University of Pittsburgh Class of 2025 Official Discussion Thread

@hailtopitt1787: can you please let me know if Pitt allows a student to apply RAISEME dollars collected through high school? My daughter has been entering information in RAISEME since sophomore year.

@2021YayCollege yes we do! She can sign up here: https://www.raise.me/join/pitt

-P.M.

@HailToPitt1787: Thanks

@hailtopitt1787: when she selects Pitt and marks her status as APPLIED she gets the following message under RAISEME:
“This college either does not currently have a micro- scholarship program or does not have a program for which you are eligible, based on your Raiseme profile. You can still apply and may be eligible for other types of institutional aid.”

What are we doing wrong? or is there any other way to determine how many dollars can be applied to PITT via RAISEME.

Thanks

Hi everyone. Here I am again. My daughter uploaded her app through Naviance comm app @ 9/2. Counselor sent transcript 9/14. Pitt downloaded application application same day 9/14. We are STILL waiting to hear back. When she logs in to the portal, we see nothing to what any of you describe as “buttons.” She called admissions a week or so ago and they told her that she would receive news via USPS and THAT is the only way Pitt sends acceptance. Given the current state of the USPS, I’m concerned. Is there a reason why a person would not see “buttons” over those that are seeing “buttons” ?

@2021YayCollege we have specific criteria a student should meet, this is the criteria:

• Minimum, unweighted HS GPA: 3.6
• Course minimum: 15 courses entered by December 15 of senior year
• Earning deadline: earnings are frozen December 15 of senior year
• Application to Pitt deadline: March 1
• Residency: Students must live in CA, CT, DC, IL. MA, MD, ME, NJ, NY, PA, PR, RI, TX, VA, or VT
• Income status: students must self report that they receive free or reduced-price lunch or attend a high school in one of the above states where 70%+ of the population receives free or reduced-price lunch.

@hailtopitt1787: Thanks for your prompt response.
She meets all the criteria listed above except the last one. I didn’t realize the RaiseMe was need based only. My daughter doesn’t qualify for the free lunch program and her school has less than 70% of the population that does. So the RAISEME will not help her financially.

Daughter has PITT has her #1 choice but being OOS it might be expensive for us to afford. Her stats of 3.85 and 4.35 (test optional), 13 APs (mostly 4s and 5s), excellent ECs is still probably below the threshold of getting any merit. She doesn’t qualify for diversity or under-represented minority. Thoughts of how we can make it affordable for us? We are looking for local scholarships as well but those again are very competitive.

@2021YayCollege I’m sorry to hear that! I would suggest completing the FAFSA so you can see what you’re eligible for and also connect with our financial aid counselors, they will be happy to help you come up with a plan! https://financialaid.pitt.edu/staff/

How does all the stuff work after you submit your application? are you supposed to submit your test scores immediately after to Pitt in order to get an admission decision? Also, when will you be able to access your portal?

If you want Pitt to consider test scores you need to send them. I was wondering what was holding up my sons decision and realized they were waiting for the official scores.

@SDSUHopefulClassof2025 once app is sent you will be emailed to set up portal access. There you can see what items have been submitted. Additionally, through the common app you can track/see when schools download everything on their end. The Common App portion and school specific materials from Guidance, under FERPA/Recommenders tab. The sooner all items are in place, it is easiest for a decision to be made. Lastly, submitting HS transcript grades via SRAR expedites things aswell.

My daughter noticed her buttons changed this past Saturday (they could’ve changed during the week but she didn’t check). When do you typically get the acceptance email?

@nstern My daughter got it 4 days later.

My son’s buttons appeared last Thursday (10/8). We’re still waiting for an official decision (either email or mail).

My daughter got her acceptance letter to Swanson School of Engineering yesterday in the mail. She never received an email. She applied mid August. GPA 4.3, OOS and test optional (no test scores). Good Luck to everyone!

How many of the short answer questions did you guys answer? I know on the Pitt website it recommends only 200-300 word answers. Do I have a good chance of getting in without the short answer questions? Or should I answer them? I am doing other applications as well, so it is hard to write 20 different essays.

WGPA: 3.83
UWGPA: 3.61
ACT: 31 Composite

@SDSUHopefulClassof2025: I would encourage you to submit at least 2 of them especially if Pitt is high on your list of schools to get in.

Daughter’s buttons appeared last Thursday (10/8) and still nothing official by either e-mail or snail mail.

It took 4 days for the email (button changed on tuesday-email friday) and a week for the regular mail (email friday-us postal the following friday).

@hailtopitt1787 During the application reivew, does Pitt look at the common app esssay and activity list?