Application Process
Admission Criteria
The Penn State Smeal Real Estate Analysis & Development Master's programs feature a multi-step application process, during which you will be asked to submit the following:
- Penn State Graduate School Application
- Admissions Essay
- What are your short-term and long-term career goals? How does your past experience enable you to achieve these goals? How do you see your Smeal graduate degree fitting into this plan? (600-word limit)
- Resume
- Copies of Official Educational Transcripts
- Video Application Response
- Letters of Recommendation (2)
- Academic recommendations preferred
- Official English Language Proficiency Exam Scores (International Candidates)
- Application Fee: $65
Application Deadlines
The Penn State Smeal Real Estate Analysis & Development Master's programs feature multiple application deadlines throughout the year. Application reviews and decisions are made on a rolling basis. All aspects of the application process must be completed, submitted, and received by the applicable deadline to be considered for admission.
| Deadlines for Fall 2023 Intake | Submit Your Application By | Expect a Decision By |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Round | October 1 | December 1 |
| 2nd Round | December 1 | February 1 |
| 3rd Round | February 1 | April 1 |
| 4th Round | April 1 | June 1 |
| Deadlines for Summer 2023 Intake | Submit Your Application By | Expect a Decision By |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Round | October 1 | December 1 |
| 2nd Round | December 1 | February 1 |
| 3rd Round | February 1 | April 1 |
Video Application Response
You will be asked to respond to a series of interview questions using a webcam. For each question, you will have limited time to consider your response and a set amount of time to respond as the system records. The system allows for unlimited practice sessions but once you start the formal video interview process, you will only have one chance to respond to each question. Your application will not be considered complete or evaluated by the committee until you have completed this part of the process, which is separate from the Penn State Graduate School application.
- Technical Requirements: Visit the video application website to get started. You will need an internet-connected computer with a functioning webcam and microphone.
- Time Required: 15 to 20 minutes to respond to all the questions. You can register within the system beforehand and complete your interview later at your convenience.
Admission Decisions
All applications will be reviewed by both the Penn State Smeal Professional Graduate Programs Admissions Office (program requirements and admissions criteria) and the Penn State Graduate School (verification of educational documentation and credentials and international visa requirements). You may be contacted by parties from either area.
Admission is granted first by Smeal and then by the Penn State Graduate School. The Graduate School does not act on your application without a recommendation from the Smeal Admissions Office. The only accurate way to confirm receipt of your application materials and to check the status of your application is to contact the Smeal Admissions Office at realestate@smeal.psu.edu.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism
The Penn State Smeal College of Business has a strong commitment to ethics and integrity as reflected in our Honor Code. The admissions committee will not tolerate any form of plagiarism or appearance of impropriety in an applicant’s materials. To ensure academic integrity, all essays will be confirmed through iThenticate authenticity software.
For more information on academic integrity and plagiarism: "Academic Integrity" and "Academic Integrity, Plagiarism, and Copyright"
Failure to follow these guidelines will result in a deny decision. Email realestate@smeal.psu.edu with questions.
Ready to begin your application? Visit our Apply page to take the next step.