<p>So, I applied early in October to Pitt, but then I got waitlisted because they needed
my 1st semester grades and they weren't availble until late January or so.
I decided just not to send my grades, but then I kind of changed my mind and about a week ago got a mail from Pitt saying that I'm on the waitlist now.</p>
<p>Here's what I'm confused about: (My major is going to be engineering btw)
In the mail it says that I can either be on the waitlist for the Swanson School of Engineering, or go to the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences.
I'm not really sure what the difference is between those two, I mean I'm guessing
Swanson is obviously better... but I just don't know the advantages and disadvantages of the two options that I have.</p>
<p>So, would someone be kind enough to answer my quesiton?</p>
<p>P.S. also, what's the chance of getting accepted off of the waitlist for Pitt?</p>
<p>If you enroll in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, then you can request a transfer into Swanson after completing a semester. At this point, they have probably admitted their quota of engineering students, and just want to see if you can achieve an acceptable GPA because accepting you. You can probably take some of the same courses that a first semester engineering student would take, but you need to check with your adviser.</p>
<p>If you really want to go to Pitt, I would enroll in Dietrich, but tell them you still want to remain on the waitlist for Swanson. After they see how many students actually commit, they may have a spot for you.</p>
<p>My son had the exact same situation and they do not give you the option of staying on the Engrg waitlist and enrolling in Arts & Sciences. You have to pick one or the other by April 1. My son selected the acceptance and will look to transfer at the end of his Freshman year. You can take the same core courses in your Fr year regardless.</p>
This question is for BBDad57. I am currently in the same situation as your son was once in. I love Pitt and really would like to go there, however I am skeptical about the wait list idea vs Arts and sciences. I am leaning towards arts and sciences and then transferring. I would like to know if your son was admitted to Swanson? Would you also be able to tell me his freshman years grades? I would like to compare how he did with how I would need to do if I want to transfer. This is a very important decision to make and I would really appreciate any advice.
When you are weighing the two options, I would encourage you to take a look at what the Swanson School expects from internal transfers. That way, if you choose the Arts and Sciences route, you won’t be surprised by any of the requirements: http://www.engineering.pitt.edu/First-Year/First-Year/Transfer-Students/Internal-Transfer-Students/
Best,
A Pitt Admissions Staffer