A few of our programs have special requirements for admission, like auditions or portfolios.
Visual and Performing Arts
Music and Theatre auditions
An audition/interview is required for admission consideration and placement in any program in music or theatre. Scheduling is the student's responsibility and should be done as soon as possible but no later than February 1. In the meantime, students should file an application with Admissions as soon as possible.
Read more information about music auditions, schedule your audition, or contact our School of Music at 814-863-0418.
Read more information about theatre interviews or contact the School of Theatre at 814-865-7586.
For all theatre programs except Musical Theatre, you may fill out an online interview/audition form to schedule your interview/audition. Students interested in Musical Theatre should call the School of Theatre for an audition schedule.
Transfer students should refer to the transfer requirements of these programs.
Visual Arts
The School of Visual Arts requires a portfolio for admission consideration to Art or Art Education at Penn State University Park. Applicants should consult the School's information about the portfolio review.
A portfolio is also required for admission consideration to the Art major at Penn State Abington. Students applying to Art at Penn State Abington should contact us at Penn State Abington for more information by calling 215-881-7600.
Graphic Design
Application to Graphic Design requires an essay and a solution to a design problem. Please submit these to the Department of Integrative Arts by the appropriate due date.
Interdisciplinary Digital Studio
The Interdisciplinary Digital Studio program requires a portfolio and written statement. Please submit these by the appropriate due date.
Accelerated programs
Accelerated Premedical-Medical Program
Penn State and the Jefferson Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia jointly offer the Accelerated Premedical-Medical degree program.
To be considered for this rigorous academic program, you must be in the highest tenth of your high school class and have a combined score of 1450 or higher on the SAT (critical reading and math scores combined) or a composite score of 32 or higher on the ACT from a single test date no later than October of their senior year.
Students seeking admission to this program must apply online to complete all necessary questions.
Applications for this program must be received with complete credentials by Undergraduate Admissions no later than November 30 of their senior year. Applications that are received or incomplete after this date cannot be considered for this program. Complete credentials to support the application include the following:
- official secondary school record showing grades received for all courses completed starting with ninth grade;
- class rank at the end of the junior year (exact rank is preferable); a schedule of senior courses;
- official SAT or ACT test scores;
- a one-page resume listing the applicant's most meaningful accomplishments and extracurricular activities during his or her high school years;
- one letter of evaluation from the applicant's guidance counselor or high school teacher; and
- required application fee.
Students will choose either a six- or seven-year program format after they have been admitted to the Accelerated Premedical-Medical program. Students selecting the six-year option will begin their studies in summer session; students pursuing the seven-year option will begin in the fall semester. Students who have already graduated from high school are not eligible for this program. Admission decisions for this accelerated program are made by the joint admissions committee of Penn State and Jefferson Medical College.
Science BS/MBA
This accelerated program provides an opportunity for outstanding and highly motivated students to complete both a B.S. in Science and an M.B.A. in a total of five years. Students in the Science BS/MBA Program, a collaboration of the Eberly College of Science and The Smeal College of Business, earn summer credits and income through cooperative education and internship experiences with affiliated companies.
Minimum admission requirements include an SAT score of 1310 (critical reading and math only) and a top 10 percent standing in your high school class. In addition to the regular Penn State admission application, a separate application to the Science BS/MBA program is required. A Penn State admission offer should be in hand prior to the Science BS/MBA deadline of December 31.
For further information and to request an application for the Science BS/MBA program, contact Executive Director/Science BS/MBA/428 Thomas Building/The Pennsylvania State University/University Park, PA 16802-2112; 814-863-0284; E-mail: ScienceBS-MBA@psu.edu
Golf Professional program requirements
Golf Management
The golf management option within the Recreation and Park Management major provides preparation for a career as a golf course professional. A verified golf handicap is required. For more information, please contact Burch Wilkes of the Golf Management Program at 814-863-8987.
