| Happening Now: Admitted Student Events |
| Newly admitted students are invited to a variety of admitted student events taking place throughout the spring! They will get to know their program, campus resources, and first steps as the newest Nittany Lions. Events are offered on campus, virtually, and at select locations nationwide. |
| Virtual and Regional Events |
| Campus Events and Next Steps |
| Rolling Admissions |
| Penn State is on a rolling admissions model for the remainder of the 2026 admissions cycle, which means applications are evaluated, and decisions are issued as space becomes available across campuses and programs. Evaluations take approximately six weeks after applications are completed. Some flexibility is appreciated. |
| Students who completed their applications by the November 1 Early Action deadline have received their decision via the MyPennState Portal. Select programs, like Music, Theatre, and Accelerated Pre-medical/Medical, may extend evaluations into spring. |
| Students can track their progress in the MyPennState Portal. |
| Reconsideration Request |
| Penn State offers newly admitted students the option to be reconsidered for a different academic college or campus using the MyPennState Portal. Different selections do not guarantee a different decision; however, making the same selections as in the first application will result in the same decision. Only one reconsideration for the University Park campus is permitted. Terms and conditions for reconsideration are subject to change between admission cycles. |
| Penn State maintains a rigorous and equitable evaluation process that ensures each applicant’s academic profile supports a successful trajectory in highly competitive programs. |
| 2026 Admissions in Action |
| Here’s where we stand right now! |
| Test-Optional Becomes Permanent |
| University Faculty Senate has made Penn State’s Test Optional policy permanent, effective 2027, allowing applicants to choose whether to include SAT/ACT scores with their Penn State application. The program has been reassessed each year since its launch during COVID-19. The decision cites academic performance comparison analyses for students admitted before and after the program’s implementation, which suggest that the differences in academic outcomes “are small and may reflect broader shifts in student composition rather than the test-optional policy itself.” Faculty Senate also called for the program’s continued review in relation to student success. |
| Test Optional FAQs |
| Discover Award Kicks Off Nationwide |
| Penn State has started awarding the Discover Award to eligible students nationwide, marking a significant expansion from previous years when it was limited to students in Pennsylvania-contiguous states. Students receive a base merit award of $6,000 per year while enrolled at Penn State campuses other than University Park. The award is renewable upon successful completion of 24 credit hours with a 2.0 Penn State GPA and continued enrollment at a campus across the Commonwealth. Students are encouraged to submit the FAFSA to be considered for the award. |
| Smeal Direct Underway |
| A new admissions initiative from the Penn State Smeal College of Business is now underway. Smeal Direct, which was implemented beginning with summer/fall 2026 admissions, guarantees students admitted to Smeal at any Penn State campus a spot in a Smeal major, provided they meet academic progress standards and plan to complete their studies at University Park. Students gain early access to Smeal support services and peer networks. |
| The new initiative also means that the Penn State Division of Undergraduate Studies is no longer a guaranteed pathway to a Smeal major. |
| Smeal Direct FAQs |
| Penn State Celebrates Black History Month |
| Penn State recognizes that Black students, faculty, staff, and alumni inspire and empower communities around the world. During this National Black History Month, we honor the resilience and contributions of African Americans throughout American history |
| Black History Month Events |
| Connect With Us |
| The Penn State Undergraduate Admissions Office is available at admissions@psu.edu or 814-865-5471. |
