Understanding the Penn State Acceptance Rate: What You Need to Know

5 min read

So, you've been looking for universities to continue your academic development, and you've identified Pennsylvania State University as a potential destination. First of all, excellent choice. Penn State is a highly regarded university with tons to offer, including a nationally ranked athletics program and ground-breaking student research programs. But how do you get into this esteemed state college?

We're glad you asked. At Varsity Tutors, we know a thing or two about the admissions process. Unlock the method to becoming the next Nittany Lion with this helpful overview of Penn State's acceptance rate, admissions requirements, and other essential information.

Penn State Admissions Overview

The first thing every student wants to know before applying to college is, "How hard is it to get into this school?" Well, for context, Penn State University receives upwards of over 100,000 applicants every year. This is a popular college for a reason, but don't let that number scare you off.

Despite the sheer amount of applicants every year, Penn State is only a moderately competitive university to get into, with an average admissions rate of about 55%. If you stick to the outlined admissions requirements and follow best practices, your chances of getting accepted will be greatly improved. Don't stress if you don't have a ridiculously high GPA or a stellar high school rank.

Of course, the acceptance rate varies by the major you're applying for. Some majors will require certain classes to be completed in high school, forcing you to do more prep work. For example, engineering, business, and computer science programs are typically harder to get into. But such things shouldn't matter to a rockstar like yourself.

Academic Requirements for Admission

The next question you may be wondering is, how smart do you need to be to get into PSU? What's considered a good standardized test score? Well, technically, there is no GPA "requirement,” and Penn State is currently a test-optional school, meaning you are not actually required to send your SAT or ACT scores as a part of your application. But should you?

That's entirely up to you! If you indicate that you want your standardized test scores to be considered as part of your evaluation process, they will absolutely do that. You may be an excellent test taker and want your scores to be showcased to admissions committees. (Conversely, your test scores may not reflect the type of student you actually are the same way your cumulative GPA and personal statement do.)

If you do decide to send your test scores, it's good to have a baseline target to shoot for. Let's take a look at the middle 50 percent of Penn State's enrolled students and review their high school GPAs, SAT scores, and ACT scores.

*This data is pulled straight from the Penn State official website.

High school GPA: Students at the University Park campus graduated high school with a GPA between 3.65 and 3.94.
ACT score: Students at the University Park campus scored between 1320-1480 on the SAT.
SAT score: Students at the University Park campus scored between 29-33 on the ACT.

If those numbers seem scary, don't fret. College prep courses, AP classes, honors programs, and after-school tutoring are great ways to strengthen your knowledge and boost your test scores.

Keep in Mind! Test scores aren't everything. This is simply data from the middle 50% of accepted students, not hard cut-offs or set-in-stone requirements. If you have a high school GPA that is below the numbers listed above, that does NOT mean you shouldn't still apply. The same goes for your ACT and SAT scores. Standardized test scores are unquestionably important to the admissions committee, but they're only a part of the equation.

Admissions for Transfer, International, and Out of State Students

Now, what if you are trying to get into Penn State, but you're not a first-time college student living in Pennsylvania? (Talking to YOU international, out-of-state, and transfer students). How does the admissions process change in these circumstances? Is the acceptance rate different? Let's break this down further (Spoiler: it's not that different).

Transfer Students

Must have proof of high school graduation or GED
Must have completed or attempted 18 credit hours at another post-secondary institution
Must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 or better to get into University Park, PA (cumulative)
Certain courses need to be completed (depending on the major you're transferring to), and you'll need a grade of C or better in those courses.

International Students

Must provide your academic records and a transcript of your last three years of work.
Must apply online via MyPennState or the Common App.
Must be proficient in the English language.
ACT and SAT scores are not required but are encouraged

Out-of-State Students

The application process for out-of-state students is the exact same as that for in-state students.
If you live outside of Pennsylvania and want to get into PSU, take note of the early action deadline and try to get your application turned in around then.

Tips for a Strong Application

Keep these general best practices in mind when crafting and submitting your college application.

Include your most challenging coursework and highest grades. Even if you don't have the world's greatest GPA, this will help the admissions committee see what you excel at.
Weigh whether or not you want to send in your test scores. Refer to the middle 50 percent data we discussed earlier and decide if your scores fall within that range. Consult with teachers or counselors for advice on this.
Showcase any and all extracurricular activities you've participated in -- sports, clubs, volunteer work. Highlight your leadership and team-building skills.
Write a strong personal statement and seek out letters of recommendation. Any teachers you've built a good relationship with will be more than thrilled to write a letter of recommendation for you, we promise you that.
Take advantage of the early action deadline! Applying early relays to admissions committees that you are serious about attending their university. It may also give you a leg up on other students.

Penn State Student Body and Campus Life

University Park, aka Happy Valley, is the main campus at Pennsylvania State University. The rural campus is absolutely enormous, nearly 8,000 acres big and brimming with housing, shops, and leisure destinations. Right outside of campus, you can find spots to hike, fish, golf, or whatever else you enjoy doing outside. The campus is essentially its own miniature city with everything a student could possibly need to thrive.

The student body? Incredibly diverse, curious, and forward thinking. You'll be surrounded by people from all walks of life with diverse interests and unique perspectives, challenging you to think in ways you never have before.

We wouldn't be able to write about Penn State without mentioning their love for football. The Nittany Lions are in Big 10 country, where football is taken a bit more seriously than in other regions of the U.S. If there's one thing admitted students will tell you to do on campus, it's to see a game at Beaver Stadium. Seriously, the energy is second to none.

Ready to embark on your college journey?

At Varsity Tutors, we have a mountain of resources available to you that will help you put forth the best college application possible. It is our duty to help you get into the college of your dreams! Consider reaching out to one of our professional tutors for one-on-one learning lessons catered to your learning style and educational goals. If you don't want to commit to tutoring, that's fine, too! Check out our blog for other college admissions resources and advice.

‍