Central Penn: 2024 Requirements, Scores & GPAs

This is the go-to guide for getting into Central Penn College. We suggest you read until the end... Not only will we layout the exact GPA and test scores you should aim for when applying to Central Penn, but we’ll also offer creative ways to help your application stand out from the pack. We breakdown Central Penn statistics better than any article out there and show you how these have changed over time. Also, make sure to check out Central Penn College on CampusReel to see what it’s really like here. You can also use the below calculator to help determine your likelihood of acceptance at Central Penn

What GPA do you need to get into Central Penn College?

Central Penn College’s average GPA is 3.15. Central Penn College does require GPA. Central Penn College is currently selective. However, be aware that oftentimes schools in this GPA range are increasing their selectivity in hope of increasing “prestige”. We can’t read the minds of Central Penn application readers, but they likely want to increase the average GPA from 3.15 to 3.31 this year - to play it safe, we recommend striving for the 3.31 GPA.

*BEFORE CONTINUING PLEASE NOTE: GPA and “prestige” DO NOT mean a college is right for you. Central Penn College may seem amazing on paper, but you may hate it... That’s why 700,000 students transfer colleges every year - they end up going to the wrong school. It’s crucial to watch the videos on CampusReel and make sure you can envision yourself on Central Penn’s campus. These Central Penn admission statistics do not sufficiently tell you what a college or university is like.

What is Central Penn College’s acceptance rate?

Last year Central Penn College’s acceptance rate was 97.08. However, check out how the acceptance rate has changed over time.

As you can see, Central Penn College is a little easier to get into than last year.

Acceptance rate alone does not indicate your likelihood for getting into Central Penn - it’s a very high level understanding of the true competition. Use the acceptance rate as a general guide for curating a list of 10-15 schools that fall into different ranges of competitiveness. Then, use the below data to get a deeper understanding of how your application will compare to the rest of the pool.

Does Central Penn College Require Test Scores?

Central Penn College requires that you either take the SAT or ACT. See the table below for how Central Penn College’s accepted students have performed on both tests. You may be wondering how many test scores should you submit. Generally, don’t freak out about taking the test too often. Industry consensus is that you can submit up to 6 tests as a reasonable limit.

Central Penn College SAT Requirements

Central Penn College’s average SAT score is 785 - this is the sum of the math and reading portions of the SAT (the 1600 scale). Check out the below table for a deeper look into how students performed - it’s also very interesting to look at the average test score over time. The trend over time helps give insight into whether Central Penn College is getting more or less competitive.

Central Penn College’s average SAT score is 785. To be a competitive applicant for Central Penn College your SAT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 660, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. To consider Central Penn College a “target” school (one that you are likely to get into) you should aim for a score of 910.

Central Penn College ACT Requirements

Central Penn College’s average ACT score is 33. To be a competitive applicant for Central Penn College your ACT score should come close to the average. If you’re closer to the 38, you’re likely going to have a tougher time getting accepted. To consider Central Penn College a “target” school (one that you have a good chance of getting into) you should aim for a score of 29.

Central Penn College Requirements

Now you know where you need to be for getting into Central Penn College from a grade and test score perspective. Let’s quickly outline what else you’ll need to provide for your application to get reviewed, and then we’ll move onto the most important section: differentiating your app.

How to get into Central Penn

Follow these steps to maximize your chances of getting into Central Penn. Everything you read above will help prepare you for what you need to achieve to have a shot at Central Penn, but these steps will take you even further in applying that knowledge and differentiating your application.

Main Academic Excellence that is in line with Central Penn admission standards.

1. Score at least a 785 on the SAT or 33 on the ACT.
2. Maintain a GPA of at least a 3.15.

Join Extracurriculars that Align with Central Penn’s Values.

1. Join your school band, a sports team or another group activity. If Central Penn College values music heavily, for example, then try to participate in an organization related to that topic.
2. Volunteer in your hometown. Summerdale has tons of ways to be involved beyond just the college. Central Penn College wants applicants that are also good ambassadors for the school - they want students who will give back to the local community and broader Summerdale area in general.
3. Spend your summer doing something that speaks to your values, personal growth, leadership qualities and other less quantifiable characteristics. Central Penn needs to see past your test scores and grades - they need to know that you will be a valuable and contributing member of their community. You are more than grades and test scores - your experiences should demonstrate that.

Prepare Your Application

1. Write a stellar essay that shows Central Penn College something they can’t figure out from the other parts of your application. For a detailed guide on writing the best college essay, check this out.
2. Get teacher recs that speak to your character. If you know what you’re majoring in and include that in your Central Penn app, try to have at least 1 recommendation from a teacher in that department.
3. Apply Before the Deadline. Too many students wait until the last minute to submit their application, and too much can go wrong during this precious time window. Since many students are applying on the last day, it’s possible that Central Penn’s own system crashes. Don’t risk the added stress this can cause - submit your app a few days early.