ADMISSIONS
What is the difference between the Engineering Admissions sessions and the Engineering Open
House?
The Engineering Admissions sessions during the spring semester are organized by the
Undergraduate Admissions Office and include a general College of Engineering presentation, lunch in a residence
hall cafeteria, a campus tour, and an admissions/financial aid presentation for everyone in the group.
These sessions are designed for those who have been offered admission to the College of Engineering for
the coming academic year. You may also request meetings in one or two departments on the same day, if
you have time. To schedule, go to
Undergraduate Admissions Office.
The Engineering Open House is held on a Saturday, usually in February. Although it is
designed for those who have been offered admission to the College of Engineering, it is open to everyone.
During the open house, visitors can tour individual departments and attend general information sessions
about the College of Engineering, the Engineering Cooperative Education & Internship Program, the Women
in Engineering Program, and the Multicultural Engineering Program. Open house visitors also have the
opportunity to meet faculty and students and tour College of Engineering facilities, such as the first-year
design lab and the Bernard M. Gordon Learning Factory. For more information, go to
Engineering Open House.
What are the advantages of applying for admission by the first deadline of November 30?
One advantage of applying early is that you will hear earlier about an offer of admission.
An earlier offer gives you the opportunity to accept earlier, request special housing earlier, and participate
in the First-Year Testing, Counseling and Advising Program (FTCAP) earlier. The earlier
you participate in FTCAP, the earlier you can register for your first semester classes.
It is also advantageous to apply before the first deadline if you are interested in starting
at University Park. Since the demand for University Park as a starting location is higher than the available
space for first-year students, the criteria for an offer of admission to University Park may increase after
the first deadline based on the rate at which students respond to their offer of admission.
How are decisions made about who will be offered admission to University Park?
The Undergraduate Admissions Office is responsible for managing the admissions process for
all Penn State locations. Since the demand for admission directly to University Park is greater than the
available space for first-year students, starting location decisions are based on a combination of a number
of factors, with SAT and high school GPA being most dominant. To help manage the demand for first-year courses
at University Park, some students are offered admission to University Park, provided they start in the summer.
Nearly half of the students who start in the College of Engineering begin at location other than University
Park.
If I accepted an offer of admission for the fall semester at University Park, can I still
start in the summer?
Yes. You just need to call or e-mail the Undergraduate Admissions Office and let them know of your intent to begin during the
summer session. It's a great way to start your Penn State experience. There is a six-week session during which
you will take 6-7 credits of course work that is relevant to your program. The campus is not as busy during the
summer and it is easier, therefore, to make the adjustment to campus life and to find your way around. Classes
also tend to be smaller because there fewer students enrolled in the summer.
Are there any academic advantages to starting in the summer at University Park?
If you are not quite ready to take MATH 140 (Calculus with Analytic Geometry I) in the fall,
you would be well-advised to start in the summer and take the pre-calculus courses. That will prepare you for
MATH 140 in the fall, so that you will be better able to make the recommended progress toward completing your
degree requirements. A special pairing of two courses, CAS 100 (Effective Speech) and EDSGN 100 (Introduction
to Engineering Design) is offered during the summer for College of Engineering students. These two courses
are integrated as part of the Leading Edge Academic Program (LEAP) offered only in the summer. The students
who participate in this program are also assigned to the same residence area with mentors available to create
a living-learning environment. Registration for LEAP usually begins in late March on the LEAP website.
What if I really want to start at University Park but am offered admission to start at
another location?
Starting at a campus other than University Park has many advantages and should be fully
explored. Many students ask to start at other campuses because they believe that it is easier to make the
transition to university life at a smaller campus. However, you always have the option of contacting the
Undergraduate Admissions Office to request
reconsideration for a University Park start.
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COLLEGE
Can I really graduate in four years?
Yes. However, if you are not ready to start with MATH 140 (Calculus with Analytic Geometry I),
you may need to schedule very carefully or take summer classes to keep pace with the prerequisite courses.
The four-year plan (except for the five-year plan for architectural engineering) requires a course load of at
least 15-17 credits per semester.
What percentage of the students who start in the College of Engineering graduate from the
College of Engineering?
The answer varies from year to year. Generally, approximately 60% of the students who start
as College of Engineering students in their first semester graduate with a degree from the College of Engineering.
Most of those who do not graduate in the College of Engineering earn a degree from another college at Penn
State. This percentage does not include students who change to the College of Engineering after their first
semester and there are many who do.
How does the College of Engineering rank in the United States?
In the most recent U.S. News & World Report rankings, Penn State's undergraduate engineering
program was ranked 14th in the country. See Rankings for more
information about College of Engineering program rankings.
What is FTCAP and do I have to participate?
FTCAP is the acronym for First-Year Testing, Counseling and Advising Program. All entering
first-year students must participate in the program, regardless of their college or location. See FTCAP for more information about the program.
When will I be admitted into a major?
The admission to a major becomes official after the spring semester of the second year,
that is, in the fall semester of the junior (third) year. All first-semester students entering the College
of Engineering are admitted into a common year (pre-major) status, called ENGR. Students must make their
decision about a major and formally inform the College of Engineering of their decision by a specified
deadline during the first part of the spring semester of their second year.
What if I don't know what major I want?
That is not a problem, since no one is admitted to a major as a first-semester student anyway.
The curriculum for the first year is broad and common to most majors. It is very easy to develop a plan of
course work that would meet the degree requirements for all the majors in the College of Engineering. You'll get
lots of help during the First-Year Testing, Counseling and Advising Program (FTCAP).
Can I study abroad as a student in the College of Engineering?
Yes. We have programs that vary in length from a summer to a full academic year in various
parts of the world. Our programs include ones in which courses are taught in English and others in which
courses are taught in the language of the country. Credit and grades for courses taken in international
institutions with which we have agreements transfer back to Penn State and may be used to meet degree
requirements. College of Engineering students are encouraged to participate in international programs.
See International Programs for more information
about our study abroad programs.
Will I have an opportunity to work abroad while a student in the College of Engineering?
Yes. The College of Engineering has agreements with some institutions to provide our students
with employment opportunities outside the United States. The College of Engineering also works with corporations
that have overseas divisions to encourage the placement of our students outside the United States for an
internship or one of the co-op rotations. See
International Programs for more information about our work abroad programs.
What is WEPO?
WEPO or Women in Engineering Program Orientation is an orientation program designed for
first-year women students entering the College of Engineering. The program takes place at University Park,
immediately before the regular Penn State orientation begins. It is a great introduction to the campus,
college life, engineering, and other women students. See
Women in Engineering Program for more information.
If I begin at a campus other than University Park, what classes will I take before I move
to University Park and enter my major?
You will take the same courses as those taken by students at University Park during their
first two years before formally entering a major. You will have to be more careful with the scheduling at
some locations because not all courses are offered every semester at all locations. The choice of elective
courses in the arts, humanities, or social and behavioral sciences may be more restricted at some non
University Park locations.
How many large classes will I have?
The size of your classes will depend on your campus location. At University Park, you'll have
some large classes, but the exact number will depend on the courses you select. Most of the classes that
College of Engineering students take are slightly larger than your high school classes or are offered on
a lecture-recitation basis. The lectures are given 1-2 times a week in a large lecture hall and
recitation/laboratory sections of the same course meet 1-2 times a week in groups ranging from about 20-40
students in a section. Some of the elective courses meet in large lecture halls without having smaller
discussion groups. When you schedule your classes, you'll be able to see how large they will be by the number
of available spaces.
Can I get from one class to another in the 15 minutes between classes at University Park?
Yes, but there are a few locations which will require you to walk fast. A free bus circles
the University Park campus every few minutes.
Should I bring a computer and if so, what kind?
Officially, you do not have to bring a computer but must have direct access to one. Practically,
it would be best and easiest for you if you did have your own computer. It does not matter whether your computer
is a desktop model or a laptop. All on-campus rooms are wired directly to the University's system and the Internet
and an increasing number of campus locations now also offer wireless connectivity. See Electronic & Computer Services
for information about hardware and software needs for engineering students.
What kind of calculator will I need for my classes?
You will need a scientific calculator with graphing capability. Please note that for some
math courses, calculators cannot be used during the exams.
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COURSES & CLASSROOM SETTING
Are classes taught by faculty members or graduate students?
At non University Park campuses, classes are taught by faculty members. At University Park,
classes are taught both by faculty members and graduate teaching assistants. Teaching assistants tend to teach
the labs and recitation sections. Teaching assistants are generally under the supervision of the faculty member
who is responsible for the course. The College of Engineering requires all teaching assistants to take a teaching
course.
What if I can't understand my instructor because of his or her English language proficiency?
All graduate teaching assistants must pass a proficiency test in English before they can teach.
Most of the time, if the instructor has an accent, it takes a few classes to get used to it, and then it ceases to
be a problem.
How large are the classes?
Undergraduate classes at University Park vary in size, depending on the nature and level of
the course. Some sections have 15-20 students, some have 30-40, while there are some lecture-recitation type
classes as well as large lectures with many students. At non University Park campuses, classes tend to be small.
The schedule of classes contains information about the size of every class at each location.
How many large classes will I have?
You'll have some but the exact number will depend on the courses you select. Most of the
classes that College of Engineering students take are slightly larger than your high school classes or are
offered on a lecture-recitation basis. The lectures are given 1-2 times a week in a large lecture hall
and recitation/laboratory sections of the same course meet 1-2 times a week in groups ranging from about 20-40
in a section. Some of the elective courses meet in large lecture halls without having smaller
discussion groups. When you schedule your classes, you'll be able to see how large they will be by the number
of available spaces.
Can I get from one class to another in the 15 minutes between classes at University Park?
Yes, but there are a few class locations which will require you to walk fast. A free bus
circles the University Park campus every few minutes.
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HOUSING
Is there any special housing for College of Engineering students?
Yes, at University Park. There are a number of options, ranging from special housing for
first-year students only to housing that is restricted to College of Engineering students and available from
first semester to graduation. See Special Housing Options for more information.
Should I apply for special housing for engineering students?
It depends on you. If you wish to experience and participate in a living-learning environment
with students who share your academic interests, then you should apply for one of our special living options
at University Park. Please keep in mind that the demand for the special living options associated with the
College of Engineering is high and exceeds the available space. If you are interested, please apply early
by indicating your preference on your housing application and by visiting and completing the our online application
form. If you do not want to live in an environment where a certain level of participation is expected
and/or you wish to live among students who have a variety of academic interests, then a special housing
option may not be for you.
If I request but am not offered housing in one of the special living options, where will
I live?
At University Park, there are about 13,000 spaces for students to live on campus. First-year
students are assigned to general housing in all parts of the campus, in proportion to their numbers. Since the
East Halls area is the largest undergraduate housing complex on campus, more first-year students are assigned
there than to any one other area. If an engineering special living option is your first choice, put down a
specific area of campus as your second choice, just in case.
If I live in East Halls at University Park, how close will I be to the buildings in
which my classes will be held?
First-year classes are held on all parts of campus, not just the engineering corner.
The 15 minutes between classes is sufficient time to get to most classes, regardless of location. There is
also free buses available from the East Halls area that travel around campus approximately every 10 minutes.
What is the advantage of returning my housing form as soon as I have made my decision?
The sooner you return your housing form and deposit, the more likely you are to get your
choice of housing.
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CAMPUS LOCATION
What if I really want to start at University Park but am offered admission to start at
another location?
Starting at a campus other than University Park has many advantages and should be fully
explored. Many students ask to start at other campuses because they believe that it is easier to make the
transition to university life at a smaller campus. However, you always have the option of contacting the
Undergraduate Admissions Office to request
reconsideration for a University Park start.
If I start at a non University Park campus as a first-year College of Engineering student,
when would I move to University Park?
Normally, for most intended majors, you will move to University Park after the spring semester
of your second year, when you are officially in a major. Students who are making the recommended progress
toward bioengineering, chemical engineering and computer science are expected to move to University Park for
the spring semester of their second year. If you are admitted into the special second-year architectural
engineering program (ENGAE status), you will be expected to move to University Park after the first year.
If I begin at a campus other than University Park, what classes will I take before I move
to University Park and enter my major?
You will take the same courses as those taken by students at University Park during their
first two years before formally entering a major. You will have to be more careful with the scheduling at
some locations because not all courses are offered every semester at all locations. The choice of elective
courses in the arts, humanities, or social and behavioral sciences may be more restricted at some non
University Park locations.
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SCHOLARSHIPS
How do I get a scholarship?
All entering first-semester students who are offered admission are automatically considered
for a scholarship. You do not need to apply. If you qualify for a scholarship that requires a special application,
it will be sent to you or you will be informed about it. See Financial Aid for
more information about scholarships and financial.
When are students notified of scholarship awards?
Students who have been offered admission to the College of Engineering are notified of
scholarship offers in March.
If I am not offered a scholarship at the time of admission, is there a way I can get one
later?
Yes. All continuing undergraduate students are automatically considered for a scholarship
by the College of Engineering at the end of each academic year. Scholarships (those that are not based on need)
will be awarded based on cumulative GPA and any other criteria specified by the terms of the scholarship
endowment. Departments also consider students for major-specific scholarships at the time that students are
admitted to the major, after the spring semester of the second year.
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WORK & CAREERS
Are there opportunities to get work experience before graduation?
Definitely. You can participate in the
Cooperative Education and Professional Internship Program. Each year, there are a number of career fairs at
University Park campus, open to students from all Penn State locations. Prospective employers visit the campus
looking for students for co-ops, internships, and full-time positions. The largest career fair is held in
September at University Park.
What is the difference between cooperative education (co-op) and an internship?
Cooperative education is an academic program that comprises three work semesters in an
engineering position in the same company, while alternating between work and classes. An internship is a
one-semester relevant work experience. The co-op program and the internship program are optional at Penn State
but highly recommended. A student can register for an internship (one credit) any time after the first semester
at Penn State, although most students register for one credit of internship during the summer. Co-op work
assignments usually begin following spring semester of a student's second year, after the student has decided
on a major and normally cannot be done only during summers. See Cooperative Education and Professional Internship Program for more information.
What is the advantage of cooperative education?
Three semesters of work constitute about a year of relevant experience that is valued by
all prospective employers, even if it is not the same company as the site of the co-op work experience.
Students can get involved in increasingly more relevant and challenging projects without going through an
orientation every semester. The starting salaries of students who have completed a co-op experience is,
on average, higher than for those who have not. Students register for at least one credit for each of the
three work semesters and the credits can be used to substitute for a technical elective in the major.
What is the advantage of an internship?
Most internships can be done in the summer, so there is normally no delay in graduation.
Students on internships must register for one credit and consequently are still considered full-time students,
even though they are working and earning significant income. Credit for internships appears on a student's
transcript. Its use in meeting degree requirements varies by major or minor.
Will I have an opportunity to work abroad while a student in the College of Engineering?
Yes. The College of Engineering has agreements with some institutions to provide our students
with employment opportunities outside the United States. The College of Engineering also works with corporations
that have overseas divisions to encourage the placement of our students outside the United States for an
internship or one of the co-op rotations. See
International Programs for more information about our work abroad programs.
Will I be able to find a job after graduation?
There are no guarantees of what the economy and the job market will be like at the time you
graduate. Generally, students who graduate with a degree from Penn State?s College of Engineering have more
success in finding employment than students in many other disciplines. We provide seminars, workshops,
information, etc. to help our students succeed in finding employment after graduation. Graduates of the
College of Engineering have an excellent reputation in the workforce.
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