Getting Started

Spend a Summer Day

New Student Orientation Program (NSO)

Getting Acquainted

Accepted Students

Congratulations on being accepted to Penn State. We can't wait to welcome you as a Penn Stater, but we know you have a lot to consider as you make your college decision. We want to help you each step of the way. The following information explains the next steps in the process, whether you are still deciding or you’ve already committed to being a Nittany Lion.

New Student Orientation

New Student Orientation (NSO) at University Park is aimed at providing you, and your family, with an introduction to life on campus, in the classroom, and in State College. All new students are expected to attend NSO. A companion Parent & Family program is available for any parents or family members that will be traveling to University Park with you.

Starting Your Penn State Experience

AURORA

These five unique programs — ORION, POLARIS, RIGEL, URSA, and VEGA — offer first-year students a distinctive entrance into Penn State life — forging friendships and unforgettable adventures to carry with them always. Which of the five life-changing AURORA experiences will you choose?

First-Year Seminars

First-Year Seminars aim to help you successfully transition to Penn State through your engagement with other members of the campus community and through their introduction to the use of university and campus resources.

LEAP

LEAP (the Learning Edge Academic Program) provides entering freshmen the chance to begin their journey at Penn State University Park by way of a learning community. LEAP students take two courses together in groups of 24 that are reserved exclusively for first-year students, live together in the same dormitory area, and have an upper class student mentor to guide them through their first semester. This exciting and comprehensive experience is offered only during the summer and only to first semester undergraduates admitted to University Park. (Students who are admitted to fall semester can change their admission to summer by contacting the Admissions Office if they’d like to be a part of LEAP.)

Keep Exploring

Find more information on the College, its programs, and careers in the Majors and Careers section.