So, wondering if anyone has insights on this situation.
Our daughter sent in her app to Pitt over three weeks ago - just under a month ago. The transcript was included in the application submission. Turns out that today she sent some type of inquiry to Pitt Admissions (not sure if it was email or if she called) and she was told that her app will not be looked at for at least 5 more weeks. They said the delay is because she sent in her transcript and did not do a self report (SRAR).
Does this sound correct or typical to anyone here? I have never heard of SRAR before. I don’t quite understand why a transcript submission would be less preferable than something that is self reported. I seem to be missing something here!
Any thoughts?
I feel badly because we were SO excited to hear from Pitt sooner than later. She submitted her app on September 20.
Thanks for any insights!!!
@RabbiBeth Did your daughter apply using the Common Application? My daughter did (about 10 days ago) and has been expecting to receive an email from Pitt with a link to complete the SRAR (as their website said would happen), but she has not yet gotten that link. I guess we will follow up with a phone call or email to Pitt soon to find out what she should do.
Yes. PItt requires the SRAR and not a transcript.
@mhansenb and @Hokiesunshine Thank you for your replies. We did use the Common App. I think the SRAR element took us by surprise, only today, nearly a month after applying. I don’t think the SRAR was on my daughter’s radar, nor on ours as parents. She’s bummed (and so are we) - we had hoped to hear from Admissions very soon but it’s going to be a wait now. She is going to speak with her guidance counselor - maybe there’s a way to handle this - not sure if it’s too late to send in the SRAR or just leave it as is with the transcript? I’m kind of unclear on the whole thing. Never heard of SRAR until Pitt…
@RabbiBeth maybe the “5 weeks” part is just the official line? Admissions seems to be saying 4-6 weeks to process to all applicants, but really many are getting a response much quicker.
@NovaMom93 , I hope you are right! @hailtopitt1787 , any thoughts? Thanks!
@RabbiBeth, I wrote to the Pitt admissions counselor assigned to students with our last name today (found the list on the Pitt admissions website), and mentioned that we never received an email with a link to upload the SRAR. She wrote back quickly with the link. I would think it would not be too late for your daughter to complete the SRAR if she wanted to, and it might be worth it to her if it would help her to get a response on her application more quickly. I do think there have been some glitches for students who have applied using the Common App, as this is Pitt’s first year accepting the Common App. My understanding based on reading the Pitt admissions page was that applicants through Common App would be automatically emailed a link/explanation about the SRAR after their common apps were submitted; clearly, this has not been happening.
My son also applied (9/10) with Common App and transcript not SRAR, and never got an email. When we realized that things were not moving along, I called admissions and was told that it would probably add " at least a couple weeks" and he should do the SRAR. Unfortunately the SRAR link did not work, so I called back. Admission person put me on hold and did some checking with the people who process the transcripts and was told it would only be a few days delay, not weeks. He did up getting in and hearing back about 8-10 days after that phone call. I think the timeframes they give are understandably conservative. Part of the deal with the transcript delay can be waiting for the HS to send it. I would maybe give it until early next week and call back to ask if they can tell if the application is in “pre-committee” or “committee” review yet. My guess is it will not take as long as you were told. In all, it took about 5 weeks from when he sent the application, and about 3.5 weeks from when Pitt downloaded it (Common App delay) to when he heard back. Good luck.
@RabbiBeth, It does slow down processing time just a bit when we have to process a transcript. But five weeks may be a conservative estimate. Since you already did the work to send the transcript, I wouldn’t worry about filling out the SRAR. We will work hard to reach out to your daughter with a timely decision!
To anyone who did not receive a link to fill out the Self-Reported Academic Record after submitting their Common app, I have just a few notes: It does take a few business days for the Common Application to be processed and for us to get that link back to you - so don’t worry when it is not instantaneous! If more than a week goes by (and it didn’t accidentally land in your spam) please know that you are totally welcome to call our office and we will get a copy of that direct link to you. Hope that helps!
Good luck to everyone in the application process. When you have questions or experience issues, please always feel welcome to call our office: 412-624-7488.
Best,
A Pitt Admissions Staffer
@sable999 @RabbiBeth My daughter just tried the link we were sent for the SRAR and it did not work. Waiting to hear from tech support. She did submit the transcript with the Common App, so I guess our bases will be covered either way, even if it takes longer.
@hailtopitt1787 , thank you for this information. Very much appreciate it. @mhansenb , sounds about right!