Registration FAQs
Do I need to submit a high school transcript when I apply for undergraduate admission?
Yes, Penn State requires a copy of your high school transcript (no matter how many years have passed) as part of your undergraduate admission application. If you left high school before graduation and completed all the requirements for a GED (General Education Diploma), you still need to submit a copy of your high school transcript.
Are SAT or ACT scores required of undergraduate adult learners?
No, they are not required if you have served in the military for four or more years or if you graduated from high school five or more years ago.What if my grades from high school and/or prior college enrollment were less than stellar?
Your admission as an undergraduate degree–seeking student does require an academic background that predicts success on the college level. As an adult, you have the benefit of maturity, work, and/or military experience, better-defined educational goals, and possibly the experience of family responsibilities—all factors that contribute to success in college. Penn State campuses can offer provisional admission to applicants who reside in the area served by the respective campus and who might not otherwise qualify for degree admission.
Is there a separate undergraduate admissions application form for adult students?
No, Penn State has one admissions application form for all students, regardless of age and campus location.
Are my previously earned undergraduate credits transferable?
Penn State will evaluate for possible transfer any course work you have completed that is equivalent to course offerings at Penn State and will be useful in your program of study. The Undergraduate Admissions Office determines which credits will transfer to the University. The academic unit to which you are admitted determines how your credits will be used to fulfill degree requirements in your program of study. A recommended starting place is an appointment with an academic adviser to discuss your academic history and goals.
I earned undergraduate college credits years ago. Are they still usable?
Generally speaking, Penn State recognizes and allows you to use credits regardless of the date earned. However, if you enroll in an undergraduate major that requires you to have current knowledge of technology, you may have to retake a course.
Does Penn State award credit for college-level learning outside the classroom, including Advanced Placement and CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) credits, military experience, and portfolio credits?
There are a few ways to apply your experiences and prior learning. Download the College Credit for Prior Learning Experiences brochure. An academic adviser can help you work with the Undergraduate Admissions Office to review documentation of prior college-level learning as part of your application review. Note that while credits may be "accepted" for transfer, they may not fulfill your degree requirements. Such credits would be considered electives and would not be used to meet specific graduation requirements.
