Admissions

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Getting Started

Thank you for your interest in applying to this program. Please remember that advisers are available to discuss with you your educational goals, financial aid options, and application deadlines.

Applications are now being accepted for the bachelor's degree program in information sciences and technology.

Deadlines

We recommend the following deadlines for completion of your degree application, including receipt of all transcripts, and FAFSA submissions:

• June 30 for fall semester admission
• October 31 for spring semester admission
• March 15 for summer semester admission

Evaluations of degree and financial aid applications may not be completed in time if received beyond the above deadlines. Please visit the Office of Student Aid Web site for more information about FAFSA applications and other financial aid.

Prerequisites, Entrance-to-Major Requirements, and Entrance-to-College Requirements

You must be a high school graduate or have completed your GED to be eligible for admission into the degree program. You are also required to satisfy the entrance-to-college requirements to be admitted into the College of Information Sciences and Technology.

Once you are admitted to the College of Information Sciences and Technology, you will work closely with your academic adviser to gain entrance to the bachelor's degree in information sciences and technology.

Criteria for entrance to the IST Major:

You will have earned at least 27.5 credits with a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 and a C or better in the following courses: IST 110, IST 210, and IST 220.

Completing the Application

Former Penn State students may not need to complete the admissions application. Please visit our Current Students page for instructions. For your application to be considered complete, you'll need to complete the following steps:

1. Many of our students find it helpful to review our important application instructions PDF. We recommend that you print this for future reference and assistance while completing your application.
2. Complete the online application form and submit your application fee ($50).
3. Admissions will need official copies of the following:
   
   • Official high school transcripts; or GED transcript with available high school records (High school and GED records are required regardless of the length of time that has passed.)
   • Official military transcripts (if applicable)
   • Official college or university transcripts, if you attended another institution. All college or university transcripts are required regardless of the length of time that has passed, the grades earned, or the accreditation of the institutions attended.
   • Official results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) (if applicable) 

Please submit all official documents to:

Undergraduate Admissions Office
The Pennsylvania State University
201 Shields Building
Box 3000
University Park PA 16802

You can check the status of your application by using the same login information established for the online application form and choosing Check Application Status. Your determination letter (confirming your acceptance or denial) will be mailed 4 to 6 weeks after receipt of all application materials. An admissions counselor will contact you if additional information is required.

Tips for Completing the Application

• On the Academic Information page, high school years of study is not required.
• The Guidance Counselor area is not required. Feel free to scroll to the bottom of the page and select Yes.
• The Activities and Personal Statement are optional but will be read by an admissions counselor.
• Please print the Summary and Review.
• Official high school transcripts or a copy of a GED and high school records are required for admission to Penn State.
• You may also disregard footnote #2 that refers to the Guidance Counselor Form.

Technical Requirements