So I’ve been accepted… Now what?
Congratulations and welcome to Penn State York! We understand how overwhelming the process of enrolling into a college can be. That’s why we’ve created this step-by-step checklist to assist you. Below you will find an outline of what you will need to do for admissions, financial aid, and registration. Please let us know if you have any questions along the way!
We encourage you to register for our next Accepted Student Program offered in the spring. This program highlights the next steps in the process to become a Penn State York student.
International Students
Learn about the New International Student Orientation program in August.
Domestic Students
Submit the FAFSA
We recommend that new students submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible for first-year students and May 1 for returning and transfer students for maximum consideration of aid. If you haven’t already done so, go online and complete the 22-23 FAFSA. Make sure you list Penn State's school code of 003329 on the FAFSA. The online FAFSA application opens each year on October 1. Please complete this early each year.
Verify the processing of your FAFSA by reviewing the Student Aid Report (SAR)
In order for your FAFSA to process and be sent to Penn State, you must verify that all the information is correct. A few days to a week after you submit your FAFSA online, you will be sent an email prompting you to log back into the FAFSA website to view your Student Aid Report, or SAR. The SAR consists of all your answers to the FAFSA questions, and this is your chance to verify that you haven’t made any mistakes. Once you verify all information is correct, your FAFSA will process and be sent to Penn State. It’s important that you don’t miss this step. You will need to be checking your LionPath portal regularly until the financial aid process is complete.
Receive your student aid award notification
Penn State sends out notifications to all accepted students regarding the student aid they are receiving. Provided that you have an offer of admission and have submitted your FAFSA, you should receive your notification. Award notifications are sent out weekly depending on when students complete the FAFSA and are accepted.
Sign your Stafford Loan Master Promissory Note and complete student loan counseling
If you are borrowing money through a Federal Stafford Loan, you will need to sign your Master Promissory Note and complete student loan counseling before your loans disburse. If you find you need additional funding, our Financial Aid Office can help you find some alternative loan sources you can explore. The important thing to remember as you work through this process is that we’re here to help. Make sure you contact us as questions arise.
Respond to your offer of admission by paying the acceptance fee and general deposit
This $230 non-refundable fee is your way of telling us you’re coming to Penn State. We recommend you pay your acceptance fee by May 1, but the sooner you pay the sooner you can get started on the testing and advising process. You can pay your acceptance fee online through your MyPennState account or by contacting Admissions.
Submit Your Final High School Transcript
Penn State requires students who have accepted their offer of admission to provide documentation that indicates the student’s high school completion status. Once you have completed your high school graduation, be sure to submit your final high school transcript documentation. Review our Final High School Transcript Submission Guidelines.
Start Working on Your New Student Orientation (NSO) Task List
To prepare for a successful transition to Penn State, we've developed an NSO Task List to help you navigate your next steps. There are some things that you must complete before your NSO, others that you will complete during your NSO, and even more that will be completed after your NSO. Among the items on your NSO Task List you'll find information to help you determine your course placements. This includes whether you are required to complete the ALEKS Math Assessment. It is important to complete any required items before participating in NSO so that you and your orientation adviser have the information necessary to help you select and enroll in the right classes.
Make a Reservation for New Student Orientation (NSO)
New Student Orientation is a process with multiple parts that includes both academic and social aspects. During NSO, you will learn more about the academic structure of the University, talk with an academic adviser, and register for classes. All new first-year students to Penn State must participate in New Student Orientation. Transfer students are welcome, but not required, to participate in NSO. Contact the Advising and Career Development office with any questions. Make a reservation for New Student Orientation (NSO).
Receive your semester bill electronically
Your bill will be generated once you schedule courses. Tuition is not officially set until July, and bills start going out in late July and become due by the first day of class. There is a complete list of bill due dates at the Bursar’s website. You will be able to view and print your bill online, and you’ll learn how to do this during New Student Orientation.
Complete registration by filing the semester bill
This simply means paying your bill. You can make bill payments several different ways, and there are deferred payment options available. See a listing of payment options and approved methods of payment at the Bursar’s website. You can pay your bill online, and you’ll learn how to do this during New Student Orientation, or you can contact the Penn State York Bursar’s Office.
Attend New Student Welcome
New Student Welcome will be held on Friday, August 18, 2023. This orientation is very social in nature and will provide you with an opportunity to meet other incoming students, find out what life will be like at Penn State York, and participate in service in the York community. It is strongly recommended that all new first year students attend. View the schedule.
