What you need to know about applying to colleges and universities in Pennsylvania

A new school year is at hand, but it’s not too soon to look ahead to next fall.

The Centre Daily Times took a look at the admission process at several colleges and universities across Pennsylvania and gathered the information here.

In many cases, colleges that do not require SAT/ACT scores during the admission process want students to submit a score before they begin their first year.

Below is what you need to know about application deadlines, minimum admissions requirements, application fees, deadlines and more.

Penn State

First-year student applications for the summer and fall semesters are available as of Aug. 1 and are evaluated on a modified, rolling admissions schedule.

Students who apply through “early action” must submit their applications by Nov. 1. They will receive an admission decision by Dec. 24. The university describes early action as “a non-binding commitment by Penn State to respond to applicants earlier in the admissions decision cycle.”

Penn State recommends students who do not choose early action submit their complete application by Dec. 1. Applications are still accepted after that date, but “admission becomes more competitive,” the university says.

Test scores

Students have the option of submitting SAT or ACT scores as part of their application through summer/fall 2023.

Admission requirements

Penn State does not have a minimum grade point average or standardized test score for admission, its website states.

The middle 50% of students offered admission to the University Park campus as their first choice for summer/fall 2022 had a high school GPA from 3.59 to 3.93. At all other campuses, it ranged from 3.12 to 3.78. The middle 50% of students who were offered admission at University Park as their first choice for summer/fall 2022 had SAT scores between 1270 to 1450 and ACT scores between 28 to 33. At all other campuses, the middle 50% of students had SAT scores between 1090 to 1310 and ACT scores between 23 to 30.

The university does not require letters of recommendation and they are not used in a student’s evaluation unless required for a specific program.

The College of Agricultural Sciences, College of Arts and Architecture, Donald P. Bellisario College of Communications, College of Education, College of Health and Human Development, College of the Liberal Arts, College of Nursing and Division of Undergraduate Studies have set these minimum high school requirements for admission to a bachelor’s degree program:

• Four units in English, including one each in composition and literature
• Three units in any combination of social studies, arts or humanities
• Three units in science
• Three units in algebra (at least algebra I and II) and geometry
• Two units in a single world language other than English

The Smeal College of Business, all other business programs, College of Earth and Mineral Sciences, College of Engineering, engineering/engineering technology at Erie and Harrisburg, College of Information Sciences and Technology, Eberly College of Science, and science at Altoona, Abington, Berks, Erie, Harrisburg and Lehigh Valley have an additional math requirement: algebra I, algebra II and geometry, plus half a unit of trigonometry, precalculus or calculus.

Students who earned a GED diploma must have official high school transcripts through the last year completed and official GED transcripts sent directly to Penn State from the high school and GED testing center.

How to apply

Students can create an account through MyPennState to apply or use the Coalition Application or Common Application, which will direct them to MyPennState to complete their academic record. Applicants submit their high school record instead of school counselors sending transcripts, an initiative known as Self-Reported Academic Record.

Applicants will also choose a program of study and their top two campus choices. Students can check MyPennState for the latest information about their application.

There is a $65 fee for domestic students, though applicants can request a waiver.

Acceptance rate

For summer/fall 2021, 52% of applicants were admitted at the University Park campus. Admission rates are higher at other Penn State campuses.

Test scores accepted as credit

Advanced Placement test scores of 4 or 5 can be counted as credit in most subjects, and scores of 3 can be counted in some subjects. International Baccalaureate students can receive credit for exams taken at the higher level and graded 5 or above.

Temple University

The application period for the fall semester is open as of Aug. 1. First-year students can choose early action — apply by Nov. 1 and receive a decision by Jan. 10, 2023 — or regular decision — apply by Feb. 1, 2023, and receive a decision in four to eight weeks. The university says early action is not binding and students who apply by that deadline are admitted at a higher rate.

Test scores

Students have the option of submitting SAT/ACT scores. “Choosing to not submit your scores does not negatively impact your application,” the university says.

Admission requirements

The average GPA for the fall 2021 incoming class was 3.46, while the average SAT score was a 1247 and the average ACT score was 29. The university says it is looking for students with at least B average in high school and a GPA in the 3.0 range in college prep courses, with this course distribution:

• Four units in English
• Four units in college preparatory math
• Two units in foreign language (same language and culture)
• Three units in history/social studies
• Three units in science (two years of lab)
• One unit in the arts
• Three units in other college preparatory courses

How to apply

Temple uses the Common Application. Students must provide a copy of their high school diploma, GED certificate or proof of homeschool completion. Letters of recommendation are optional.

After the Common Application is submitted, students will be directed to set up a TUportal account. That’s where they will submit their self-reported high school transcript, provide any other necessary information and check the status of their application.

The application includes a $55 fee, though students can seek a waiver through federal or state programs.

Acceptance rate

For fall 2021, Temple had an acceptance rate of 72%.

Test scores accepted as credit

Depending on the subject, AP exam scores of 3, 4 or 5 will be accepted for credit. With the exception of some sciences, IB students can receive credit for exam scores of at least 5.

University of Pennsylvania

The university publicized a new application cycle opening Aug. 1.

The early decision application deadline is Nov. 1. Students will receive a decision by mid-December, and those who are accepted through this program must accept admission.

The deadline to apply through regular decision is Jan. 5, 2023. Those students will receive a decision by April.

Test scores

The university has extended its test-optional policy through the 2022-23 admissions cycle. Students can include SAT/ACT scores if they wish. “Students who are unable or choose not to submit test scores will not be at a disadvantage in the admissions process,” the university says.

Admission requirements

“We encourage you to consistently take classes in core academic areas (English, social studies, math, science, and foreign language) throughout your four years of high school,” the university says. “We expect that every student who applies to Penn will challenge themselves in high school based on the opportunities offered at their school.”

How to apply

Penn accepts the Common Application and the Coalition Application. The university says it does not prefer one over the other.

Applicants pay a $75 fee unless they receive a waiver.

Acceptance rate

For fall 2021, Penn offered admission to 6% of applicants.

Test scores accepted as credit

Penn will accept AP exam scores of 5 for credit in most subjects, and scores of 4 will by applied to the subject requirement. IB exam scores of no lower than 5 can be counted as credit, though several subjects have 6 as a minimum score.

University of Pittsburgh

Pitt has a rolling admissions policy, meaning there is no set application deadline for first-year students. However, those who submit all required materials by Dec. 1 are automatically considered for university academic scholarships.

Test scores

Pitt remains test-optional through fall 2023.

“If you do not consider your test results to be an accurate reflection of your past academic performance and future academic potential, you may want to apply test-optional,” the university says. “Subsequently, if you have SAT/ACT results you believe add to your overall academic portfolio, you are invited to submit those scores.”

Admission requirements

The middle 50% of students offered admission for fall 2021 at the Pittsburgh campus had SAT scores between 1250 and 1490 and ACT scores between 27 and 34 — though ranges varied depending on the school.

High school course requirements also vary depending on which school a student wishes to enter.

How to apply

The university accepts the University of Pittsburgh Application and the Common Application. Applicants will be asked to choose their top three campuses. Students who are applying test-optional or seeking scholarships must to provide a personal statement or the Common App essay. First-year students must submit their Self-Reported Academic Record; students will either receive a link to complete their SRAR or will find it as part of the application, depending on which app the use.

There is a $55 application fee.

Acceptance rate

For fall 2021, 67% of applicants were admitted to the Pittsburgh campus.

Test scores accepted as credit

Pitt will accept AP exam scores of 4 or 5 for credit toward most subjects, while scores of 3 will be counted in a handful of courses. IB exam scores of 5, 6 or 7 will be accepted for credit.

Bloomsburg University

Applications are now available.

Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis and most students will receive a response within 48 hours of completing their application. Early applicants (before Dec. 1) receive priority consideration for scholarships. The nursing program has a Nov. 15 application deadline.

Bloomsburg, Lock Haven and Mansfield now operate as the Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania.

Test scores

The university is SAT/ACT-optional for first-year students. “Applicants will not be penalized or otherwise disadvantaged if they do not submit and standardized test score with their admissions application,” the university says.

Admission requirements

The average student admitted to Bloomsburg has a B-plus average in high school, a 1070 SAT or 23 ACT (1180 SAT, 24 ACT for nursing), is ranked in the top 30% of their class and has taken a college prep curriculum in high school.

How to apply

Students can submit an online application, along with a $35 fee.

Guidance counselors are asked to send a paper or electronic copy of the student’s high school transcript. Students can check their status via their MyHusky account, which they will receive details about after submitting an application.

Acceptance rate

U.S. News & World Report says the fall 2020 acceptance rate was 89%.

Test scores accepted as credit

AP exam scores are accepted for most subjects.

California University of Pennsylvania

Applications are immediately evaluated, and the university aims to reach decisions within two weeks. California, Clarion and Edinboro merged to become Pennsylvania Western University, or PennWest, as of July.

Test scores

SAT/ACT scores are optional.

Admission requirements

California University evaluates students on a range of factors such as class rank, GPA, type of curriculum completed in relation to major, school counselor or other recommendations, personal essay, campus interview, standardized test scores, activities and maturity. High school students are expected to have completed the following coursework:

• Four years of language arts literacy (language, communication, writing composition, research, logic, technical and business reading and writing, informational text, media, and literature)
• Three years of math (algebra I, geometry and a third-year course in either algebra II or probability/statistics. Math or math-based science is highly recommended in the senior year)
• Three years of science (biology with lab, chemistry with lab and other lab or technical science, such as physics, engineering, environmental or Earth science.
• Three years of social studies (civics, U.S. history, world history, geography and economics)

How to apply

First-year students can fill out the PennWest California Application or the Common Application. Applicants must submit a $35 fee and official high school transcript. SAT/ACT scores, letter(s) of recommendation and personal essay are all optional.

Acceptance rate

U.S. News & World Report says the fall 2020 acceptance rate was 94%.

Test scores accepted as credit

Students may receive credit for AP exam scores of 3 or higher.

Cheyney University of Pennsylvania

The application process is open.

Test scores

SAT/ACT scores are optional.

Admission requirements

The university has identified five general requirements: GPA, strength of curriculum, class rank, attendance and SAT/ACT scores. The following curriculum is recommended:

• Three years of math
• Four years of English language
• Three years of sciences
• Three years of social studies
• Two years of foreign language

How to apply

Students can complete an application and forward it and a $25 fee to the admissions office. An official high school transcript also must be submitted.

Acceptance rate

The CDT could not confirm Cheyney’s acceptance rate.

Test scores accepted as credit

Students who earn AP exam scores of 3 or higher, or IB exam scores from 4 to 7 may be eligible for credit.

Clarion University

Clarion reviews applications starting in July and operates on a rolling admission policy. Students can expect to receive a response to their completed application within 10 business days.

Test scores

SAT/ACT scores are optional in the admissions process for students with a GPA of 2.5 or higher, though GPA does not guarantee admission.

Admission requirements

Clarion looks at applicants’ high school curriculum, GPA, SAT/ACT scores and letters of recommendation and essay (optional). The suggested high school course of study is as follows:

• Four units of English
• Four units of math (usually algebra, geometry, trigonometry or precalculus)
• Three units of lab science (usually biology, chemistry and another inquiry-based lab or technical science)
• Two units of social sciences (usually world cultures, history, psychology or sociology)
• Two or more years of a language are strongly encouraged

How to apply

Students can apply online or fill out a printable application.

The fee is $35 with the online application and $40 with the printed version, though waivers are available.

Acceptance rate

U.S. News & World Report says the fall 2020 acceptance rate was 94%.

Test scores accepted as credit

Students can receive credit for AP exam scores of 3, 4 or 5. IB students can receive credit for a 5 or above on standard level exams and 4 or above on higher level exams.

East Stroudsburg University

The fall 2023 application process began June 1. The university has a rolling admissions policy and recommends students apply between June and December of their senior year. Completed applications are evaluated within four weeks.

Test scores

SAT/ACT scores are required for prospective nursing students and are optional for all other programs as part of the admissions process.

How to apply

Students can submit the ESU Application or the Common Application, along with a $25 fee. Guidance counselors should send the applicant’s official high school transcript to the university.

Acceptance rate

U.S. News & World Report says the fall 2020 acceptance rate was 80%.

Test scores accepted as credit

Grades of 3 or higher on AP exams will be accepted for credit. IB exam scores of 4 to 7 will be accepted for credit.

Edinboro University

Edinboro offers rolling admissions for undergraduates. High school students can apply anytime after July 1 after completing their junior year. Fall 2023 applications are available as of Aug. 1. The early action deadline is Nov. 1 and the priority deadline for admission and scholarship consideration is March 1. The school makes admission decisions within about two weeks of receiving completed applications.

Test scores

SAT/ACT scores are optional for 2023 admission.

How to apply

Students can apply online, where they will create an account. Students can have their SAT/ACT scores sent directly to Edinboro or included on their transcript. An official high school transcript must be sent directly from the school to the university. Students who received a GED diploma must forward must their score report and an official high school transcript to the university.

The CDT could not confirm Edinboro’s application fee.

Acceptance rate

U.S. News & World Report says the fall 2020 acceptance rate was 85%.

Test scores accepted as credit

AP exam scores of 3, 4 or 5 may be counted toward college credit.

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

The fall 2023 application period opened July 1. Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis.

Test scores

SAT and ACT scores are optional through the class starting in fall 2025.

Admission requirements

IUP does not require specific high school courses for admission. Students must have completed coursework required by the state of Pennsylvania to receive a high school diploma. The average student had an SAT score of 1050, an ACT score of 22 and a GPA of 3.32. Some majors have special requirements.

How to apply

Students can apply online or download a paper application. There is no application fee for undergraduate students who live in the U.S.

Acceptance rate

U.S. News & World Report says the fall 2020 acceptance rate was 93%.

Test scores accepted as credit

AP exam scores of at least 3 can be counted toward credit. IB students can receive credit for higher level exam scores of 4 or higher.

Kutztown University

The university recommends students apply between August and December of their senior year.

Test scores

SAT/ACT scores are optional for students applying for fall 2023.

Admission requirements

The university “strongly encourages” students to take a college prep program in high school that includes:

• Four years of language arts
• Three years of math
• Three years of science
• Three years of social studies

How to apply

Students can apply online using the Kutztown University application or the Common Application. There is a $35 fee, though waivers are available. An official high school transcript must be sent to the undergraduate admissions office.

Acceptance rate

U.S. News & World Report says the fall 2020 acceptance rate was 93%.

Test scores accepted as credit

AP exam scores of 3 or higher may be considered for credit.

Lock Haven University

Students should apply for admission during the fall of their senior year. Decisions are made 10 to 12 business days after the application and all required documents are received by the admissions office.

Test scores

SAT/ACT scores are optional for fall 2023 enrollment, though the university encourages all students to submit scores if they’re available.

Admission requirements

Students are expected to have taken college preparatory courses in English, social studies, math and science, while electives such as a foreign language are recommended.

“The Admissions Office will look closely at a student’s academic performance in core subject areas throughout his/her high school career,” the university says.

• Four units in English are generally required/highly recommended
• Three units in algebra I and higher math are generally required; four units are highly recommended
• Three units in social science are generally required; four units are highly recommended
• Three units — two with labs — in natural science (biology, chemistry and one other) are generally required; four units are highly recommended
• Two units in foreign language or academic electives are generally required; four units are highly recommended

How to apply

Students can apply online. Applicants can upload unofficial transcripts, though an official copy is required before enrolling.

The application fee is $35, though waivers are available.

Acceptance rate

U.S. News & World Report says the fall 2020 acceptance rate was 93%.

Test scores accepted as credit

AP exam scores of 3 or more will be accepted for credit.

Mansfield University

The university has a rolling admission policy, but fall semester applicants should apply for admission prior to Thanksgiving of their senior year.

Test scores

The university is test optional. Students can still submit SAT/ACT scores for consideration.

Admission requirements

Students are guaranteed admission if they have a high school GPA of 3.2 or higher at the end of their junior year (with the exception of a few programs). The average student has an SAT score is 1040 and a high school GPA of 3.37.

How to apply

Students must submit an online application and official high school transcript.

Acceptance rate

U.S. News & World Report says the fall 2020 acceptance rate was 96%.

Test scores accepted as credit

A minimum score of 3 on an AP exam is required for credit. IB students can receive credits for higher level exams with a score of 4 to 7.

Millersville University

The fall 2023 application window opened July 1.

Test scores

SAT/ACT scores are not required.

Admission requirements

The typical first-year student has a solid B average and an above average SAT/ACT score.

How to apply

Students can use the Millersville University online application or the Common Application. There is no fee for first-year students, but they must submit an official high school transcript and personal statement. Letters of reference are recommended but not required.

Acceptance rate

U.S. News & World Report says the fall 2020 acceptance rate was 85%.

Test scores accepted as credit

Credit will be awarded for AP exam scores of 3 or higher. IB students can receive credit for higher level exam scores of 4 or higher.

Shippensburg University

Shippensburg reviews applications year-round, known as rolling admissions. Students applying for the fall should submit their application materials early in their senior year of high school or as soon as possible before the start of the university’s fall semester. Most students will receive a response within 48 hours.

Test scores

Shippensburg does not use SAT/ACT scores to evaluate an applicant but looks at high school GPA and coursework.

How to apply

Students can apply using the university’s online application or through the Common Application. There is a $45 application fee, but students can request a waiver form through their school counselor. High school transcripts must be sent by a counselor directly to the admissions office. Letters of recommendation, resumes and personal essays are recommended but not required.

Acceptance rate

U.S. News & World Report says the fall 2020 acceptance rate was 94%.

Test scores accepted as credit

The university accepts AP exam scores of 3 or higher for credit. IB exam scores of 4 or higher are accepted.

Slippery Rock University

The fall 2023 application process began June 23.

Test scores

Slippery Rock is test optional through 2024. Students can submit their SAT/ACT scores, but this is not required for admission.

Admission requirements

Students who have a GPA of at least 3.25 will be admitted automatically. First-year students have an average SAT score of 1070 and a high school GPA of 3.5.

How to apply

Students can apply online. Students must have their high school counselor submit their official transcript electronically or via email to the university.

A $30 application fee or fee waiver through the application portal is required.

Acceptance rate

U.S. News & World Report says the fall 2020 acceptance rate was 74%.

Test scores accepted as credit

AP exam scores of 3 or higher can be accepted for credit.

West Chester University

Applications are open for fall 2023.

Test scores

SAT/ACT scores are optional for first-year students enrolling in fall 2023.

Admission requirements

Most majors require a B/B-plus average in high school and an average SAT score of 1060 to 1200. West Chester requires the following high school curriculum:

• Four years of English
• Three years of math (algebra I, II, geometry or computer science)
• Three years of lab science (must include biology and chemistry)
• Three years of social studies

The most competitive applicants take four years of math, four years of science and two to three years of foreign language. Honors, AP and IB classes “are highly encouraged,” the university says.

How to apply

West Chester uses the Common App. Applicants must submit a $45 fee if a waiver is not granted, as well as an official high school transcript.

Acceptance rate

U.S. News & World Report says the fall 2020 acceptance rate was 86%.

Test scores accepted as credit

AP exam scores of 3 or higher can be accepted toward credit. IB exam scores of at least 4 are accepted.

Bucknell University

The application cycle opened Aug. 1. Early decision I applications are due Nov. 15. Early decision II and regular decision applications are due Jan. 15, 2023.

Test scores

Students are not required to submit an SAT or ACT score as part of their application, though students can self-report. An official copy of test scores is required from enrolled students.

Admission requirements

For the Class of 2024, the middle 50% range of standardized test scores was 620 to 700 on SAT reading and writing, 630 to 700 on SAT math and 29 to 32 on the ACT.

Students majoring in math, the sciences or engineering should have completed at least three years of college preparatory math, though the university recommends as much study as possible in math. Engineering students must have one year of either chemistry or physics, and one year of precalculus, but the university strongly recommends at least three years of science, including chemistry and physics. All students should have completed two years of the same foreign language.

How to apply

Students can use the Coalition App or the Common App to apply to one of Bucknell’s three colleges. The application fee is $50, though students can seek a waiver.

Acceptance rate

U.S. News & World Report says the fall 2020 acceptance rate was 38%.

Test scores accepted as credit

AP exam scores will be evaluated for credit. IB students can receive credit for exam scores of at least 5.

Lycoming College

The application period opened Aug. 1. The college recommends students complete their application in the fall of their senior year.

Early decision applications are due Nov. 15; the college will send a decision by Dec. 1. Early decision acceptance is binding. Early action applications are due Dec. 1 for a decision by Dec. 15.

The rolling decision period begins Dec. 16. Decisions start Jan. 1, 2023, and continue on the 15th of each month. After March 1, 2023, admission is offered on a space-available basis.

Test scores

Students who are either in the top half of their graduating class or were unable to participate in an administration of the SAT or ACT due to the pandemic can choose not to submit SAT/ACT scores as part of the admission process.

Admission requirements

The average GPA of the incoming freshman class is 3.49. The average SAT score of first-year students was 1109 while the average ACT score was 23. Students have typically completed a college prep program in high school that includes:

• Four years of English
• At least three years of math
• At least two years of modern language
• At least two years of natural or physical science
• At least three years of social science
• Two years of academic electives

Additionally, successful candidates are generally in the top two-fifths of their high school graduating class and score better than the national average on the SAT or ACT.

How to apply

Students can apply via the Common Application, Coalition Application or the Lycoming Online Application. First-year students also need to submit their official high school transcript, SAT/ACT scores, a letter of recommendation and personal essay.

Lycoming does not require an application fee.

Acceptance rate

U.S. News & World Report says the fall 2020 acceptance rate was 65%.

Test scores accepted as credit

Lycoming offers credit for AP and IB courses depending on the test and score.

Juniata College

Applications opened Aug. 1 and the deadline to apply regular decision is March 15, 2023.

The early decision application deadline is Nov. 15. Admission decisions are released by Dec. 15. Students who are admitted via early decision must attend Juniata and withdraw all other applications. The early action deadline is Dec. 1, while the early action II deadline is Jan. 15, 2023. Decisions in both categories are released by Feb. 15, 2023, and are nonbinding.

Test scores

Juniata is test optional, “meaning you do not have to submit SAT or ACT scores if they do not reflect your strength as a student,” the college says.

Admission requirements

The average first-year student has an SAT score of 1220, ACT score of 27 and a GPA of 3.73.

How to apply

Students can use the Common Application or the Juniata Application. First-year students must submit a high school transcript, at least one letter of recommendation and the application essay (as well as SAT/ACT scores unless they are applying as test optional).

There is no application fee.

Acceptance rate

U.S. News & World Report says the fall 2020 acceptance rate was 71%.

Test scores accepted as credit

Juniata accepts AP exam scores of 4 and 5 and IB higher level exam scores of 5 or higher. Students with enough AP credits will be granted sophomore standing; those with an IB diploma usually enter as sophomores.

This story was originally published August 24, 2022 at 6:00 AM.