Admission decisions for first-year students are made on the basis of several combined factors:
- Final grades in all subject areas for years nine, ten, and eleven of high school
- Weighted average or class rank for students who have taken AP/Honors courses
- Required Carnegie (high school) units
- SAT or ACT scores (SAT code #2660 or ACT code #3656)
*Standardized test scores are optional for 2022-2023* - Extra-curricular activities
The writing component of standardized tests (SAT or ACT) is not required, and will not be used as part of your evaluation. If your test scores include the writing component, by all means, have those scores sent to Penn State. Additionally, we do not require SAT subject tests. (Please note: For the 2022-2023 academic year, standardized tests are be optional.)
Sometimes other items are considered for students whose applications require additional review:
- Class rank for students with Honors or AP courses whose schools do not supply a weighted GPA
- A personal statement
- Co-curricular activity list
Approximately two-thirds of the decision for admission is based upon your high school GPA and one-third on standardized tests, if you chose to include SATs or ACTs in your application. In the absence of test scores, we look at all factors of a student’s application, including grades earned in academic coursework; performance in honors, International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement courses; a student’s essay/personal statement; involvement in activities; and other achievements.
Penn State Wilkes-Barre’s Admissions team is here to assist you in the application process. If you have any questions, call the Admissions office at 570-675-9238 for more information.
