From High School: High school seniors must have a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.7. In addition, it is preferred that the applicant have an SAT score of at least 1200 (on the new SAT) OR an ACT score of at least 24. For all fall 2021 applicants, test scores are optional, per Penn State's policy; please do offer them if you do take the exams. For consideration for the Honors Program's Presidential Scholarship, please submit your application by March 1 if you intend to become an honors student the following school year. Applications for incoming freshmen will be considered until the Monday four weeks before the fall semester begins.
From Penn State: Full-time students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.5. Part-time students must have earned a minimum of 30 credits with a cumulative grade point average of 3.5.
Your application for the honors program must be received by the end of the second week of the semester in which you intend to start your honors work.
Interested in joining us in the Penn State Altoona Honors Program? The Honors Program Application is available online.
Any student applying must intend to complete at least two full semesters at Penn State Altoona after his/her admission into the Honors Program.
Criteria for Retention
Grade Requirement: a cumulative Penn State GPA of 3.33. If an Honor Student’s overall GPA drops below 3.33, he or she will receive a warning letter from the Honors Coordinator, giving the student one semester within which to bring his or her cumulative GPA back to 3.33. If the Honor Student fails to do so, he or she will be dismissed from the Honors Program.
Curricular Requirement: Honors students must take (on average) one Honors Section or Honors Option per semester (see the Honors Program Curriculum page). If a student falls behind in this requirement, he or she will receive a warning letter from the Honors Coordinator. The student then will have one semester to take the needed Honors Sections or Honors Options.