Promising Scholars Program

All new Promising Scholars are invited to a two-day overnight visit program. During the visit, you and your parents will have the opportunity to experience the university up close. This is a great time to participate in Experience IUP, our admitted student program. You'll also enjoy a dinner reception and meet other Promising Scholar students.

To help students visit us from across the state, transportation and lodging are paid by IUP for students traveling from the Philadelphia area.

Throughout your years in the Promising Scholars Program, you'll take part in experiences that encourage you to reach your full potential in both academics and leadership. You'll have support and guidance from IUP's faculty and administrators to help you succeed. As a Promising Scholar, you'll participate in the following extra activities:

Freshman Year (2.75 GPA requirement)

• Study Hall
• Academic Plus Initiative
• Mentor and Mentee Program
• Volunteer Program

Sophomore Year (3.00 GPA requirement)

• Frederick Douglass Institute
• Debate Team
• Research Initiatives
• Volunteer Program

Junior Year (3.00 GPA requirement)

• Mock Interviews
• Internship Applications

Senior Year (3.00 GPA)

• Résumé Preparation Help
• Job Fairs

Our living-learning communities are designed to help you get a solid start in college. The Promising Scholars Living-Learning Community helps you form bonds with some of your professors outside the classroom and enjoy fun social and academic activities with other Promising Scholar students. You'll have the convenience of our residence suites and be right on campus, close to all you need.

Want a roommate who isn't a Promising Scholar? No problem. You can still select a roommate from outside the program. Though it's not a requirement that you live in the Promising Scholar Living-Learning Community, you might not want to miss all it has to offer.

1. First, you'll need to apply to IUP. Apply and be accepted by October 31 for first consideration for the Promising Scholars Program. You must be a US citizen, have a permanent Pennsylvania residence and complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
2. Next, complete your Promising Scholar application online. For best consideration, apply early. Applications will be considered based on a variety of factors, such as:
   • Academic excellence (3.0 or higher GPA, difficulty of high school classes)
   • Class rank
   • Community involvement
   • Extracurricular activities
   • An essay or recommendation letter (optional)
3. Be one of the first qualified students to apply, and you'll be invited to an interview event. Only 30 students will be selected to participate at each interview location. If selected, you'll be scheduled for a 10-minute interview and have the chance to learn more about IUP and the Promising Scholars Program from IUP staff, alumni, and current students. Mark your calendar for the date of the closest interview location.
   • Promising Scholars East - November 17, 2022
   • Promising Scholars West - November 19, 2022