Application Questions

Hey, I’ve started my Pitt application and have a few questions:
Will I need my school to send a school report to Pitt? Also, I plan on sending my transcript, but wasnt sure if I should still fill out the classes information if I’m sending a transcript. Last, if I do have to fill out the classes information, what should I be doing for my middle school classes? I took Algebra 2 and geometry in middle school and I have no idea what my grades were in those classes… what should I do regarding that?

@linds248,

If you fill out the Self-Reported Academic Record (SRAR), then we will not need you to send in a transcript with your application. If you choose to send a transcript, you do not have to fill out the optional SRAR.

If you are not sure what your grades were, you should be able to find that information on your middle school transcript. Your grades and classes should absolutely match your transcript if you choose to fill out the SRAR.

Thanks!
A Pitt Admissions Staffer

Thank you! That certainly helped clear things up.

@linds248, Sure! I am happy to help!

@hailtopitt1787 can you submit both the SRAR and a transcript from school?

@hailtopitt1787 Hi I was just wondering if I chose to send my High School Transcript how will I proceed on submitting my application? Also, in the application I did not see the option to write the short answer question, how do I submit them?

@student0309, We would prefer that you submit one or the other! No matter which one you choose to submit, any student that enrolled at Pitt will be required to submit a final, official transcript when they complete their senior year of high school.

@sIronMan, If you choose to submit a transcript, just don’t worry about filling out the optional “My Academic Record” section. Every other section is required. You will be prompted before submitting if a required portion of the application is missing. As for the short answer questions, the link will be emailed to you in a follow up email after you submit your application.

Best,
A Pitt Admissions Staffer

@hailtopitt1787 Thank you! A follow up question, is there a place where I can submit my resume with my extracurriculars

@sIronMan, Resumes/lists of extracurricular activities are not essential to us in our review process. If an extracurricular activity has had a significant impact on you, please take advantage of our Short Answer Questions to let us know about it.

Thanks!
-A Pitt Admissions Staffer

@hailtopitt1787 Thank You

@hailtopitt1787 Hello, I was just wondering if it was beneficial to send in the SRAR over the transcript or vice versa?

@Joelman111, Since the SRAR should match your transcript exactly, it won’t make a difference to us in reviewing your application. Essentially, the SRAR can be a way to get your application in faster because you do not have to request and wait for your school to send us an official transcript. Whichever way you choose, we will get what we need to review your application, so it’s up to you!

Best,
A Pitt Admissions Staffer

Hi, I am applying for pitt…need a clarification on the short answers…the way I understood the short answers for all three should be in the range of 250-500 and not each…right?

Also, my school will not be able to send the transcripts before sep 21st…Is it ok for me to submit my application before that?

@lovepittbus16, Yes, we recommend that you keep all three responses down to 250-500 words total. Not each. These are just guidelines, though. It is fine to go over that word count.

Go ahead and submit your application without the Self Reported Academic Record and we will wait for your transcript.

Best,
A Pitt Admissions Staffer

Thank you @hailtopitt1787. I took ACT yesterday to improve my scores. Have a good feeling that I will have better score than what I have now. Should I wait for that score? or apply now and send the new scores (is it even possible to update scores once you apply?)

@lovepittbus16, We will review an application that is submitted with at least one standardized test score. You have the option to tell us that you are taking the test at a later date and if the admissions committee happens to review your app before you retake the test, they may choose to hold the app and wait for your other score or they may move forward with a decision. It is up to you whether you wait or not!

Best,
A Pitt Admissions Staffer

Thank you for the quick reply @hailtopitt1787

@hailtopitt1787 how do they decide whether or not to hold and wait for more scores? And will applicants know whether they’re waiting for the later scores or not? I ask because I’m in the same boat as @lovepittbus16.

My school uses A, B, C and not A+, A, A- system in calculating GPA. Should I follow the same convention or should I try to do 95+ is A+, 95 is A and 90-95 is A- while filling the SRAR?

@Hunterwhaley, They will hold the app if they find that they need more information in order to make a final decision and they see that you have new scores coming their way.

@TXbsmd2016, Please report your grades exactly as they appear on your transcript. Do not attempt to make any conversions.

Best ,
A Pitt Admissions Staffer