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Admissions decisions for first-year students are made on the basis of several combined factors, including:
- Final grades in all subject areas for years nine, ten, and eleven of high school.
- Weighted average or class rank for students who have taken AP / honors courses.
- Required Carnegie (high school) units.
- Standardized test scores (SAT1 or ACT).
About two-thirds of the decision for each student is based upon the high school grade-point average (GPA). The remaining one-third of the decision is based on other factors, which might include standardized test scores, class rank, a student's personal statement, and activities list.
The following chart shows the middle 50 percent range for students offered full admission to Penn State in Fall 2008. They are not cutoffs or averages.
| High School GPA (4.0 scale) | Middle 50% Range | |
| Penn State University Park
All Other Campuses |
3.57 - 3.97
2.96- 3.41 |
|
| Combined SAT I | Middle 50% Range | |
| Penn State University Park
All Other Campuses |
1740 - 1980
1470 - 1710 |
|
| Composite ACT * | Middle 50% Range | |
|
Penn State University Park
All Other Campuses * Reading and math scores only; students taking the ACT are required to complete and submit the writing component |
26 - 30 20 - 25 |
|
