Students who apply by November 1 receive priority consideration for their top-choice program, campus, and start term, and non-binding admission offers as early as December for most programs. Encourage your students to apply Early Action!
Complete Applications
To be considered complete, whether for Early Action or later, applications must include the STARS record (formerly SRAR) and SAT or ACT scores if the applicant opts to provide them. Students can apply via MyPennState or CommonApp.
Test-Optional Permanent
As a reminder, Penn State’s Test Optional program, which allows applicants to choose whether to include SAT/ACT scores with their application, is now a permanent part of the admissions process. Applicants can self-report test scores.
Smeal Direct, which began with the summer/fall 2026 entering class, is a pathway for first-year students to be admitted directly to Smeal upon applying to Penn State. Applicants must select a Smeal major as their first-choice major on their application and, if they meet the required coursework and GPA requirements, are guaranteed placement in that major with the intention to graduate from the University Park campus. There is a competitive second-year entry based on capacity.
How does Smeal Direct help students??
Smeal Direct connects students at any Penn State campus with the Smeal community, including advisers, faculty, and career readiness resources as early as their first semester. Students can start at any campus, but must finish at University Park.
