Apply to Penn State

As you consider Penn State as your college choice, it is important to understand our admissions process. We take a number of factors into consideration as we review your application, and it is to your advantage to get a head start in familiarizing yourself with the process.

Your Application

Several key components comprise a complete application. When you apply to Penn State, you will need to send us the following:

  • Your completed application form (web preferred)
  • $50 non-refundable application fee (waived when you visit the campus)
  • An official copy of your high-school transcript or a copy of your GED
  • Official transcripts from other colleges, the military, and AP scores, if applicable

Transfer students will also need to provide:

  • List of coursework in progress or planned prior to enrollment at Penn State
  • Catalog descriptions of all coursework completed and scheduled

In addition, you should have the following information available to include on your application:

  • Social Security Number
  • High school address and College Board code number
  • Immigrant visa information, if applicable
  • U.S. Military service information, if applicable

Deadlines

Penn State has rolling admissions, which means that there is no deadline for applying. However, we recommend that applications for first-year admission be submitted by November 30. Transfer students should be aware that evaluation of transfer applications does lengthen the review period, so transfer students are encouraged to apply as soon possible. As admissions criteria rise throughout the academic year, it may become more difficult to gain acceptance to your campus of choice or academic program.

First-Year Students

If you plan to begin in the Summer or Fall Semester:

  • If you apply by Nov 30, you can expect notification by Jan 31
  • If you apply by Dec 31, you can expect notification Feb 28
  • If you apply on or after Jan 1, you can expect notification after Mar 1

Transfer Students

If you plan to begin in the Summer or Fall Semester:

  • If you apply by Dec 31, you can expect notification by April 1
  • If you apply on or after Jan 1, you can expect notification late Spring

If you plan to begin in the Spring Semester:

  • If you apply on or after Jan 1, you can expect notification after Mar 1

MyPennState

We strongly recommend that future Penn State students complete their application online. To do so, you will need to create a MyPennState account. MyPennState will take you through the Admissions process step by step. With MyPennState you can get application information, fill out your application online, print a paper application, receive customized messages and reminders, and check the status of your application. You can work on the online application and save it, then retrieve it at a later time for revision, completion, and/or submission.

  • To create a MyPennState account, go to http://www.admissions.psu.edu/MyPennState and click “sign up now”. (Note: Make sure to remember your MyPennState user ID and password! Your application is linked to this account.)
  • To log into your MyPennState account, go to http://www.admissions.psu.edu/MyPennState.
    Should you need a paper application, you can print one by logging into MyPennState and clicking the “Apply via Paper” link on the right-hand side of the page. Or, call the Penn State Wilkes-Barre Admissions office at 570-675-9238 to request that a copy be mailed to you.