Admissions Office
Student & Administrative Services Center, Rm. 1068 · (570) 327-4761 or (800) 367-9222 · Fax: 570.321.5551
FAQs for Freshman Applicants
The Application
- What is the difference between degree, non-degree, noncredit, and reenrollment applications?
- What if I'm not sure which major I want to apply for?
Application Submission and Status
- When should I submit my application?
- Why do you encourage students to apply early? What are the benefits?
- How long does it take to hear from Penn College once I submit my application?
- May I contact the Admissions Office to check on the status of my application?
High School, GED, SAT, and ACT Information
- What are the minimum GPA, SAT, or ACT requirements?
- I graduated from high school a long time ago. Do I still need to request official high school transcripts? Will my school still have them?
- Can I still attend Penn College if I earned a GED?
- Do I need to have a vocational education background to apply to Penn College?
- What are the benefits to me if I do have a vocational education background?
Housing
Essays & Interviews
Advanced Placement
- Do you accept Advanced Placement (AP) test scores for college credit?
- Are there other types of advanced placement credit, other than AP?
Miscellaneous
Q: What is the difference between degree, non-degree, noncredit, and reenrollment applications?
A: Visit our applications page for information.
Q: What if I'm not sure which major I want to apply for?
A: If you are unsure, Penn College provides free services, including:
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Career assessment test. You can register in advance and take this test during a Main Campus Tour.
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Individual appointments with counselors. You can benefit from our career resources, including interactive computer programs (Discover and Bridges).
For information, contact Counseling, Career & Disability Services at careerservices@pct.edu or (570) 327-4765.
Keep in mind that some majors fill very quickly, so the sooner you make a decision, the better. We can only process applications that indicate one, and only one, major.
Q: When should I submit my application?
A: We recommend that complete applications for Fall semester be submitted up to one year prior to enrollment. The College has enrollment capacities, and the earlier you apply the greater the chances are that you will be admitted into your intended major. Transfer students use the same degree-seeking application as freshmen applicants.
Q: Why do you encourage students to apply early? What are the benefits?
A: There are a number of reasons to apply early. The first is to give yourself a better opportunity to be admitted to your first-choice major. The College enrolls more than 6,300 students; however, every major at the College has limits on the number of students that can be accepted. This means that there are only a certain number of applicants who can be guaranteed admission.
We operate on a "rolling admissions" process; we accept applications throughout the year. You need to be accepted and pay the tuition deposit before you can request on-campus housing. The earlier you pay the tuition deposit, the earlier you are scheduled for placement testing, which will give you better course availability when you schedule.
Q: How long does it take to hear from Penn College once I submit my application?
A: Acceptance to the College is offered when your file (i.e., application for admission, application fee and official transcripts) is completed and received in the Admissions Office.
Acceptance is offered on a rolling basis throughout the year. Depending on the time of the year, most applications are processed within 5 working days. Applicants will receive notification from the College as soon as this process is completed.
Q: May I contact the Admissions Office to check on the status of my application?
A: The quickest way to check on your status is through the Penn College Student Information System. When you apply, you will be sent a student ID number and PIN that will give you immediate access to your application. You will be able to track the status of your application, review your placement test information, see your tuition bill, etc. Students have found this service to be tremendously useful and efficient.
There are a variety of ways to contact us: U.S. Mail, call (800) 367-9222, or e-mail admissions@pct.edu.
Q: What are the minimum GPA, SAT, or ACT requirements?
A: There is no set minimum GPA requirement for acceptance into Penn College, but a higher high school GPA develops a stronger foundation for college-level coursework. A lower high school GPA tends to lead to remedial college coursework requirements. Taking remedial coursework can extend the amount of time required to complete your degree, as well as cost you additional money.
SAT/ACT scores are required for Bachelor degree applicants unless you are transferring from another college. These scores are not required for associate degree or certificate applicants, but are recommended.
Some majors (such as Health Science majors) have special admission requirements or conditional acceptance that might take GPA or SAT/ACT scores into consideration. Please refer to the catalog or contact the Admissions Office for more information.
Q: I graduated from high school a long time ago. Do I still need to request official high school transcripts? Will my school still have them?
A: Yes. Your high school will still have your transcripts on file, and we will still need an official copy in order to process your application. The only exception is if you are a transfer student and have earned at least an associate degree. Please request your transcripts to be sent to:
Admissions Office, DIF #119
Pennsylvania College of Technology
One College Avenue
Williamsport, PA 17701
Q: Can I still attend Penn College if I earned a GED?
A: Absolutely! Submit your application, pay the nonrefundable $50 application fee, and request your official GED scores to be sent to our Admissions Office. You can request official scores by contacting the Department of Education of the state in which you earned your GED. Your application will be processed just like any other application.
Q: Do I need to have a vocational education background to apply to Penn College?
A: No. Our majors are designed so that students from all educational backgrounds have the same opportunity to succeed.
Q: What are the benefits to me if I do have a vocational education background?
A: While it is not a requirement to have experience in the major that you choose, we recognize that a number of our students do have experience at the high school vocational education level. You will have a good foundation of knowledge and skills to build upon. It may also be possible for you to earn college credits for the work you are doing now, in high school. If you apply for a major that offers advanced placement, the College will send materials to your school in March. Your high school instructor will evaluate your competencies and return the information to the College for review. Some students have earned 10 credits or more based upon their competencies, without having to take the courses or pay for them! This is a great opportunity for such students to ensure they start at the appropriate level of classes for their skills and save time and money.
Q: How do I get on-campus housing?
A: Penn College owns and operates a limited amount of on-campus housing. There are approximately 700 beds available for new students each year. (The remaining beds are for returning students.)
Students who have been offered acceptance to Penn College, returned the tuition deposit form, and satisfied the tuition deposit will be eligible to complete the online new student housing contract.
We encourage new students to seriously consider living on campus. While college activities are open to all students, there are advantages to living on campus.
Housing and housing assignment requests (such as particular residence hall or roommate) are offered on a "first-come, first-served" basis, and are not guaranteed. When all of the available on-campus housing is filled, we still accept contracts and deposits. Contracts are held in the order received and these students are contacted as cancellations occur.
Q: What if I do not want to live in on-campus housing?
A: All students have the option of living in off-campus (privately owned and operated) housing. Freshman are not required to live on-campus. A number of landlords offer housing options adjacent to and very near campus. Applicants who are interested in more information on off-campus housing can refer to the Off-Campus Housing Web site.
Q: Do you require essays or teacher recommendations?
A: Penn College does not require essays or letters of recommendation for admissions considerations.
A: Interviews are not typically part of the admissions evaluation process. Interviews are required for admission into the professional phase of the Physician Assistant major. However, the College encourages everyone to visit the campus. You can view available tour dates and register for a tour online, or call the Admissions Office.
Q: Do you accept Advanced Placement (AP) test scores for college credit?
A: Yes, Penn College does grant AP credits. Have College Board send us an official copy of your results and they will be evaluated by the Advisement Center.
Q: Are there other types of advanced placement credit, other than AP?
A: Yes. Penn College recognizes that there are students who have completed specific competencies prior to entering the College. We believe that you should be placed at the proper educational level to insure the greatest opportunity for success. If you are currently enrolled in high school and you are taking courses relating to the major you will pursue at Penn College, the College will send materials to your high school in March. Your high school instructor will evaluate your competencies and return the information to the College for review. If you are in the military, you need to send us a copy of your DD-214 for review. If you have work/life experience that you feel qualifies you for advanced placement, please contact the Admissions Office to find out the steps you need to take to help us determine what (if any) credits you may be eligible for.
Q: Is Penn College accredited?
A: Yes. Pennsylvania College of Technology, an affiliate of the Pennsylvania State University, is a fully accredited member of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools at the bachelor degree, associate degree and certificate levels. In addition, many academic schools and majors hold individual accreditations.
Q: Do I need to get a physical?
A: A physical is not required for all students. Health Science majors will require a physical, but contact the School of Health Sciences office to determine when you should have this done. You are also required to have a physical if you are interested in playing intercollegiate sports.
Q: Am I allowed to have a car?
A: Yes! Everyone is allowed to have a car on campus, freshmen included. You will, however, need to purchase a parking permit from Penn College Police.