If you have any questions about this process, including the timeline, please contact our Office of Admissions at 724-334-5466 or [email protected].

Steps to Apply

  1. Fill out and submit an application.

  2. Complete the Self-Reported Academic Record

  3. Submit Official Test Scores or Get a Test-Optional Evaluation

1.  Fill out and submit an application. Students can apply using the following platforms:

Regardless of the platform you choose to use, you should create a MyPennState profile. You will use this account to provide your Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR). Other MyPennState perks: applicants who receive an offer of admission and decide to attend Penn State typically use the same ID to access many services on campus when they are a student, like checking email, scheduling classes and using computers on campus.

We recommend submitting your application by:

  • Fall and Summer Session Admission: November 15 for Early Action; otherwise, December 1. After December 1, applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
  • Spring Admission: November 1

Please note that in order to submit an application, you will need to pay a non-refundable application fee of $65 (domestic students).

Exceptions to the requirement to pay the application fee:

  • If you have visited campus before submitting your application.
  • If you have signed a Letter of Intent--and meet the criteria.
  • If you are a member of Phi Theta Kappa.
  • If you are financially eligible to have the application fee waived.  

If you meet any of these exceptions, first complete the online application without clicking “submit.”  Then contact one of our Admissions Counselor at 724-334-LION for further information about fee waivers. (Fee waivers cannot be applied to an application if it is already submitted.)

2.  Complete the Self-Reported Academic Record

We require all students to self-report their high school grades in place of sending a transcript. You must create a MyPennState account in order to self-report your grades regardless of which platform you used to submit an application.

Within your MyPennState account, there will be a section called Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR). You will be directed to a link to complete the SRAR.

We strongly encourage you to obtain a current copy of your high school transcript to ensure accurate entry of your coursework completed and grades earned. The SRAR will include all of your high school coursework from grades 9-11 and your grade 12 schedule. If your senior grades are available when you enter SRAR, you can enter them at that time.

View a step-by-step tutorial on how to complete your SRAR.

3.  Submit Official Test Scores

Penn State will be test-optional for summer/fall 2021 admission. We are making this change to give Penn State applicants a choice that will ease the anxiety that many future students and families are experiencing as a result of test-taking disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Test-optional means that students will have the opportunity to decide whether they would like us to include SAT or ACT exam scores in the evaluation of their application. Students should carefully deliberate their response to the test-optional question on the application. When making that decision, students should consider how they would like to present themselves in the application process at Penn State. 

See Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for test-optional evaluations.

For students wishing to submit official SAT or ACT scores:

Scores must be sent to Penn State directly from the appropriate testing agencies.

  • Penn State’s SAT Code: 2660
  • Penn State’s ACT Code: 3656

The writing component of standardized tests (SAT or ACT) is not required. The writing component will not be used as part of our evaluation. Additionally, we do not require SAT Subject Tests.

Your application will be complete after all these materials are received. You can check the status of your application and obtain all your latest Penn State updates by logging into your MyPennState account.

Have you earned college credit?

Current high school students and first-year applicants can transfer college credit to Penn State in a number of ways, including through examination or dual enrollment programs.