When you start considering where you want to spend the next four years of your academic life, it is sometimes easy to overlook all the choices we have locally.
Pennsylvania State University is a world-class institution right in our own backyard. Founded in 1855 and expanded throughout the next century-and-a-half, PSU today boasts 275 majors and 1200 student organizations on over 20 campuses, including not only University Park, but campuses closer to our area such as Abington and Berks.
Further good news is that, as Pennsylvania residents, your family can save thousands of dollars on each semester’s tuition (see PSU’s Tuition and College Cost Estimator).
We spoke with a representative from Penn State’s Admissions Office about what’s new at the University.
She emphasized two recent changes: Early Action and Self-Reported Academic Transcripts.
Early Action allows students to apply by the beginning of November, rather than a month later. Applying by early action or priority submission dates gives you “the best chance of admission to [your] first choice campus and/or major.” PSU also guarantees that you “will be part of the early financial aid awarding process beginning in mid-February, if Penn State has received the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by December 1.” You have a good chance of getting a final decision earlier as well.
Self-reporting for academic transcripts, in which applicants submit their high school record as part of the application process, rather than having the school counselors send transcripts for each applicant, is a newer change. Our representative enthusiastically reports that it has streamlined the admissions process for everyone. For you, it’s one less document to chase down before applying. For PSU, it cuts down on paperwork to process. After admittance, an official transcript will be required.
Like most schools, PSU has long since abandoned the printed college catalog. All kinds of useful information—from student healthcare to scholarships to research opportunities to campus security—can be found on their extensive, user-friendly website. However, the admissions department invites you to contact them directly or through your college counselor’s office with any further questions you may have. You are especially encouraged to pay the campus of your choice a visit before or during your junior year.
The Undergraduate Admissions Department of Pennsylvania State University can be reached by email at admissions@psu.edu or by phone at 814-865-5471 during business hours.
At A+ Test Prep and Tutoring, our focus is always on you. Our practices are based on the latest developments in educational theory and research. Our excellent team of tutors can help with standardized testing, executive functioning, or achievement in any other school subject. If you would like more information, Client Service Directors Anne Stanley and Susan Ware at 215-886-9188. are available to answer questions and provide solutions.
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