What is LEAP?

LEAP is an opportunity for new students to start their Penn State career in a small-college atmosphere within the larger University. LEAP is only for first-year students offered admission to the University Park campus and is available only during the summer session. Students offered admission for the fall semester can change their admission to the summer session to participate in LEAP if they’d like. Entry to LEAP is limited. Students are admitted on a first-come, first-served basis.

How does LEAP work?

Each student selects one of the academic “prides” described in this brochure under LEAP Prides. A pride consists of two 3- or 4-credit courses with the same students in both. One course is usually either English composition or effective speech , both required for all students. The other course is from a specific academic area. A student registered for LEAP 097 is automatically registered for both courses. If the student originally was admitted for fall semester, his or her admission must be changed to summer*.

What are the benefits of LEAP?

There are many, including:

Small classes—Each section is limited in size, most no larger than 24 students, allowing greater interaction with faculty. A few classes combine larger lecture sections and discussion groups.

Integrated courses—Your writings or speeches in one course are based on the material you’re learning in the other course, and vice versa.
A mentor for each pride—an upper-level student is there to show you the way with study-skills sessions, library and computer help, social activities, and tips about college life.

Library and computer training sessions—A subject librarian is available to help you develop research skills and learn how to find and use the Libraries’ print and electronic resources.

The LEAP residence hall—All LEAP students are housed in the same residence hall area. Your roommate and the other students in your residence hall will all be from one of the LEAP prides. Mentors live in the residence area as well, so they will be available to offer guidance in an informal setting.

What if there is no pride for my major, or it is filled?

Don’t worry! Remember, almost a third of your course work will be outside your major, including General Education courses in the arts, humanities, social and behavioral sciences, communication, quantification, and natural sciences, intended to broaden your education. Most of the prides offer courses that fulfill General Education requirements and are appropriate for a student in any major.

If I am offered summer admission, am I automatically registered for LEAP?

No. To participate in LEAP, students must register for one of the LEAP 097 sections described on this website.

Which students should choose LEAP?

LEAP is for first-year students who want a smooth transition into life at a large campus. The program is open only to first-year students already admitted to Penn State’s University Park campus for the summer or fall semester, and is offered only in the summer six-week session. Students admitted for fall must change to summer admission to register for
LEAP 097.

How much does LEAP cost?

There is no extra charge for LEAP. A student’s total fees are based on the number of credits taken and the summer room and meal plan.

What if I don’t want to participate in LEAP?

Students who choose not to participate in LEAP will select from the standard schedule of courses when they meet with their advisor during the First-Year Testing, Counseling and Advising Program (FTCAP), usually in May or June. See http://soc.our.psu.edu/soc/ to search the courses offered in the summer.

 

*Contact the Admissions Office through their web page at http://admissions.psu.edu under "My Penn State-Check application status or email us," or call (814) 865-5471