UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS
Apply to the Penn State Smeal College of Business
Your future in business starts here. Guaranteed. Apply to Penn State and secure your spot in a Smeal major from day one.
The Clearest Path to a Smeal Degree
The Penn State Smeal College of Business offers two pathways to a Smeal degree:
Smeal Direct: High school students select a Smeal major when applying to Penn State. Students admitted through Smeal Direct are guaranteed placement in a Smeal major after completing the required coursework and meeting the cumulative GPA requirements.
Smeal Second-Year Entry: Students who begin at Penn State in another academic college or the Division of Undergraduate Studies may apply through the competitive Smeal Second-Year Entry process, where admission is limited and space is not guaranteed.
Admission to Smeal is highly selective. Complete your Penn State application by the November 1 Early Action deadline for the strongest consideration.
The Smeal Direct Guarantee
Start as a Pre-Major
All first-year students admitted through Smeal Direct begin as Business Administration Pre-Majors before applying to their specific major during the spring semester of their second year.
First-Choice Major
Students apply for their preferred major through LionPATH. Those who meet the Entrance-to-Major requirements for their first choice will apply for the major through LionPATH.
Guaranteed Placement
Students who complete the required coursework and earn at least a 2.60 cumulative GPA are guaranteed placement in a Smeal major, even if they do not qualify for their first-choice major.*
Day-One Access
Connect with Smeal's advising, career resources, student organizations, and community from your first day on campus.
GPA Requirements
*Students who do not meet the GPA requirements for their first-choice major are assigned to a Smeal major based on their preferences, GPA, and available space.
How to Apply
Step 1 — Apply Through Smeal Direct
Submit your application through the Common or Penn State application. Choose one of ten Smeal majors or Business, B.S. on your application. Students admitted through Smeal Direct begin as Business Administration Pre-Majors.
Step 2 — Choose Your Campus
Designate University Park as your graduating campus. Start at University Park or begin at a Commonwealth Campus through the 2+2@Smeal path.
Step 3 — Meet the Deadlines
November 1: Priority deadline (highly recommended)
February 1: Final deadline
May 1: Enrollment commitment deadline
Choose Where to Start
You can begin your Smeal journey at University Park or a Penn State Commonwealth Campus through the 2+2@Smeal program.
Stay on track academically, and you’re guaranteed placement in a Smeal major for your final two years at University Park.
You can also choose a summer start to arrive early, build connections, and begin your college experience before the fall semester.
Your Future in Business Is Waiting
Don't just study business. Do business. Start your application to Penn State Smeal today.
Contact Undergraduate Education
Penn State Undergraduate Admissions
Smeal College of BusinessA strong college preparatory curriculum helps students succeed in the admissions process. Penn State recommends the following high school coursework:
Four units of English
Three units of science
Three units of algebra and trigonometry, including one-half unit of trigonometry or higher-level mathematics
Three units of social studies, arts, or humanities
At least two units of a world language
Students admitted to University Park may participate in the Learning Edge Academic Program (LEAP). LEAP combines summer coursework, on-campus living, and a built-in cohort of peers to ease your transition to Penn State, while giving you a head start before the rest of your class arrives.