Exploring Penn State: A Guide to Student Tours and Visit Opportunities

For prospective students eager to experience the vibrant atmosphere and academic excellence of Penn State, a variety of tour and visit options are available. Whether you prefer an in-person exploration of the campus, a convenient virtual visit, or a comprehensive special event, Penn State offers diverse avenues to discover what makes it a unique and enriching educational environment.

Connecting with the College of IST

The College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) provides several ways to connect with their recruitment team and current students. These include virtual appointments designed to provide insights into the college's programs, out-of-classroom opportunities, and student support systems. A personalized half-hour virtual appointment is a great way to get your questions answered and review important online resources. In addition to virtual appointments, the College of IST also offers on-campus visits which is an hour-long experience. These visits offer the opportunity to connect with an IST recruitment staff to learn more about the college, its majors, and exciting out-of-classroom experiences like internships and student engagement. Furthermore, prospective students can participate in an immersive campus experience held in late July or early August. This event allows them to explore Penn State and IST student life, academic programs, and campus communities.

Undergraduate Admissions Office Visits

Prospective students and their families are encouraged to schedule a visit to Penn State through the Undergraduate Admissions Office. The admissions office hosts a number of events for students and their families.

Smeal College of Business Visits

The Smeal College of Business hosts weekly visits, both in-person and online, for students and families interested in learning more about the college and Penn State. If you plan on visiting Penn State and the Smeal College of Business in the summer, consider attending a Spend a Summer Day event. Additionally, every spring, students with offers of admission to the Smeal College of Business at the University Park campus are invited to attend an information session specifically for them.

Private Campus Tours with the Lion Ambassadors

The Penn State Lion Ambassadors, a student-volunteer organization, offers private campus tours to past, present, and future Penn State students, alumni, employees, and friends. To request a private tour, you must submit a form at least two weeks prior to your desired tour date. After submitting the Request a Private Tour form, you can expect to have information about your guide(s) and a confirmation of the tour a few days before your visit. These tours, typically lasting 60-90 minutes, are walking tours tailored to your specific interests and requests. If there are any locations on campus you would like included in the tour, you can indicate them in the Description of Tour Request section. While requests for specific guides and interests are considered, they cannot be guaranteed. The Tour Director will be in contact with you to discuss details of the tour. Specific requests (buildings, residence halls, and other locations) can be included on your tour.

Exploring Penn State's Commonwealth Campuses

Discover a range of visit opportunities at Penn State's undergraduate campuses across the Commonwealth. Each location offers a unique experience tailored to help you find your perfect fit, whether you're interested in exploring vibrant campus life or learning more about specific programs.

Admitted Student Events

The best way to see if Penn State is the place for you is to attend one of our Admitted Student Events! Explore more resources for admitted students and find information explaining the next steps in the process, whether you are still deciding, or you’ve already committed to being a Penn Stater.

Visiting University Park

Those curious about life at Penn State can visit University Park and see the Penn State Experience. The Bellisario College is now offering in-person and virtual visits. Due to compliance guidelines, a parent, guardian or an adult 18 years or older must be present duing in-person and virtual appointments. If an adult is not present with a prospective student, the appointment will have to end and reschedule for a time when an adult would be available. Visitors are encouraged to also schedule a walking tour of campus through the Undergraduate Admissions Office.

Virtual Visits

If you have questions but are unable to visit campus, you can schedule a virtual visit.

Penn State Days

Penn State Days is a University-wide open house that allows prospective students the chance to explore campus. Programs throughout the day will feature helpful information about admissions, academic programs, financial aid, housing, and more. School groups and students who are not old enough to apply for admission may also tour campus, meet with faculty and visit our facilities.

Read also: Penn State Admission: Average ACT

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