How To Apply

First-Year Students

Whether you are just starting to research colleges and universities or you are ready to apply, we know there are many things to consider. We want to help you manage the process of applying to Penn State.

Winter Break: Dec 23 2024-Jan 1, 2025

Penn State offices will be closed for Winter Break beginning December 23, 2024 at 4:30 p.m. Normal business hours will resume Thursday, January 2, 2025.

Applying for First-Year Students

You are a first-year student if you are a U.S. citizen or permanent resident who is currently in high school or has completed fewer than 18 college credits.

Steps to Apply

Please review these helpful steps to understand the Penn State application process for first-year students.

Admission Requirements

Review the minimum high school course requirements and other details for admission to the University.

Application Review

Penn State receives over 100,000 first-year student applications, so ensure your application is as competitive as possible.

First-Year Student Resources

Ways to Apply to Penn State

MyPennState

MyPennState Application

Common App

Penn State is one of more than 800 colleges across the United States accepting applications through the Common App.

Apply on the Common Application

Before You Apply

Two important considerations before you begin your application:

What do you want to study?

Research our more than 275 majors to narrow down your choices or apply undecided.

Undergraduate Majors

Where do you want to study?

Research all of our twenty campus locations to find out which one is best for you.

Undergraduate Campuses

Penn Staters Make an Impact

On campus, off campus, and after they leave campus, Penn Staters are dedicated, involved, and ready to use our vast resources to make an impact.

Top 30

U.S. research university.

#1

Best Alumni Networks for Public Schools.

Princeton Review

1,000+

Student clubs and organizations.

Additional Information

To help you complete your Penn State application, be sure to research the important deadlines and learn more about the 2+2 plan.

Dates and Deadlines

Review the important deadlines for first-year students.

Dates & Deadlines for First-Year Students

2+2 Plan

Our 2+2 Plan allows students to start their Penn State experience at one campus before transitioning to another campus to complete their degree.

2+ 2 Plan Details

Class of 2025 Profile: Middle 50% Ranges

The ranges in the chart below represent the middle 50 percent of students offered admission to their first-choice campus for summer/fall 2024—they are not cutoffs or averages. These ranges are for estimating purposes only and in no way represents a promise or guarantee of admission.

Placing in the upper end of both ranges increases the likelihood of being offered your first choice of campus and/or major. Placing in the lower end may require you to be more flexible in making your campus (and perhaps major) choices.

Financing Your Education

We are committed to ensure your investment in an education leads to high-quality opportunities in and out of the classroom and well beyond graduation. Through a variety of financial programs and resources, Penn State is ready to support you as you begin your path to success.

Close-up photo of a student writing in a notebook

Tuition

We know costs are an important factor in any decision to invest in a college education. We want to help you make an informed choice.

Tuition & Costs

Financial Aid

Learn about student financial aid, understanding requirements, and your eligibility.

How Aid Works

Connect with Penn State

Questions? Visit our page to connect with an admissions recruiter.