted was only 19%. To compare this school to other flagship public institutions, UT-Austin (48%), UGA (37%), and Ohio State (31%) all have significantly higher yields.
Are you or will you be attending Penn State University?
Stock up on gear to show your pride for the Lions. Grab this sweatshirt, decals for your laptop, or this Penn State pennant.
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