@BurntKnight I have a family member who is currently at Swarthmore- she received a tremendous scholarship to GW. The father called it a “full ride” and told me it was very difficult to give up. My D’s friend also received a “full ride” to GW. I did not realize these exist, but evidently they do.
My family member told me that his daughter loved GW and this came through very strongly in the application. They never considered it a safety and never thought she would get into Swarthmore.
I think you should apply to Pitt- it’s a great school. It’s not on the common app and the application opens early- as in this month.