Dates & Deadlines for First-Year Students
With more than 100,000 applications, one of the best things you can do to make your application as competitive as possible is to apply early! Paying attention to deadlines is key in the college admissions process, and Penn State only has one big deadline to remember – our Early Action Deadline is November 1.
After November 1, Penn State reviews applications on a rolling basis, and options will become more competitive for admission, particularly at the University Park campus. Additionally, there are some programs that have limited enrollment and specific application dates.
To meet the application deadlines outlined below, submit a complete application by the provided date.
Fall and Summer Application Dates and Deadlines
Term | App Opens | Complete Application Deadline | Admission Notification | Deadline for Accepting Offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Early Action | August 1 | November 1 | By December 24 | May 1 |
Regular Admission | August 1 | Rolling after November 1 | Rolling beginning in January | May 1 |
Early Action | August 1 | November 1 | By December 24 | May 1 |
Regular Admission | August 1 | Rolling after November 1 | Rolling beginning in January | May 1 |
*Some programs do not qualify for Early Action or have different deadlines and notification timelines.
Special Programs Application Dates and Deadlines
Program | App Opens | Complete Application Deadline | Admission Notification | Deadline to Accept Offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
August 1 | October 15 | Interview selection: by December 24; Final decisions: in February | May 1 | |
August 1 | December 1 for University Park; Other Campuses: Rolling* | By January 31 (for those that apply after November 1) | May 1 | |
August 1 | October 15 | Interview selection: by December 24; Final decisions: in February | May 1 | |
August 1 | December 1 for University Park; Other Campuses: Rolling* | By January 31 (for those that apply after November 1) | May 1 |
*Although the final deadline for Nursing at University Park is December 1, applying by the Early Action deadline of November 1 is recommended.
Late Application Information
Students are most competitive for their intended campus and/or major if they follow the schedule outlined above. But many of our campuses, with the exception of University Park, accept applications throughout the spring and summer and notify applicants of their admission on a rolling basis. The application closes on July 28 for students applying for the fall semester.
Spring Application Information
Some of Penn State’s programs are not available for spring admission. Additionally, spring admission is limited at the University Park campus, so apply early for your best chance of admission.
Spring Application Dates and Deadlines
Term | Application Available | Complete Application Deadline | Admission Notification | Deadline for Accepting Offer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Regular Admission | June 1 | December 1 | Rolling, but no later than mid-December | Varies based on date of offer of admission |
Regular Admission | June 1 | December 1 | Rolling, but no later than mid-December | Varies based on date of offer of admission |
Honors Program Application Information
The Schreyer Honors College requires the completion of an application in addition to the Penn State Undergraduate Admissions application. Review the important application and notification dates below for applications to the Schreyer Honors College. For more information on the selection process, please visit the Schreyer Honors College website.
Schreyer Honors College Dates and Deadlines
Term | Application Available | Application Deadline for Interview | Final Application Deadline | Decisions Announced |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Summer/Fall Admission | August 1 | November 1 | December 2 | Late February/ |
Summer/Fall Admission | August 1 | November 1 | December 2 | Late February/ |
The Millennium Scholars Program also requires the completion of an application in addition to the Penn State Undergraduate Admissions application. Review the important application and notification dates below for applications to the Millennium Scholars Program. For more information on the selection process, please visit the Millennium Scholars Program website.
Millennium Scholars Program Dates and Deadlines
Term | Application Available | Application Deadline | Interview Weekend for Invited Applicants | Decisions Announced |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Summer/Fall Admission | August 1 | December 2 | Late February/ Early March | Mid-March |
Summer/Fall Admission | August 1 | December 2 | Late February/ Early March | Mid-March |
Financial Aid Timeline
The Office of Student Aid at Penn State is responsible for making all financial aid awards.
Penn State recommends that the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) be submitted to receive maximum consideration for all types of student aid. The FAFSA is available online at studentaid.gov. Review the important financial aid dates for first-year students below.
Financial Aid Dates and Deadlines
Semester | FAFSA Available | FAFSA Deadline | Aid Award Notification |
|---|---|---|---|
Fall Semester | December 1 | As soon as possible after the FAFSA becomes available | Rolling throughout spring |
Summer Session | Available when applying -- previous academic year's FAFSA | June 30 | Spring, and rolling until start of session |
Fall Semester | December 1 | As soon as possible after the FAFSA becomes available | Rolling throughout spring |
Summer Session | Available when applying -- previous academic year's FAFSA | June 30 | Spring, and rolling until start of session |
Please visit the Office of Student Aid website for more information about the student aid process and for specific deadlines.