Admission

The Application

What is the difference between degree, non-degree, noncredit, and reenrollment applications?

Visit our applications page for information.

What if I'm not sure which major I want to apply for?

If you are unsure, Penn College provides free services, including:

• Career assessment test. You can register in advance and take this test during a Main Campus Tour.
• 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.

Application Submission and Status

When should I submit my application?

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.

Why do you encourage students to apply early? What are the benefits?

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.

How long does it take to hear from Penn College once I submit my application?

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.

May I contact the Admissions Office to check on the status of my application?

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 via the contact form.

High School, GED, SAT, and ACT Information

What are the minimum GPA, SAT, or ACT requirements?

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.

Do I need to request official high school transcripts?

Yes, unless you have earned at least an associate degree by the time you apply. Even if you will have earned it by the end of this school year (i.e., in progress now), we will need official high school transcripts in order to offer you acceptance. We will then want official college transcripts to evaluate for transfer credits.

Please request your transcripts to be sent to:

• Admissions Office, DIF #119
  Pennsylvania College of Technology
  One College Avenue
  Williamsport, PA 17701

Will my credits that I've taken at another college transfer to Penn College?

Possibly. You will need to request official college transcripts from the college(s) that you have attended, to be sent to our Admissions Office to be evaluated. Our staff will review your transcripts and assign credit for courses in your major that are equivalent to Penn College courses. Sometimes it is necessary for us to request additional information on a course in order to do a thorough evaluation. This will only happen when we are not able to obtain the necessary information through our normal procedures. In this case, we will send you a letter requesting a syllabus or course description.

When the evaluation has been completed, you will receive a profile from the Admissions Office which lists the courses that have transferred into your program of study. If you have questions regarding transcript evaluations, please contact the Admissions Office.

Do I need to have a vocational education background to apply to Penn College?

No. Our majors are designed so that students from all educational backgrounds have the same opportunity to succeed.

Housing

How do I get on-campus housing?

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.

What if I do not want to live in on-campus housing?

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.

Essays & Interviews

Do you require essays or teacher recommendations?

Penn College does not require essays or letters of recommendation for admissions considerations.

Are interviews required?

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.

Advanced Placement

Do you accept Advanced Placement (AP) test scores for college credit?

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.

Miscellaneous

Is Penn College accredited?

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.

Am I allowed to have a car?

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.