PENN STATE UNIVERSITY – PENNSYLVANIA – USA

  • 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.

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