New Student Orientation is a comprehensive program of testing and academic advising designed to assist new first-year students in planning their Penn State education. First-year students must complete Orientation in order to register for classes.
(Please note: For all aspects of Orientation, students will need their Penn State ID number. This is a nine-digit number that starts with a 9 located at the bottom of the student's acceptance letter. If unable to locate it, students should contact Stephanie Andaloro at 570-675-9233 or sja11@psu.edu, or Jean Pall at 570-675-9238 or jpp14@psu.edu.)
Orientation consists of five steps:
1) FILL OUT EDUCATIONAL PLANNING SURVEY (online; allow 30-45 mins.)
Once you have paid your acceptance fee, you will receive a postcard from University Park directing you to complete an Educational Planning Survey and Placement Tests before a designated deadline. The primary purpose of the Educational Planning Survey (EPS) is to help your Orientation adviser prepare to discuss your educational plans with you during your Orientation day. Remember that you must complete the survey before the deadline date on your postcard.
Learn more about the Educational Planning Survey.
2) TAKE PLACEMENT TESTS (online; allow two and 1/2 hours, in one sitting)
The testing component of Orientation determines your appropriate starting levels in mathematics and chemistry. All students must take the mathematics test; all students who have taken high school chemistry are required to take the chemistry test. These tests must be completed before the deadline date on the postcard from University Park (see above).
If for any reason you do not complete the tests by your deadline date, you will need to contact University Park at 814-865-2578 to request an extension.
Learn more about the Placement Tests.
3) REGISTER FOR AN ADVISING DAY at Penn State Wilkes-Barre
After you have completed the online placement tests and Educational Planning Survey, Penn State Wilkes-Barre will send you a postcard about registering for your Orientation Day. At the Penn State Wilkes-Barre campus these orientation days will be held in May, June, and August.
Register for Advising Day after you have taken your placement tests.
4) DO YOUR ORIENTATION HOMEWORK
Do the Orientation homework that is on the right-hand side of this page. It consists of watching two interactive videos and filling out a form that you will bring to your Advising Day. This will help you begin to plan your first semester schedule.
5) ATTEND YOUR ADVISING DAY
The Advising Day provides you with:
- an understanding of your academic preparation and abilities.
- an overview of the wide range of degree programs available at Penn State.
- an overview of your Financial Aid package.
- information about housing options.
- information about participating in athletics, clubs, and other extracurricular activities.
- an individual interview with an academic adviser to discuss your educational plans.
- a schedule of courses for your first semester of study.
In addition, on your designated Advising Day, you will get your university photo ID and obtain your computer access account. Please be sure to bring a photo ID with you.
Your family is welcome to attend Advising Day with you.
Advising Center
Walteen Grady Truely
DUS Coordinator
Murphy Center 104
(570) 675-9217
wpt2@psu.edu