I just received a letter from Pitt requesting my mid-year grades, which I’m assuming is a deferral. This was a little disconcerting to me, as I had not expected this at all.
GPA: 3.3UW/4.0W
SAT: 2270 (800 Math)
I applied for Engineering, although many of my worst grades were in Math/Science. However, since I was accepted to the Rutgers Honors College for Engineering, I assumed that this would be overlooked in favor of my SAT score.
I really really want to go to Pitt, and am very disheartened. My senior grades are marginally better in math/science, so would this reverse the decision? If necessary, should I ask to be considered for another major?
In case it is relevant, my application was deemed complete in mid-December. I also completed the short answer questions online.
Edit: My school does not rank, but if it did my rank would not be very flattering (top 40%). That being said, on Naviance my stats are higher than the average acceptance, and I personally know others who were accepted this year with lower stats. They may not have applied for engineering, however.
@pittthrowaway, Requesting mid-year grades is not an automatic deferral. Our Admissions Committee is simply asking for a little more information before making a final decision. It is not uncommon for students who send us mid-year grades to still be admitted, so don’t read too much into the request. After sending us the grades, you should hear back soon either way.
If you have more questions about this process, please feel free to call our office and ask to speak to an Admissions Counselor: 412-624-7488.
Best,
A Pitt Admissions Staffer
@hailtopitt1787
I was under the impression that a deferral was the request of the mid-year. Am I understanding correctly that a deferral is a different admissions decision? If so, I’m assuming that a request for additional information means that my original application was not strong enough to merit an acceptance immediately. Is this correct?
@pittthrowaway, a deferral is an entirely different thing. Requesting mid year grades is not an admissions decision at all, it is just a request for more information. It does mean that the Admissions Committee wants a little more info before making a decision. They should make a decision shortly after you turn in those grades.
Hope that helps!
A Pitt Admissions Staffer