Fall 2020 Application Open!

Our fall 2020 application is open. Get started today! oafa.pitt.edu/apply
Drop all your application questions on this thread.
Good luck!
-Pitt Admissions Staffer

My daughter just submitted her application! Fingers crossed I’ll have 2 at Pitt next year! my son is a sophmore! #H2P!!!

Awesome, best of luck to her. H2P!

@hailtopitt1787 How long does it take for her to get a confirmation email and access to the Pitt Portal to check the status and make sure all required docs are submitted? I asked my son and he doesn’t remember. Thank you

Hi @Hopetobeapittmom
Good question! So the way our system works, it takes about 2-3 business days for us to receive your application data. Once we receive that data, then we will send a confirmation email. As long as you saw a confirmation screen when you hit submit on the application, then we should be receiving the data fairly soon! Does that make sense?
-Pitt Admissions Staffer

Yes it does! I thought I remembered it taking a couple days but wasn’t sure. Her app in pitt.mycollegeapplication site says its complete. So we will just wait until we get that email. Do you recommend we call if she doesn’t get it within the week? Thanks

@Hopetobeapittmom yes, definitely give us a call if she doesn’t receive it within the next week, I’m sure she will though. Have a wonderful weekend!

School Counselor here ! If a student applies RIGHT NOW via common app, how/when does she submit the Self Report Academic Record?

Hi @Sugarpal
It takes our team about 2-3 business days to receive application data, once that is received we will send you a link to fill out our SRAR separately.
-Pitt Admissions Staffer

D visited Pitt a few weeks ago and loves it! Wants to apply as early as possible. In reviewing the actual Pitt Application (not the Common App), there does not appear to be anywhere to list extracurricular activities, jobs, achievements, sports, leadership, honors, etc. If Pitt claims to give each application a “holistic” review, how exactly is this done? Solely based on grades/test scores and 3 short-answer questions? While this may give some limited insight into academics and how the student thinks and communicates, it somehow seems to cheat those who are particularly well-rounded and have an impressive resume of experiences outside of the classroom. Would it be appropriate/helpful to send a resume in addition to the short-answer questions? When S applied to Pitt about six years ago there were no questions but he could attach his resume and a writing sample. There’s only so much one can cover in a short-answer response, which may not portray a complete picture of the applicant.

Hi @Yocco1
The short answer questions are the best way we can get to know applicants aside from their SAT/ACT scores and grades. Specifically, the third short answer question asks “What else should we know about you?”, this is an applicant’s opportunity to talk about those extracurricular activities, achievements, etc. Additionally, if your student is interested in Pitt Honors, there are essay prompts available for further consideration. We do not recommend sending resumes/letters of recommendation unless it is a special circumstance. I hope this is helpful.
Good luck to your daughter!
-Pitt Admissions Staffer

Are short answer questions to be answered only if you want to be considered for merit or honors?

Hey there, I have a question for you. I have a high stats rising senior who wants an engineering major. I’d say he is one of those kids most likely to stick with engineerjng. .
He has investigated a ton of schools yet his app list is super short. I have been to Pitt several times and one of my interns goes to Pitt and is one of the best interns I have ever had.
My son won’t look at Pitt because he hates the Steelers. I am not joking. My question is: what one thing about Pitt could I tell him which might overcome the Steeler hatred? He wants chem engineering, if that helps. I think he would love Pitt. It has most of the academic things he is very focused on. But the Steeler thing. (We are in Cleveland, you might have guessed). And don’t feel bad, he has ruled out the entire state of Texas, too. And Florida.

@cypresspat had the same issue with my son as he wanted a football school and applied for chemical eng. one thing I told him apply and when you get accepted you then have a choice. Their mindset gets blocked on things that have nothing to do with their education. Although he decided on petroleum engineering and picked his 4th choice I am very happy he kept a semi open mind (drove me crazy with applications with lousy football programs and would not apply to CMU)

Hey @Das1234
The short answers are optional but we highly encourage you to answer them. If you want to be considered for merit scholarships you will be required to answer them. If you want to be considered to Pitt Honors you are required to answer separate essay prompts found here: https://oafa.pitt.edu/explore/pitthonors/
Good luck,
-Pitt Admissions Staffer

Hi @cypresspat,
Wow! That’s a tough one. Although I (the person typing, who works for Pitt admissions) am a native of Texas and a die-hard Cowboys fan. I have to say there is a variety of fans here, not everyone roots for the Steelers (although it is preferred that you do) but it really doesn’t make a difference in the quality of life here. This city is phenomenal!
The best selling point for your son who is looking at engineering is that we guarantee some sort of experiential experience while he’s here. For example, he can do a co-op: The Cooperative Education Program at the University of Pittsburgh offers you the chance to learn, earn, and graduate with a higher starting salary while maintaining your status as a full-time student. This program is available in engineering, chemistry, information science, and computer science: https://www.engineering.pitt.edu/coop/

I hope this helps!
-Pitt Admissions Staffer

Thank you…I will give it a whirl. Good tidbit for him to chew on.

Is pitt’s 4.1 average gpa weighted or unweighted?

@das1243 weighted

The class profile on your website has GPA’s for all schools except arts & sciences. Do you know what the average GPA is for arts & sciences?