College application & essay help for Penn State applicants
Work with advisors who have real experience with Penn State and will help you stand out in the application process.
Find an advisor who’s helped students get accepted to Penn State
These advisors have direct experience with Penn State as alumni or admissions professionals and
have helped students gain acceptance to Penn State.
Applying to Penn State
Applying to Pennsylvania State University is highly competitive, and the strongest applicants go beyond grades and test scores.
They clearly demonstrate who they are, what they care about, and how they see themselves growing at Penn State.
Although no two applications are identical, schools like Penn State tend to look for similar things: academic strength, meaningful engagement with interests, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine connection to the school’s culture. Understanding how these come together at Penn State can help you build a more focused and intentional application.
Although no two applications are identical, schools like Penn State tend to look for similar things: academic strength, meaningful engagement with interests, intellectual curiosity, and a genuine connection to the school’s culture. Understanding how these come together at Penn State can help you build a more focused and intentional application.
Advisors who know Penn State well can help you think through how your application comes across and
where to focus your effort. At Sundial, you can work with advisors who either attended Penn State or have helped
students get accepted to Penn State.
How Sundial helps Penn State applicants
I’m working on my Penn State essay — is it good enough to get me in?
Penn State essay review
From Penn State supplemental essays to your personal statement, get targeted feedback from advisors who know exactly what Penn State admissions looks for!
I have questions — I need to talk to someone that knows more about Penn State!
1:1 advising meetings
Book Penn State admissions advising to map deadlines, refine your essays, and prepare for interviews with someone who knows how Penn State evaluates applicants.
FAQs about applying to Penn State
Essays are one of the few places Penn State can see who you are beyond grades and test scores. For competitive majors and selective programs, strong essays aren’t just helpful, they’re often what differentiate students with similar academic profiles. The best essays don’t sound generic; they show clear thinking, self-awareness, and fit with what Penn State actually values.
Penn State looks for students who’ve taken their interests seriously over time, whether academically, creatively, or through leadership. Beyond raw achievement, they want to see intellectual curiosity, initiative, and evidence that you’ll contribute meaningfully to their campus community. Your application should tell a clear story about how your experiences connect to your goals.
A strong Penn State application essay goes beyond summarizing your résumé or activities. Admissions officers want to understand your motivations, values, and fit with the school. Focus on writing with clarity and intent, and make sure your responses connect your personal experiences with why Penn State makes sense for your goals.
Yes! Many Sundial advisors have direct experience with Penn State, either as alumni or through years of helping students get accepted. Their insight helps you avoid generic advice and instead focus on what actually matters on your Penn State application.
If you’re looking at this page, that’s a pretty good sign you might want to get started! Ideally, planning for Penn State begins several months before deadlines so you’re not rushing major decisions or submitting first-draft work under pressure.
Ready to get help with your Penn State application?
Choose an advisor who understands Penn State and can help you with both strategy and essays.
Need help? Contact us at
support@sundialessayreview.com