Outreach for K-12 · Electrical Technology Center, Rm. 136 · (570) 320-8003
Penn College NOW: Frequently Asked Questions
At what grade level can I participate in the Penn College NOW program?
Generally, 11th and 12th grade students are eligible to participate in the program. Tenth grade students may only enroll in CSC 124, EET 118 and PPT115.
What does it cost?
$20 per credit. Depending on your school, you may be required to purchase your textbook(s). For electronics, you will also need a graphing calculator.
If I have questions about the Penn College NOW program who should I contact?
How do I enroll?
When do I enroll?
You may enroll during your school district’s scheduling process in the Spring or Fall.
Where are the courses taught?
The courses are taught at your local High School or Career &Technology Center.
When are the courses taught?
During you regular high school or Career &Technology Center day.
Who teaches this course?
A high school teacher approved by Pennsylvania College of Technology.
Are there prerequisites?
Some courses do have prerequisites and you must satisfy those prerequisites before being allowed to enroll in the course.
What books do I use?
The same textbooks that are used for the college course or one that has been approved by Penn College faculty.
How do I get my textbooks?
Am I required to pay for my textbooks?
We encourage students to purchase textbooks for their classes since these books are foundation textbooks for the college program. It is up to your school district whether you must buy the required textbooks for your courses. Some schools buy the books for the students, and some do not. However, if purchasing the books is an economic hardship, scholarships may be available for students who are on the free lunch program at school. Check your school district page for more information.
What qualifications do I need to take a Penn College NOW course?
An "advanced" or "proficient" score on your 8th or 11th grade PSSA reading test. Some courses require math testing which will be done at your high school by Penn College staff.
Why must I qualify for Penn College NOW?
It is important for you to have a reading level that will enable you to comprehend college textbooks. All college students at Pennsylvania College of Technology are required to take placement tests in order to take certain courses. Since you will be taking a college level course you must meet the same requirements as a Penn College student.
How do I prepare for the Penn College NOW tests?
For free practice tests, please check out the following websites:
http://www.4tests.com/exams/examdetail.asp?eid=13
http://www.testprepreview.com/praxis_practice.htm
Can I drop this course if I get a D or F?
A date for dropping courses has been set based on your school calendar. You will receive a W.
If I drop out of the program, can I get the tuition back?
No.
Am I required to participate in special events offered to Penn College NOW students (Friday Camp) to be part of the Penn College NOW program?
No.
How do I get a Penn College transcript?
For instructions, go to: http://www.pct.edu/registrar/transcriptInfoSub.htm
What if I decide to change my major while at Penn College or not enter into one of the recommended majors. Will my Penn College NOW credits still be guaranteed?
Yes, although some or all of your credits may not count toward graduation in your new selected major.
What if I decide to change my major while at Penn College or not enter into one of the recommended majors. Will my Penn College NOW credits still be guaranteed?
Yes, although some or all of your credits may not count toward graduation in your new selected major.
Does Penn State University accept dual enrollment credit?
Yes. They accept any transcripted dual enrollment to the extent that it fits within the major.
What happens if I do not score high enough on the tests to enroll in Penn College NOW courses?
If a student is tested in the spring and needs remediation in math and/or reading they have the option of remediating over the summer and retesting in the Fall. Please discuss the possibility of remediating and retesting with your school's single point of contact.
If I drop out of the program before my senior year in high school but I have earned a successful Penn College grade, can I still get credit for the course?
Yes, your Penn College transcript still exists.
What is the "Penn College grade" and how does that relate to my high school grade?
The Penn College grade is calculated using the same formula for on-campus courses. It is up to your local high school to determine how your high school grade will be calculated. The Penn College transcript will use the Penn College grade.
Will my high school credits transfer to another college or university?
Potentially your Penn College NOW credits will be fully transcripted on a Penn College transcript. The extent to which a course will transfer to another college or university is at the discretion of the receiving college or university.
If you're thinking about coming to Penn College.
If I decide to attend Penn College after graduating from high school, when do I need to apply for admission?
No later than the fall of your senior year.
How do I apply for admission to Penn College?
When you decide to attend Penn College, you will need to go through the regular Penn College application process.
Are there special enrollment processes at Penn College for Penn College NOW students?
No. You follow the same procedures as any high school student making application to Penn College. http://www.pct.edu/admissions/howtoapply.htm
If a student decides to attend Penn College after high school graduation does he/she have to take the placement tests?
Yes.
Do the students have to pay the $50 application fee?
The $50 application fee is waived for all Penn College NOW students. A Penn College NOW Fee Waiver must be submitted with the paper application to Penn College. Penn College NOW students applying to Penn College CAN NOT apply online if they want the $50 application fee waived.
How do I get housing?
Once you have applied and been accepted to Penn College, a packet will be sent to you that includes housing information.
Will I have a special academic advisor at Penn College who will understand the Penn College NOW Program? Who is that and when will I get to meet that person?
Yes. An advisor will be assigned to you prior to your college Freshman year.
What if I decide to change my major while at Penn College or not enter into one of the recommended majors. Will my Penn College NOW credits still be guaranteed?
Yes, although some or all of your credits may not count toward graduation in your new selected major.