Information about Penn State's participation in the Common App.
Penn State is now one of more than 800 colleges across the United States accepting applications through the Common App.
First-Year (Freshman) and International Students: Applying to Penn State via the Common App is available to first-year (freshman) domestic and international students.
Transfer Students: All transfer students should apply to Penn State via MyPennState.
No, the required application materials and application evaluation process are the same if you apply through the Common App or through MyPennState. There is no advantage or disadvantage to either application but you should apply through only one application platform.
The Common App and the MyPennState application give students the opportunity to apply Early Action (all materials submitted by November 1). Students applying Early Action will have a decision by December 24. For those students choosing not to apply Early Action and for all domestic students, we recommend submission of a complete application, including all required materials, by December 1. The application fee regardless of platform is $65 for domestic students and $75 for international students.
Once you submit your application through the Common App, you will receive an email from Penn State Undergraduate Admissions directing you to go to MyPennState to complete the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR). You may feel that you completed this step as part of your Common App, but you must complete the Penn State SRAR via MyPennState in order for your application to be reviewed. Once you submit all materials for your Common App you should regularly check its status and receive an admission decision in MyPennState.
The Common App and the MyPennState application give students the opportunity to apply Early Action (all materials submitted by November 1). Students applying Early Action will have a decision by December 24.
Applicants are evaluated on a modified rolling admissions schedule. Additionally, some academic programs have limited enrollment and specific application dates. For those students choosing not to apply Early Action and for all domestic students, we recommend submission of a complete application, including all required materials, by December 1.
You may be eligible for an economic need-based fee waiver based on information in the Profile section of your Common App. If you meet the criteria for a Common App fee waiver, your Penn State application fee will be waived.
Below are some tools and resources you can use should you use the Common App: