Did you make a New Year’s resolution this year? Did your resolution involve continuing your education, positioning yourself for a possible career change or promotion, or setting a good example for your children? If so, you will be pleased to hear that we are currently accepting applications for admission to undergraduate programs (certificate, associate degree, and bachelor degree) for the summer and fall 2012 semesters.

The deadline is fast approaching for the summer semester. A completed application and official transcripts are needed prior to March 15. Don’t wait, make those transcript requests now or they may not arrive in time.

If you have been thinking about continuing your education, but have not yet taken that first step, contact us! We are happy to speak with you regarding the programs available. Many of us are returning adult learners ourselves. We personally understand the complexities involved when you are employed full-time, have a family, and are working towards completing your degree. If you have any questions or concerns feel free to contact an admissions counselor at wdadmissions@outreach.psu.edu or 1-800-252-3592.

Get to know Meg Abplanalp, an admissions counselor with Penn State World Campus and Continuing Education. It’s always nice to put a face with a name!

Meg Abplanalp, admissions counselor for Penn State World Campus and Continuing Education

What’s your role in admissions services?

• I communicate with prospective students and applicants on the phone and through email, and also by holding in-person appointments for those able to stop in.
• I also plan and coordinate recruitment events and information sessions geared specifically toward adult learners and their support systems.
• I sit on various World Campus program teams to ensure our prospective students and applicants have a voice in the creation of new degree and certificate programs, as well as the maintenance of current programs we offer.
• Occasionally, I get to be the first one to tell an applicant the great news of his or her acceptance; I’ve got to admit, that’s my favorite part of the job!

Coordinating and attending recruitment events puts you in contact with many future Penn Staters. What do you like best about this experience?

I love hearing the stories about people who love Penn State — whether it’s someone who grew up watching Penn State football, someone whose son or daughter attended Penn State years ago, or someone who earned his or her undergraduate degree decades ago, Penn Staters keep coming back! Once you’re part of the family, that’s it.

One student in particular stands out in my mind:  a man who grew up dreaming about Penn State, but whose parents couldn’t afford a college education when he was younger, became emotional over the phone when we communicated the great news of his acceptance. Attending Penn State had always been a dream of his, and now that we’re online, he could make that dream a reality (even from Texas!). It was a wonderful moment.

As an admissions counselor, you field many questions from students. What part of your job do you find most satisfying?

Helping adults recognize their potential. It takes a lot of “gusto” to click Submit on that application; in fact, most adults think about going back to school for years before they actually do it. Once they do submit that application, there’s an almost immediate change in those students’ confidence, hope, and motivation. It’s so rewarding!

What does being a Penn Stater mean to you?

Being a Penn Stater not only means I’m part of a great family and network — it also means I’m part of a deep-seeded tradition spanning over 150 years. Just the thought of that gives me chills!

Any advice for current World Campus students?

• For prospective students, know that it’s never too late to attend Penn State! Students outside the “traditional norm” are the future of education, and we’re here to help you through your journey.
• For current students, be proactive in every aspect of your education; communicate with your adviser, manage your time, and be honest with yourself.

Always remember there’s someone here to assist you with any issues you may encounter along the way.

Thanks, Meg!

Meet Tara Banerjee, an admissions counselor for World Campus. You might talk to her on the phone if you call our main line; it’s always nice to put a face with a name!

Tara Banerjee

What’s your role in Admission Services?

The majority of my day consists of fielding admission inquiries from prospective students as well as assisting actively serving military service members and veterans as they pursue higher education.  I also work with a dedicated group of alumni volunteers who serve as mentors to prospective World Campus students.

How does it feel to work with service members all over the world on a daily basis?

It feels incredible to be working with active service members and veterans who are located all over the world!  I enjoy assisting this eager population by helping them to enroll in courses for the first time or complete a degree program that was started many years ago.

What’s your favorite part about working for Penn State?

I’m so happy to finally be a part of the Penn State family!  I was born and raised in central Pennsylvania and although I attended college in another state, I’ve always been intrigued by the school spirit I witness on a daily basis and the countless happy stories that my friends who graduated from Penn State several years ago still tell.  I will be enrolling in graduate school at Penn State in the fall of 2012!

I enjoy the excitement of working for a large university with such strong name recognition.  I admire the fact that the Penn State encourages its employees to always be furthering their own education.  I also appreciate the great work-life balance that I am fortunate to have as a result of my employment here.

I am honored to say that I will soon finally be a Nittany Lion!  I was recently offered admission into the secondary school counseling education program and intend to enroll in the fall of 2012.

Any advice for World Campus students?

Be assertive!  College is not the time in your life to be bashful.  Our faculty members will understand if you have circumstances which will prevent you from completing a course assignment, but you must effectively communicate this information in a timely manner to your instructor(s).

Thanks, Tara!

The deadline for applying for admission to a bachelor or associate degree program is quickly approaching.  Are you ready to return to college to finish a degree you began many years ago?  Are you finding it difficult to reach your career goals without a degree?  Maybe life just got in the way and you were unable to attend college directly after high school.

June 30, 2011, is the deadline to complete the World Campus application process for admission to the fall 2011 semester.  The deadline includes receipt of all official transcripts:

• High school transcripts or GED with available high school records are required from all applicants
• Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
• Official military transcripts, if applicable

Need Help? Have Questions?

Contact an admissions counselor for assistance with selecting a program to help you reach your goals.  We are available at 1-800-252-3592 during our hours of operation or contact us by email:  wdadmissions@outreach.psu.edu.

The deadline for applying to an associate or bachelor’s degree program is just around the corner! If you are thinking about entering Penn State for the summer 2011 semester, now is the time to apply and submit your application materials.  Summer 2011 semester courses begin on May 16, 2011, and last through August 10, 2011. (more…)