What's it looking like for me?

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Pittsburgh
1

<p>Hey what's up guys and gals, any input on how I favor for Pitt would be great.</p>

<p>Race - Indian male
GPA - 2.8 (This is so low, but I have an explanation below.)
Standardized test scores - 1200 SAT/27 ACT
School - Extremely competitive school, known as one of the best schools in western Pennsylvania.</p>

<p>Classes: As a junior, I was in 4 Honors classes and the rest, regular. As a senior I am in all Honors, and 1 AP class. </p>

<p>EC's:
-Volunteer work at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center hospital
-Key Club 12th grade
-President of an E.A.R.T.H club at my school which I helped co-found 12th grade
-FBLA in 9th grade
-Apprenticed at Pittsburgh Zoo in 12th grade</p>

<p>Other stuff:
-Black belt in Tae-Kwon Do
-Have played intramural basketball at my school 10th/12th grade</p>

<p>Regarding my GPA, as a freshman I had no focus in school. I had little to no direction, and I considered myself hopeless in academic success. I got mostly B's, C's and even failed an elective class. As a sophomore, I became a little more serious. I ended the year with about a B average. As a junior, I really stepped it up as I realized that I wanted to go to Pittsburgh. I worked hard and got about an A- average. As a senior, I am in all honors and AP classes and am in the most challenging class at my school. I have straight A's. </p>

<p>I moved here from India, and I literally had no idea what the US school system was like. I focused my time on trying to make friends, instead of studying. By the time I realized that colleges look at your freshman/sophomore years, it was already too late. I blame no one but myself as I did not take any initiative to find out what I needed to do, and screwed myself over.</p>

<p>I am really not a dumb kid, I do very well when I put my mind to something and I really want to be able to show Pitt that. My troubles at school also stemmed from me having a sever case of ADD, which contributed to my belief that I would fail if I tried.</p>

<p>Any help in this situation would be great, thank you.</p>

2

<p>To be brutally honest with you, you probably don't have much of a chance to get in, especially since many people applied so early due to Pitt's rolling admissions policy. While your situation regarding your GPA may be true, you can't expect Pitt to give you admission based on pity. You kind of already admitted that it won't help you much this late in the game by getting straight A's in your senior year by saying "I blame no one but myself as I did not take any initiative to find out what I needed to do, and screwed myself over."
The bright spots are your EC's and both your SAT and ACT scores are about up to par with what i've seen kids get into Pitt for but overall i can't say you will get in. =[</p>

3

<p>I don't necessarily agree....I think the explanation is moving, and a good essay could sway the admissions committee. Go ahead and apply...give it your best shot.</p>

4

<p>Write a good essay explaining how you have a new outlook on education and your life. Point to the fact that your grades show a massive improvement. And most importantly, get your application in ASAP. Recommendations from maybe your Junior or Senior year saying how hard of a worker you are could also help you tremendously. I wish you luck!</p>

5

<p>Thank you guys, my application was submitted yesterday. I wrote a good essay (I think I did) and explained my situation. I believe my rec's will be good as well, so I'm hoping that helps.</p>

<p>Now I just wait and see!</p>

6

<p>i really think you have a good shot in getting accepted.
colleges & universities don't base everything on the GPA, class rank, etc..
what do you think the essay is all about?
..it's so they can learn something about you & so you can really show that you have what it takes to be a student at their college/university.
in your case..you definatelyy have a shot.</p>

7

<p>Thanks guys!</p>

<p>I have a question, when do I receive the information to log onto the mypitt website?</p>

8

<p>^
I submitted my app on Friday and I got an email with the mypitt stuff today. So just wait a few days after you send you're app and you should get it.</p>