Admissions FAQs | PennWest California

PennWest California's admissions counselors are always ready to help you navigate the admissions process. If you don't see an answer to your question below, use the live chat box on this page, or contact the appropriate admissions counselor.

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How do I start my application?

Start your PennWest California application by clicking "Apply" on any page of the PennWest California website. You can also apply to PennWest California by following the "Apply Now" link on passhe.edu or by accessing the Pennsylvania State System Admissions App via the National Application Center.

Should I use a different username and password for each application I submit to a Pennsylvania State System school?

No. Whether you begin the application process on a university-specific website, passhe.edu or the National Application Center, use the same username and password at each location and throughout the process for consistency and to avoid duplicate files.

When I try to create a login, I get an error indicating that my email address is already in use. How do I create an account?

If this type of message appears, double-check that your email address is spelled correctly. It is possible that another application may have been started or submitted to one of the 14 State System universities using an account created with this email address. If you can't remember the account login information, click on the link at the bottom of the account. Info about retrieving old username and password information may be found here. This information is linked from the login at www.calu.edu/apply/ as well as applynow.passhe.edu . If account information cannot be recovered using these tools, contact Undergraduate Admissions at 724-938-4404, Graduate Admissions at 724-938-4187. You also may contact us via email at admissionsupport@pennwest.edu ,and an admissions representative will assist you between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

I am a senior in high school, and I accidentally answered 'yes' to taking or having taken college courses while in high school. Now I can't move past the "Prior College Experience" page. What now?

On the left side of the application screen, there are several tabs associated with your application that allow you to navigate among all application screens without needing to save your data. Using that feature, you can return to the "Educational Background" tab and change the answer to the "Did you receive any college credit while in high school?" question. After saving and updating your results, you will no longer be required to provide any information on "College Information." Please remember to save your updates periodically.

I can't find my high school or college when I use the "look up" feature. How do I manually enter my school information?

To fill in the name of a high school or college, slowly begin typing the name of the school and it should appear in a pre-populated list of schools. Most schools appear on the list however, there is a way to enter your school and its address should it not appear on the list. After searching and not having valid results return, a "Not on the list" option will appear. Click on "Not on the list" and type your school information. That will save your school data within the application.

I was timed out when I was trying to print the confirmation page, and I can't get back into the application. What now?

Log in to http://www.calu.edu/apply/ and log in to your account using your username and password. This will take you to the self-service center of your application, where you can manage your contact information and preferences, view your application, upload admission requirements, and view your application decision.

The self-service center is your one-stop location to manage all of your information as you apply for admission to PennWest California.

I want to change the method of payment for my application fee. How do I do this?

Depending on what payment method has been selected, you may be able to use the "back" buttons in your browser to return to the "select payment method" screen. However, if you have already attempted to submit a payment with a credit card or e-check, it is not recommended that you press the "back" button while you are connecting to submit payment. In this case, return to the application either at www.calu.edu/apply/ or via applynow.passhe.edu. Your application data should be saved and ready for submission again. When trying to submit your application again, you will be brought back to the screen to select your method of payment.

How do I print a copy of my application or confirmation page?

To access your completed application details and status, or to continue an application in progress, select the "Applications" tab above. Next, click on the "Summary" tab to view or print a copy of your application. To print, click on the "Print" button at the top, right-hand corner of your application self-service center.

Why am I asked to provide my Social Security number?

Providing your Social Security number is optional and is not required for an admissions decision. The Federal Privacy Act of 1974 requires that you be notified that disclosure of your Social Security number is voluntary and is not required to determine admission.

Should you chose to provide it, your Social Security number will be used to match your application with your SAT/ACT test scores and/or financial aid information. Failure to provide it may affect your eligibility for financial aid. Your Social Security number is also used to report your educational expenses to the Internal Revenue Service to verify any education-related deductions you may claim on your federal income taxes.

How do you use fee waivers?

If you are a high school student, you will need to ask your guidance counselor to send an application fee waiver to PennWest California's Admissions Office. The application fee waiver must include your first and last name.

If you have received a fee waiver code, you may enter that code onto your application. Application fee waivers can also be applied to your account if you can validate attendance or participation in any of the following PennWest California Fee Waiver Programs: Military Affiliation, Conference Attendee, PennWest California Event Attendee, Classroom Presentation or Recommend a Vulcan Referral Program. Information regarding PennWest California fee waiver processing is available on the "Charges and Additional Items" section of your application, or by contacting admissions@pennwest.edu.

I lost my login information. How can I get it?

If you lost your login information, you can retrieve it by clicking on the "Forgot Username/Password" link found on the left side of your login screen (www.calu.edu/apply/). Or call Undergraduate Admissions at 724-938-4404, Graduate Admissions at 724-938-4187 for ssiatance between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. weekdays. Reach us by email at admissionsupport@pennwest.edu.

How do I know if my application was submitted successfully?

You can track submitted or "in progress" applications by logging in to your self-service center either at www.calu.edu/apply/ or via applynow.passhe.edu. If your PennWest California application appears on the list under "submitted applications," it has been submitted successfully. If it appears under in progress," click "resume" to finalize and submit your application.

How do I make changes to an already-submitted application?

To make changes to an already-submitted application, call a PennWest California admissions counselor.

Undergraduate Admissions: 724-938-4404 or toll-free 1-888-412-0479. (Includes undergraduate-level transfer, online and international students.)

Graduate Admissions: 724-938-4187.

What is the Application Self-Service Center?

The self-service center allows you to manage your contact information and preferences, view your application, upload admission requirements, and view your application decision The self-service center is your one-stop location to manage all of your information as you apply for admission to PennWest California.

To access your completed application details and status, or to continue an application in progress, select the "Applications" tab above.

Once your application is submitted, you may no longer edit your application form, but you may upload any necessary application materials, such as an essay, resume or unofficial transcripts (varies by program). You may view the status of your application, as well as review any missing application requirements, by clicking on the "Applications" tab above.

If you still need to submit your application fee, you may do so by selecting the application tab above, then choose "Summary," and selecting "Make a Payment," located under the invoice section.

Here is helpful contact information for offices that can assist you:

Undergraduate Admissions: 724-938-4404, admissions@pennwest.edu
Articulation, Transfer and Evaluation: 724-938-5939, transfer@pennwest.edu
Graduate Admissions: 724-938-4188, GradAdmissions@pennwest.edu
Financial Aid: 724-938-4415, finaid-cal@pennwest.edu
Office of Housing and Residence Life: 724-938-4444, housing@pennwest.edu
University Dining Services: 724-938-4555, diningservices@pennwest.edu

PennWest California Admissions: Frequently Asked Questions