New Students

Congratulations! We are excited to welcome you to the Penn State family.

Now that you've accepted your admission to Penn State University you probably have a lot of questions about what's next and we're here to help.

What's next?

We want to help you to be successful at Penn State Scranton and make the most of your time with us on campus. Let's get started! 

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1. Placement Testing

The ALEKS Math Assessment, used to evaluate your readiness to take college-level math and science courses, is not required for all students. 

Who is required to take ALEKS?

  • If you took calculus as part of your high school course work, you are not required to complete ALEKS. You will place directly into college calculus.
  • If you completed high school calculus but are concerned about your readiness to succeed in college-level mathematics and science courses, we encourage you take the ALEKS Math Assessment to help make an informed decision with your academic adviser.
  • If you did not take calculus as part of your high school course work, you are required to complete ALEKS prior to attending New Student Orientation. Your NSO Task list will provide you with a personalized message stating whether ALEKS is required for you.
More About ALEKS & Course Placements
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2. Immunization Records

Because the health and safety of the Penn State community is at the top of our priority list, all new students must submit proof of immunizations to Health Services before the start of the fall semester. If you do not meet the immunization requirement(s), you will not be able to register for classes.  

four students in Penn State attire speak with New Students

3. New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation is designed to introduce new students and their families to campus resources and student services at Penn State Scranton.  New first-year students will schedule classes during NSO.

Learn More
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4. Create a Class Schedule

All students meet with an academic adviser to register for classes and create a schedule that meets their needs and the requirements of their chosen degree.

New first-year students will schedule classes during New Student Orientation, while transfer students will contact their assigned academic adviser to make an individual appointment.

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5. Pay Your Bill

Semester invoices typically arrive about 6 weeks prior to the start of classes and can be paid online in LionPATH. You will receive an email when your bill is ready. 

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Don't miss Welcome Week!

Welcome Week at Penn State Scranton kicks off the fall semester and is designed to support new and returning students in their ongoing transition into the campus community. Through fun activities, events, and programs that reinforce the Penn State Values, we take this time to get to know our new students and welcome them to campus.

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What is First Year Seminar?

The First-Year Seminar, an engaging experience designed to introduce new Penn Staters to University resources, acclimates students to the academic and social culture of Penn State Scranton. During this one-credit course, we’ll help you choose and confirm a career path and introduce you to your peer mentor.

three smiling students in an office setting

New Student Programs

Engaging programs designed to introduce new Penn Staters to University resources and help acclimate students to the academic and social culture of Penn State Scranton.