How To Apply
The Millennium Scholars Program is open to all high-achieving high school seniors who are interested in becoming leaders in STEM-related fields with the ultimate goal of obtaining a doctoral degree in a STEM field.
The Application Process
1. Complete an undergraduate application through MyPennState or the Common Application including a complete and accurate high school academic record. The MSP application is only open to incoming first year students who are U.S citizens or permanent residents. The application can only be accessed when you apply to Penn State, University Park.
2. Select University Park as their first-choice starting campus on the general Penn State application.
3. Select an intended major in one of the participating colleges as your academic interest area on the general Penn State application.
4. A link to the Millennium Scholars application will appear in your MyPennState account 2-3 days after submitting your Penn State Application*. Complete and submit the Millennium Scholars Program application.
*It could take at least 3 days to gain access to the MSP application after you submit your Penn State application. Please plan ahead for access to the MSP application.
The Millennium Scholars Essay responses should be no more than 500 words each.
1. The world faces many challenges, food insecurity, access to clean water, climate change, health care disparities are some examples. Tell us what is your intended major and how you will apply your major to address any global challenge.
2. The Millennium Scholars Program provides a supportive, structured collaborative learning community. What strengths will you bring to the community? How will you contribute to and benefit from the collaborative environment?
3. How has resilience played a role in your life and how do you see it affecting your college career?
4. The university and the world are comprised of a diversity of races, ethnicities, identities, traditions, and religions. It can sometimes be challenging to create diverse and inclusive communities; however, many people recognize there are multiple benefits to working and living in diverse communities. Discuss your experiences with diverse communities and how those experiences have benefitted you.
In the Millennium Scholars Program application you are required to include the names and contact information of two people who will submit recommendations for the applicant. At least one recommendation must come from a math, science, and/or engineering instructor.
List of all Advanced Placement and/or college courses you have taken. The submission of SAT or ACT scores is optional.
Application Selection & Criteria Process
The Undergraduate Admissions office will evaluate your credentials for admission to the University, and a Millennium Scholars Selection Committee – consisting of program staff, faculty, and deans from the participating colleges – will review your Millennium Scholars Program application. These decisions are made independent of each other. Students should not wait for their admissions decision to submit their Millennium Scholars Program application, although an offer of admission to University Park eventually will be required for admission to the Millennium Scholars Program.
The MSP application is only open to incoming first year students, and can only be accessed when you apply to Penn State, University Park.
1. A transcript review to evaluate your academic success and background, particularly in math and science courses
2. An assessment of the written essays.
3. Review of the letters of recommendation
1. Are high achievers with strong academic records
2. Are committed to increasing diversity in STEM-related fields
3. Are eager collaborative learners and team players
4. Are prepared to work hard, graduate in the top of their classes, and become leaders in STEM-related fields
In the Millennium Scholars Program application you are required to include the names and contact information of two people who will submit recommendations for the applicant. At least one recommendation must come from a math, science, and/or engineering instructor.
Aspiring Millennium Scholars should note the following deadlines:
- August 1st, 2023: Penn State and Millennium Scholars Program applications available
- November 1st, 2023: Penn State EARLY ACTION filing deadline (Millennium Scholars candidates are strongly encouraged to apply by this deadline.)
- November 1st, 2023: Schreyer Honors College optional interview deadline
- December 4th, 2023 (11:59pm Eastern): Millennium Scholars Program application deadline (All applications and recommendations must be submitted by this date for the application to be evaluated)
- February 23rd & 24th, 2024: Interview Weekend on the University Park campus
- Mid-March 2024: Offers made to Millennium Scholars candidates
- May 1, 2024: Penn State offer an acceptance deadline
- June -July, date TBA, 2024: Summer Bridge program
- August 26th, 2024: First day of Fall classes
Required Events
After all applications have been evaluated, the top 100 candidates will be invited to come to University Park for the last step in the selection process: Interview Weekend. Students and families are responsible for travel costs to University Park for this two-day event, although a limited number of travel grants may be made in cases of demonstrated financial need.
A separate committee will make final admission offer decisions after the candidates’ interviews. Approximately 30-35 students then will be admitted to the Summer Bridge program in preparation for matriculation to Penn State in the Fall.
Students who accept an offer of admission to Penn State and the Millennium Scholars Program then will arrive on campus in mid-June for a six-week Summer Bridge program. Exact dates will vary from year to year, successful candidates will receive detailed instructions with their offers from the program. Completion of the Summer Bridge is required to matriculate into the Millennium Scholars Program at Penn State.
MSP Application is Closed
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Invitations to Interview Weekend have been sent. Please RSVP promptly.