Applying to Penn State Mont Alto is a big decision and one we're excited you've made. Applying is a time-sensitive process, but it doesn't have to be hard. Applying should be exciting, and we're here to help you as much as we can and to answer your questions. 

Below is some information to help first-year applicants get started. 

Who is considered a first-year applicant? 

Penn State considers you a first-year applicant if you are one of the following: 

  • A current high school senior
  •  An applicant who has earned a high school diploma or a GED and has not completed any post-secondary courses
  • An applicant who has earned 18 or fewer college credits at a regionally accredited college or university before applying to Penn State 
  • A current dual enrollment high school students 
  • An applicant who attended any Penn State campus on a non-degree basis 

When should I get started?

We're glad you asked. Keeping track of important dates is your biggest responsibility when applying; we recommend that applicants pay close to attention the December 1 FAFSA date and National Decision Day on May 1, as both of these dates directly affect your financial aid package. 

  • August 1: The Penn State app opens up 
  • November 1: Early Action Deadline (Early Action means you will have a decision by December 24) 
  • December 1: Submit your FAFSA to Penn State by December 1 for maximum consideration 
  • December 24: Students applying for Early Action receive their decision 
  • February 1: Financial Aid awarding begins
  • May 1: National Decision Day (For most students, this is the day by which you will accept your offer of admission and pay your deposit) 

How are admissions decisions made?

At Penn State, an admission decision is an academic decision. We review the following when evaluating your application:

  • Academic record including the rigor of your high school curriculum. This gives us a good idea of how prepared you are for the Penn State classroom.
  • A personal statement, which is strongly encouraged.
  • Penn State is test-optional through summer/fall 2025. SAT/ACT test scores will be considered but are not required through 2025. 

What is Test-Optional?
Penn State has moved to a test-optional evaluation process through the summer/fall 2025 admissions cycle. Although Penn State is test-optional, we will still accept and consider SAT or ACT scores from students who would like to share their scores as part of their application. Students will be asked on the application whether they are submitting scores and can change their response in MyPennState up until an admission decision has been made. Once an admission decision is made, students cannot change their decision on whether or not to submit test scores.