Transcripts, a resume or curriculum vitae, a personal statement, TOEFL scores (if applicable), and three letters of reference are required in the application package .
As part of the online application process, you are required to upload electronically copies of transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended (or equivalent documents for institutions outside the U.S., e.g. degree/study certificates, diplomas, etc.) in the language of instruction, as well as copies of an official English translation, if English is not the language of instruction. (Note: Offers of admission will be revoked if original, official documents do not arrive by specified deadlines, or if official documents do not match electronic copies provided prior to the offer of admission.)
Regarding the personal statement that is part of the application package, this is an essay that should describe one's research interests, goals, and reasons for pursuing graduate school. You might consider these writing prompts: if we called your faculty mentors, what would they say you are really good at?, what are you most proud of accomplishing?, describe an academic challenge you faced, how you handled the situation, and what you learned from it, what will be the biggest challenge for you in graduate school?, why graduate school?, how do you see yourself being able to contribute to Penn State's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion?
All international applicants whose first language is not English, or who have not received a baccalaureate or master's degree from an institution in which the language of instruction is English, must take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) examination. A TOEFL score of 550 on the paper test is required for admission. TOEFL scores can be submitted electronically to Penn State by the administering agency. If you take the iBT (internet-based TOEFL test), the minimum scores are 80 (total score) and 19 (speaking).
The academic graduate major in meteorology and atmospheric science is open to all students with a baccalaureate degree who are keenly interested in the atmosphere. A degree in meteorology, science, math, or engineering provides a particularly good background, although we have had some students with liberal arts degrees who have succeeded in our program.
Grades. Most students admitted into our graduate program have GPAs of 3.5 or higher. Particularly good grades in the sciences are desirable.
The minimum course requirements for admission are mathematics, at least through differential equations, and at least one year of physics. Depending on the research area, computer programming experience also might be highly desirable.
International applicants must take and submit scores for the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or the IELTS (International English Language Testing System), with the exceptions noted below. The minimum acceptable score for the TOEFL is 550 for the paper-based test, 213 for the computer-based test, or a total score of 80 with a 19 on the speaking section for the Internet-based test (iBT). Applicants with iBT speaking scores between 15 and 18 may be considered for provisaaional admission, enrollment, and, if necessary, remedial course work. The minimum composite score for the IELTS is 6.5. Revised TOEFL PBT July 2017 and later 60