New Student FAQ's

Making a College Decision

When do I need to accept my offer of admission by?

Students accepted to the University Park campus must accept their offer of admission by May 1. Students accepted to a Commonwealth campus should also accept their offer of admission by May 1 as some campuses fill more quickly than others, especially those with on-campus housing.

When I get to Penn State, am I going to be just a number?

The College of Agricultural Sciences is one of the smaller colleges at Penn State. Each department focuses on individual needs and concerns. Classes within your major are usually smaller than general education courses, and the professors are interested in both the material they teach and the students in their classes. Each student is also assigned an academic adviser; if you work closely with your adviser and become involved, you will not be just a number.

Does everyone in the College of Ag Sciences have animal experience or come from an agricultural background?

Our students—and faculty and staff—represent an array of backgrounds, from farms and rural communities to urban and inner city settings. We make it a priority to foster a welcoming, inclusive environment full of rich opportunities for all.

Academics

What is the LEAP program?

LEAP stands for Learning Edge Academic Program. It is a summer program at University Park geared towards helping incoming first year students successfully transition to college. It provides students with the opportunity to meet faculty and friends and gain valuable experience with Penn State and college life, all while completing two classes that meet degree requirements.

How does AP credit translate to Penn State credit?

If students took AP tests (or A-level or IB exams) in high school, they may be able to earn Penn State credit depending on the test taken and the score received. The Penn State credit evaluation could be no credit awarded, general credits awarded, or credit awarded for a specific course subject and number.

When do I make my class schedule?

First-year students will make their class schedule with an academic adviser at New Student Orientation (NSO). NSO typically runs from late May to August for new students starting in summer or fall. The earlier you accept your offer of admission to Penn State and book your NSO date, the more options you will likely have when making your class schedule. Follow your NSO Tasklist so you can be prepared for your advising meeting at orientation.

Can I change my major?

Yes. When accepted into the College of Agricultural Sciences, you will have an intended major. During your first 1 to 2 years, you will achieve the minimum GPA and complete any entrance-to-major classes needed to officially declare your major. Because of this, students are able to change their major and work with an academic adviser to do so and maintain academic progress.

If I change my major, am I going to have to do a fifth year?

Depending on when you switch your major, you will work with your academic adviser to determine your new recommended academic plan. The earlier you change your major, the less time it will take to "catch up" if there are prerequisites and entrance-to-major requirements for your new major. That's all the more reason to get involved and explore your academic interests from your first semester at Penn State!

How do I deal with large classes when I am only used to having about 30 people in a class?

Each professor has office hours when you can meet with them to have your questions answered. In addition, many larger classes have teaching assistants (TAs), who also are available to answer questions. It may take a little more effort on your part to make sure that all your questions are answered in a large class, but with office hours, TAs, and tools like email, you should not have any problems.

Can I take any classes or only ones relating to my major?

One of the best academic components to being at a large university is the variety and diversity of classes that are offered. You can take general education and supporting courses from a vast array of subject areas. You may be in "Everyone Eats: Hunger, Food Security & Global Agriculture" one day and "Applied Arboriculture" (tree climbing!) the next. Always work with your academic adviser to make sure you are fulfilling all degree requirements.

Are there hands-on experiences in the classroom?

Yes, there are many hands-on opportunities in classes, as well as real-world projects that students tackle in teams. Students will experience agricultural, food, and environmental systems up close and personal thanks to the proximity of Ag Science facilities on the University Park campus! Students will find that these facilities and the outdoors become their classrooms!

Scholarships

Are there any scholarship opportunities available to students in the College of Agricultural Sciences as a first-year student?

Yes, the College of Agricultural Sciences awards more than $3 million in scholarships annually to first-year and continuing students. Students simply complete one scholarship application to be considered for any award offered by the college.

Clubs and Organizations

How do I get involved in clubs and organizations during my first year?

The best way to get involved is to find a club or organization you are really interested in. There are over 1,000 student organizations at Penn State and more than 45 clubs in the College of Agricultural Sciences. The options are endless! Involvement Fairs, including the Ag Involvement Fair that occurs every September at University Park, are a great way to explore clubs.

Research/Internships/Work on Campus

How do I get involved in undergraduate research?

Students can dive into undergraduate research as early as their second semester on campus. Most students get started by having a conversation with a faculty member about research that they are working on.

Are internships required?

For the majority of our undergraduate programs, internships are not required (except for Turfgrass Science) but are strongly encouraged. Our college is fortunate to have a Center for Experiential Learning and Career Services that hosts an Ag Sciences Career Day each fall, assists students with the Nittany Lion Careers job/internship site, and hosts one-on-one appointments with students for resume, cover letter, and other networking assistance.

Is it possible to live or work in the animal facilities?

Yes, students have the opportunity to work at seven different facilities: beef and sheep center, dairy barns, horse barns, meat lab, poultry barns, deer research center, and swine center. Starting in their second year, students can apply to live in the facilities, exchanging 5 to 10 hours of work per week for housing. Visit Farms and Facilities to find out more.

Housing, Food, and Transportation Services

What is it like living in a residence hall, and am I required to during my first year?

Living in a residence hall provides a great opportunity to make new friends and learn from other people about different cultures. Also, by living in a residence hall, students can more easily find peers who are in their classes with whom they can study for exams and collaborate on homework. All first-year students at University Park or Behrend are required to live on campus.

We encourage College of Agricultural Science students to check out our Living Learning Community, EARTH House, located in North Halls on the edge of Ag Hill! This housing is only available to students admitted into the College of Agricultural Sciences and features suite style accommodations. EARTH House residents take part in recycling efforts, visit organic farms, attend guest lectures, and participate in a variety of other educational experiences. Students are also invited to learn about other Penn State Living Learning Communities at University Park.

Will the dining commons work with my food allergies?

Absolutely! Penn State Campus Dining works with students who have different allergies and special diets and is very accommodating. In addition, there is a tremendous variety of food at each of our dining commons, so it's safe to say that students will be able to find something they like to eat!

Can I have a car at University Park during my first year?

First-year students are not permitted to have a car on campus at University Park. Students can apply for a parking permit once they have completed 29.1 credits. There are plenty of ways for students to navigate campus and the surrounding areas without a car, such as walking, bicycling, using public transportation, and taking advantage of campus busses and shuttles. Learn more from Transportation Services.