What are the admission requirements for Penn State Main Campus?

Penn State University Park (Main Campus) typically requires a high school GPA between 3.5 and 3.9 for competitive admission consideration. While Penn State follows a holistic review process, most successful applicants score between 1200 and 1400 on the SAT or 26 to 32 on the ACT. These numbers represent the middle 50% range of admitted students, meaning some students get in with lower scores while others score higher.

For the strongest chance of admission to Penn State Main Campus, you should complete a college preparatory curriculum including four years of English, three to four years of math through pre-calculus, three to four years of laboratory sciences, three to four years of social studies, and two or more years of a foreign language. Penn State values academic rigor, so taking Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate, or Honors courses can strengthen your application.

Extracurricular activities and essays do matter in Penn State's holistic review process. The admissions team looks for students who demonstrate leadership, community involvement, and unique talents or experiences. Your personal statement should highlight your achievements, explain your interest in Penn State, and showcase what you'll contribute to the campus community. Some competitive majors like Engineering, Business, and Computer Science may have additional requirements or higher academic expectations.

To apply to Penn State Main Campus, submit your application through the Common App or MyPennState application, including your official high school transcripts, standardized test scores (if choosing to submit them), and the required essay. Early action deadlines typically fall in November, while regular decision applications are due by December. Meeting these deadlines ensures full consideration for admission and merit-based scholarships.