Pitt's Request for More Information

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Pittsburgh
1

<p>When I opened the mail today and found a tiny letter from Pitt admissions, I was positive that I had been rejected. Upon opening the letter, I was surprised to find that the Admissions Committee was requesting that I forward my October ACT results and my mid-year grades. Although it's a bit of a let down, it's better than a flat out rejection (I'm trying my best to stay optimistic here). Does receiving this letter show that I have some potential chance of being accepted or is this just Pitt preparing me for a rejection?</p>

<p>Here are some of my stats: </p>

<p>Negatives:
My SAT scores are most definetly worst part of my application. I've gone up and down slightly in certain subjects but always end up with about a 1580/2400 (yes, I'm aware that this is horrible in comparison to the average Pitt applicant). I have taken the ACT one time but did not submit them due to the fact that the results came out almost a month after I applied. I got a composite score of 23 on the October ACT...the test that they are requesting to see. Standardized tests aren't exactly my cup of tea. No matter how hard I study, I always end up with about the same score. </p>

<p>Positives:
-While my SAT/ACT scores aren't the best, I feel that my high school GPA has always been a plus for me. I've maintained about a 95.5/100 (Unweighted) over the last few years.
-My class rank is currently 24/314 and my senior grades are looking pretty good so far!
-I sent in two recommendations, one from my AP Language teacher (who wrote a phenomenal letter) and my Dental Assisting teacher (who I know would write a great recommendation for me).
-I felt that my two short answers were pretty good. The last question (which I also feel pretty confident about) wanted me to describe a time when I was struggling in life but overcame it (I can't remember the exact question word-for-word). I wrote an essay about my rough experience with childhood bullying and how I overcame it (my dream is to become a dentist and I recently placed 2nd nationally in a dental science competition).</p>

<p>Has anyone else recieved this letter in the mail? If so, what do you think my chances are of acceptance and what else can I do? Pitt is one of my top schools. I've been accepted to other schools but Pitt was the only reach school that I applied to. I'm scared of rejection, but Pitt is such an amazing institution that I had to give it a shot. If I were to be accepted, my chances of attending would be very high.</p>

<p>Please don't be afraid to share your opinions and comments!
Thanks!</p>

2

<p>Your situation really reminds me a lot of myself as I had a high GPA and comparably lower standardized test scores. I was accepted in September after retaking the ACT. There is definitely still hope and you certainly have a potential chance of acceptance. Be sure to remember that Pitt only considers English, Math, and Writing parts of the ACT. What are you best scores in these specific sections of the ACT?</p>

3

<p>It’s pretty common for universities to ask for mid-year grades, and they all want to see end-of-year grades as well (admission letters are always conditioned on continuing with the same or better academic performance as you’ve been doing before being admitted). I think it is unusual that they want more test scores though when they have your SAT scores already, but the 23 is pretty comparable to your SAT scores so hopefully it won’t hurt. See: <a href=“http://www.act.org/solutions/college-career-readiness/compare-act-sat/”>http://www.act.org/solutions/college-career-readiness/compare-act-sat/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

4

<p>I got a 23 on every section except for math, where I got a 21, whereas on the SAT, math is usually my highest section. I’ve only taken it once and don’t plan on taking it again unless I absolutely have to (I’ve taken the SAT 3 times already). I’m just going to keep my GPA up and hope for the best. Hopeully this is enough!</p>

5

<p>And yes, once again, I’m aware that these scores are low as well. I hate standardized testing :(( </p>

6

<p>I hate to say it but I do not think those scores will be high enough to be admitted. I would plan on retaking them if you really want to attend Pitt. My scores were higher than that when they requested me for an additional test score.</p>

7

<p>Also if you don’t get accepted to the main campus after all, you might be able to start out at a regional campus. It might save some money also and if you work hard and get your bachelor’s degree, you could still apply to Pitt dental school.</p>

8

<p>Hello! Pitt Admissions staffer here. I just wanted to say, when the admissions committee requests updated scores or grades, they really do just want more information about you. It does not mean they are preparing you for anything specific, they simply need more information to make the final decision. Good luck! </p>

9

<p>Thank you very much! I’m trying my best to stay positive and I’m hoping for the best!</p>