What you will need to apply to Penn State:
Admission decisions for first-year students are made on the basis of several combined factors:
Admission Requirements for Freshmen
- Final grades in all subject areas for grades 9-11
- Weighted average or class rank for students who have taken AP/Honors courses
- Required Carnegie (high school) units
- Standardized test scores (SAT or ACT)*
SAT (Penn State code #2660)
ACT (Penn State code #3656)
*Please note: The writing component of standardized tests (SAT or ACT) is not required. The writing component will not be used as part of our evaluation. If your test scores include the writing component, by all means, have those scores sent to Penn State. Additionally, we do not require SAT Subject Tests.
Penn State will be test optional through Fall 2025.
Optional Considerations
Other items sometimes considered for students whose applications require additional review:
- Class rank for students with Honors or AP courses whose schools do not supply a weighted GPA.
- A personal statement
- Co-curricular activity list
Application Process
Penn State Scranton's Admission team is here to assist with the first-year student application process. The specific forms and documentation required are different depending on the type of applicant.
How are admission decisions made?
Approximately two-thirds of the decision for admission is based upon your high school GPA and one third on standardized tests, if you chose to include SATS/ACTS in your application.
In absence of test scores, we look at all factors of a student's application including grades earned in academic coursework; performance in honors, International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement courses; a student's essay/personal statement; involvement in activities; and other achievements.
