Pitt Junior here, any questions?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Pittsburgh
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<p>2e4L: I recommend you call Panther Central ASAP (even now, on Sunday. They're there 24/7). The number is 412-648-1100. You will get better results dealing directly with Pitt than posting on a bulletin board. You need to straighten out all these issues right away. Classes start Aug. 25!</p>

<p>I believe that housing at Pitt was in big demand this year. I'm guessing that with this uncertain economy, more kids accepted Pitt's offer than expected. Another factor is that, to my knowledge, Pitt doesn't triple kids in rooms meant to be doubles, like some other schools. So you may get closed out of housing.</p>

<p>But many kids change their plans over the summer. Make sure you are on the waiting list for housing. My daughter said that three girls had been housed in her floor's community room in Towers last year (it's a pretty large room). They actually liked it a lot, but other rooms opened up for them within four weeks, and they were moved out of there. So make sure you are on the waiting list for housing! </p>

<p>Pitt is a large school. I haven't found it impersonal, but because of its size, you may have to work harder to cut through the bureaucracy. My daughter was closed out of a class, but she got the professor to sign her in. It wasn't hard to do, it just took persistence. Instead of getting angry at Pitt, learn to work the system! It's hard to a kid to do, so maybe you can find someone to help you. I'm getting off my soapbox now. Best of luck!</p>

<p>To cpeltz:

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Anybody know if not visiting will be a disadvantage in admittance? From all I've read about Pitt, I think it would be a great fit for him, but wonder about the diversity of the campus. He's not a big sports kid, likes gaming, friends, etc. -are there quirky kids at Pitt?

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<p>As I might have mentioned before, about 25% of the Pitt student body is now from out of state. I believe Pitt is striving to be something like a University of Michigan or a Berkeley. So the diversity of the campus is increasing. I think racial diversity is somewhat lagging, but improving also. In my opinion, there are plenty of quirky kids at Pitt. My daughter considers herself quirky, and she has made friends. They get together to eat out, go ice skating, and play video games. Guitar Hero is big, and it's such a great social game. She's buying Rock Band, and I'm sure that will be another reason to get together. And no, you don't have to worry about not visiting, especially at the distance you live. My daughter didn't visit either. The first time she saw the school was on accepted students day! We are also out of state, and she loves it! Also take a look at Carnegie Mellon, right next door. Feel free to PM me if you have any questions!</p>

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<p>I'll get on that right away. Is there still a chance for me to be enrolled in the honors college? My AP scores are five 5s and three 4s with a 1540 on the SAT (out of 1600). I know some kids who are less qualified but were still offered a spot</p>

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<p>Hey, does anyone know where I would go to check in (transfer student) if I am not arriving until August 23rd really late at night? I am living in Ruskin Hall and I am very new to Pittsburgh. I just don't want to be lost if I get in really late at night. Any sort of specific directions on where I should go first and who I should see, where I could get my keys, check in, etc would all be helpful information :) Thanks!</p>

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<p>Best give a call to the number in this link and find out where you should go, etc. It's complicated by the fact that you're arriving late at night.</p>

<p>University</a> of Pittsburgh: Arrival Survival</p>

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<p>2e4l. Yes. Talk to your adviser, visit the honors college (top of the cathedral) and get permission form to take honors classes. Cheers.</p>

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<p>I talked to Panther Central and they told me to call the office of admissions and the office of off-campus housing first thing in the morning. Bummer</p>

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<p>Motherof2girls, you need a 1400 SAT score for critical reading and math (or ACT 32) and be in the top 5% of your class to get into the honors college. As for nursing, my D will be a sophomore at Pitt in the nursing program. Being in the honors college isn't that big of a deal for the nursing program. There aren't any honors nursing classes per se (they say that you can turn a class into one by doing extra work for it) and to add honors classes to your schedule for gen ed type classes is hard because there really isn't much leeway since the required nursing classes are plentiful and are on a strict schedule. Technically, my D is in the honors college, but hasn't taken any honors classes. I recommend visiting Pitt and speaking to someone at the nursing college directly to see how you can work honors classes into your D schedule if that is what she wants. The nursing curriculum is pretty rigorous without honors classes. Some changed majors after the first semester. Others study hard and do well. There is a large range of students. Her class has about10-15 guys. If you have any more questions you can PM me.</p>

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<p>2e4L,</p>

<p>They may be able to fit you into a dorm or suite even still. I would call Panther Central again...today...when the regular staff is there. Your problem doesn't sound like a job for the Sunday night staff. </p>

<p>You can also try some of the big apartment buildings like Webster Hall or the Fairfax. They are pretty close and they only require tenents to give 3 months notice, so it is possible that there may be a vacancy. Another option would be to get an apartment a little further away and take a bus into Pitt...public transportation is free for students.</p>

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<p>Oh, I thought you were talkg about taking honors classes...</p>

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<p>After several calls to Pitt and accompanying "please call this number..." every time, I'm finally registered for Pitt start on the 18th and 19th! Now I just need to find housing....</p>

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<p>That's great that you're registered. Good luck on the housing.</p>

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<p>Anybody knows that will it be terrible if I failed the writting placement test?</p>

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<p>There is a written placement test? I only took online ones if I am remember correctly...</p>

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<p>Does anyone know anything about the closets at Sutherland? Or anything about the "C" suites at Sutherland (6 people, 3 bedrooms, 1bathroom)</p>

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<p>Hi Jimmy! My son will be a freshman at Pitt soon. Do you know how to find the books that are required for each course and the ISBN #'s so that we can compare prices online? Thank you!</p>

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<p>You can find the textbook list here: The</a> Book Center: University of Pittsburgh</p>

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<p>Wait for a week of classes. Probably won't need half the books.</p>

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<p>"Anybody knows that will it be terrible if I failed the writting placement test?"</p>

<p>No xubeast, it's not that bad, I promise :) I'm speaking from an engineering student's point of view, so if I had over a 600 on the SAT CR, I was exempt from the test. But a bad score on these tests won't determine your fate. For example, if you've been a straight A student in math, received a % on the AP Calc test, but bombed the placement exam (for whatever reason), they wouldn't put you in a Pre-calc class. </p>

<p>The tests give your advisor an idea of what classes to place you in. They want to make sure that they put you in the right class. If you disagree with the class level you're advised to take, you can take another type of class instead (unless it's full, etc). But even if you have to take an introductory class because of your placement test score, it's not the end of the world.</p>

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<p>In terms of P2P file sharing, I use Limewire and usually turn off sharing....can u download music and don't let any uploadind and sharing? Cause thats what i do now</p>

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<p>How firm is the Honors College, in reference to their requirements? </p>

<p>My daughters are very interested in the University and all that the honors college has to offer. Both have good ECs and run for the cross country and track teams. They scored a 33 & 34 on the ACT. However, they did not play the "class rank game" here at our competitive high school. They have taken the most challenging courses (tons of APs, etc.) but chose to take extra classes (non-weighted) during our zero hour and as a replacement for study halls (this has suppressed their GPA/class rank). Both now carry above a 4.1 and are currently in the top 6% and 9% of the class of 450+. Will the honors college consider this?</p>

<p>Two additional questions, if you don't mind...</p>

<ol>
<li><p>Does anyone have experience with merit aid? Would they have a chance?</p></li>
<li><p>The University Center for International Studies is of great interest to them. Can anyone supply information on the Center? </p></li>
</ol>

<p>Thank you!</p>