Applying for Admission
Step One: Two Ways to Apply
Students may apply using any of the following:
Both applications are available on August 1 for summer/fall admission. Remember: you receive an application fee waiver for visiting a campus (other than University Park) when visit before applying.
Admission to Penn State Altoona is on a rolling basis. Students interested in the University Park campus may apply for Early Action by submitting the application by November 1 and selecting the Early Action option. By applying through Early Action, students will have an admission decision by December 24. Choosing Early Action does not mean that the student is bound to accept their offer of admission.
Step Two: Choosing Your Campus
You’ll choose your first and alternate choice campus as part of the application. Penn State will only review your application for your alternate choice if we are unable to admit you to your first-choice campus. Admission to your alternate choice campus allows you to participate in Penn State’s 2+2 plan.
Step Three: Submit Required Application Materials
For your application to be complete for Penn State admission review, the following materials are needed, regardless of which application you used to apply:
- Application
- Self-reported High School Academic Record (SRAR)
- Note: Penn State is test-optional through fall 2025. If you choose to submit your test scores, please use the following codes for all Penn State campuses: SAT (code #2660) or ACT (code #3656)
You will be prompted to complete the SRAR once your application has been submitted. Please have your unofficial high school transcript available for reference when completing the SRAR.
If you choose to submit your SAT or ACT scores, please note that the writing component and SAT subjects tests are not required nor considered.
Some programs require additional items to complete your application so be sure to review our Admissions Requirements section of the Undergraduate Admissions website.
Step Four: Check Your Application Status in MyPennState
You can always check the status of your application in your MyPennState profile, which you will create as part of the application process. Penn State will communicate with you via MyPennState and through a series of emails regarding the missing items for your application. When everything has arrived, you will see a status in MyPennState confirming the completion of your application.
Please remember to check your email for important information from Penn State. It is your responsibility to check on the status of your application and send us any missing materials.
Step Five: Receive Your Admissions Decision
Once we have reached a decision regarding your application, we will update your status in MyPennState (domestic students also receive their decision via U. S. mail).
Financial Aid
Apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available on October 1. Penn State’s recommended filing date is December 1. You do not need to receive an admission decision before applying for financial aid. The FAFSA code for all Penn State campuses is 003329. Additional financial aid information, including scholarship information, is available on the Financial Aid website.
