<p>Hello</p>
<p>I have received this email from University of Pittsburgh:</p>
<p>"Your ambition has struck a chord here at the University of Pittsburgh, and I'm going to give you select status when you apply to Pitt! This includes access to a streamlined application and the opportunity to receive the fastest admission decision possible.</p>
<p>Visiting Pitt is the best way to experience our urban, yet picturesque campus. I’d love to welcome you and your family to Pittsburgh, so click here to learn more about the many visit options we offer. (You can even apply in person when you’re here!)</p>
<p>I look forward to receiving your application. Don't forget to apply at your earliest opportunity!"</p>
<p>I called their admissions department to ask what it was about, they said it was something they sent to students based on SAT/ACT scores and GPA. However, I never sent this school my act scores (though I will do at some point because I am looking at UPitt), and my GPA is not so impressive (3.2).</p>
<p>I signed up online so that I can apply when I'm ready, but other than that I don't see how they chose me for this status? Is it an automated email that they send to loads of students?</p>
<p>What's the deal with this?</p>
<p>Yeah, I got the same thing too. I would think that it’s like an ordinary “visit our campus!” letter, but when I logged onto my email, it was flagged as “important” I’m not sure what it means either.</p>
<p>When you took the ACT, you might have checked a box that says they can send your information to schools. That’s likely what happened</p>
<p>Yes, i got this email today also and am very curious to as if it is a priority or special privilege per se or if it just and attempt to get more people to apply as early as possible. Let me know if you find out!</p>
<p>Sounds like the Pitt Prestige Application (streamlined process, don’t need extras, turnaround within 3 weeks). However if you’re looking for merit aid, submit a full application regardless of what they tell you.</p>
<p>My daughter received the exact same email and she never sent in any information regarding her test scores or GPA. We did visit in September and she is planning to apply. </p>
<p>Thanks for that advice and confirmation, @AwesomeOpossum ! I was thinking too that we would ignore the “prestige” application and submit the “extras” just to make the merit application as strong as possible. </p>
<p>Kerri from Pitt Admissions here, whether you submit a Special Status or Standard application, all applicants are reviewed for merit-based scholarships. Scholarships are awarded based on academic performance, and both the Special Status applications and Standard applications are thoroughly reviewed for any and all applicable awards.</p>
<p>Kerri does Pitt allow you to self report your transcript and then send in an official one if/when accepted? </p>
<p>Thanks, Kerri, for the merit scholarship clarification. If you receive one of the special status emails described above, when can we expect to receive the special status application?</p>
<p>@twogirls, no we do not offer the self-report option.</p>
<p>@pineview, you will get an email letting alerting you to when the application is open; look for it early next month.</p>
<p>@twogirls, no we do not offer the self-report option.</p>
<p>@pineview, you will get an email letting alerting you to when the application is open; look for it early next month.</p>
<p>@hailtopitt1787</p>
<p>When will students that received special status from Pitt and applied in late June receive an admission decision?</p>
<p>My daughter was told that the applications will start to be reviewed at the end of August and those that are select status will be looked at first. My daughter’a application will not be complete until September because the transcript will not be sent over the summer. This is creating a bit of stress but hopefully it will work out. I have a hard time believing that if an application is complete and sent in by October 1 then it is too late. </p>
<p>I just received an email saying thanks for applying and that the admissions committee will begin reviewing applications in early August. Who told her that they would be reviewed at the end of August?</p>
<p>She called Pitt admissions and that’s what she was told. I guess the difference between early August and the end of August can be a short period of time ( ie August 5th versus August 25th for example). At any rate it looks like those apps will be looked at in August- as long as the application is complete. A completed app includes the transcript and test scores. </p>
<p>It doesn’t mean much and it is a marketing strategy to get more people to apply. Many other schools have VIP or streamlined applications.</p>
<p>Okay thanks! I had all my materials for the application sent in by the end of June. I thought originally we were supposed to be notified 3 weeks after all application materials were received at Pitt. At least that’s what the original special status email said.</p>