- Large research institution
- State university of Pennsylvania
- Super-sized! 95,000+ total enrolment
- All US states and 140+ countries represented
- 11,500+ international community
- Multi campus system – 20 unique campuses throughout the state. One university, geographically dispersed.
- Academically all campuses are the same – same syllabi, same calibre of faculty, same resources, etc. Difference is in the location and size – option of a smaller campus experience.
- 2+2 program. Students can attend two campuses by starting out at a smaller campus and then transition to University Park for the final two years.
- University Park is the flagship campus with 46,000+ students. University accommodation is guaranteed, and required, in the 1st year.
- Out of state applicants should focus on choosing a campus with accommodation in order to have the residential experience.
- 16:1 student faculty ratio
- 85% graduation rate (30% above the national average)
- 93% retention rate
- 275 academic programmes
Many programmes ranked in top 10 nationally - Offers undergraduate research opportunities from the freshman year
- $975 million research budget – only behind MIT and John Hopkins.
- Opportunities across all programmes, not just science.
- Direct admission: nursing, accelerated premed/medical programme, professional golf management, a handful of courses in the College of Art and Architecture, including architecture, and performance based majors like musical theatre
- Many students apply undecided (Division of Undergraduate Studies) – excellent academic advising is available and students can work with an advisor for 4 semesters before declaring at the end of their sophomore year
- World’s largest alumni association – 700,000+ worldwide
- Many internships. Careers service is ranked in the top 10 nationally
- Alumni have access to the careers service for life – useful for career changing
- Leader in online education – World Campus. Offering more than 175 degrees and certificates.
- Schreyer Honours College – additional application – 6 essays required, top 5-10% of HS class, a living and learning environment of passionate students – passion is emphasised in admissions decisions whatever the area of interest.
- Apply after undergrad application – given option to interview which you should definitely take. Academic scholarships, priority class scheduling, smaller classes individualised support. 4000 applications for 300 places.
- Applications are read location and name ‘blind’.
- Must explain your passion through your essays – make it a central theme.
- Gateway Admission to Schreyer – can apply at the end of your 1st or 2nd years. Will require a recommendation from a faculty member
- Millennial Science Programme for students who want to be researchers and/or pursue a PhD.
- 300+ study abroad programmes – 5th in US for number of students who study abroad – a few weeks or a full year.
- 1,200 clubs and societies
- Division 1 athletics. Big 10.
- Division 3 sports available on some campuses
- Can apply via Common App, Coalition or directly on the Penn State website
- Choose programme/undecided + choose campus: 1st and 2nd choice
- Academic record is the most significant part of the admissions evaluation
- No disadvantage if you don’t send tests
- University Park is very competitive. Consider 2+2 if it is a stretch for direct entry.
- Best chance to get into UP is to apply Early Action
- Reasons not to apply to UP – less competitive, financial savings, smaller campus experience, option to transition later through 2+2.
- Application includes: self reported academic record (SRAR), SAT/ACT grades – test optional, MyPennState Profile
- Grade requirements for University Park are higher than other commonwealth campuses
- Early Action – Nov 1st – Dec 24th admission decision
- Popular programmes go in Early Action – if Penn is a top choice then Early Action is strongly advised
- Option of Summer Session – 6 weeks at University Park before 1st semester to get used to university life. For about 2000 students. Take 2 classes. Highly recommended.
- Costs are significantly higher at University Park. Check current figures on the website, but UP can be up to $10,000 more expensive. Another benefit to considering the 2+2 option.
- Over 1 billion in total financial aid.
- Around 68% receive aid, but the average is around $2,500. A large amount but spread over a lot of students.
- Not many major scholarships.
Visit the Penn State University website
