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How to Get Into Pitt – Acceptance Rate & Strategies

July 23, 2024

Like Penn State, the University of Pittsburgh is a top-flight public option for residents of the Keystone State. However, standout programs in the disciplines of engineering, nursing, business, and computer science have led students from around the globe to target Pitt. Admittance into one of these programs involves an even more impressive academic profile. We’ll examine the Pitt acceptance rate and strategies to help you in the admissions process.

With the admissions landscape at Pitt changing in recent decades, it’s important for applicants to have an up-to-date understanding of what they are up against. To help, the College Transitions team will present the:

• Pitt acceptance rate
• SAT, ACT, class rank, and GPAs of Pitt applicants
• Admissions trends
• The demographics of current undergraduates
• Pitt’s yield rate
• How Pitt’s admissions officers evaluate candidates
• Tips for applying
• How to assess whether applying to Pitt is even worth the $55 application fee (for you)

Let’s begin with an examination of the most recent admissions data.

Pitt Acceptance Rate – Class of 2027

Pitt admitted 29,034 of the 58,416 applicants who sought admission into the Class of 2027. This means that the Pitt acceptance rate is 50%. The university does not release its acceptance rate by in-state vs. out-of-state.

Historical Pitt acceptance rates are as follows:

What GPA do you need to get into Pitt?

Among those who enrolled in the Class of 2027, the average weighted GPA range was 4.13. Moreover, an incredible 84% of freshmen possessed a high school GPA above a 3.75.

What class rank do you need to get accepted to Pitt?

Given Pitt’s high average GPA, it’s safe to assume that many enrolled students also placed at the top of their high school classes. This is confirmed by Class of 2027 data, which tells us that 48% of newcomers placed in the top decile. All told, 81% placed within the top 25%.

What is the minimum SAT or ACT score for Pitt?

According to Class of 2027 statistics, the mid-50% SAT range for enrolled freshmen was 1270-1450, while the mid-50% ACT was 29-33.

However, only 50% of enrolled students applied with scores, so keep that in mind as you interpret this data.

Finally, Pitt boasted the average mid-50 th percentile scores by college in Fall 2022:

Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences

• SAT: 1270-1450

Swanson School of Engineering

• SAT: 1310-1470

Pitt Acceptance Rate — Continued

College of Business Administration

• SAT: 1280-1410

School of Computing and Information

• SAT: 1330-1460

School of Nursing  

• SAT: 1300-1410

Admissions Trends & Notes

• Applications increased for the fourth year in a row, with the university receiving nearly 10% more applications than last year.
• The Pitt acceptance rate has fallen fourteen points over the past four years.
• There has been a whopping 44% in applications since 2020.
• Pitt students hail from all 50 states and 42 countries.
• More students are choosing to apply test-optional. Only 37% of enrolled Class of 2026 students applied without test scores compared to 50% in the Class of 2027.
• The Frederick Honors College is very competitive; only about 700 students are admitted each year.

Who Gets Into Pitt?

Let’s look at the demographics of Pitt undergraduates:

The majority of Pitt students hailed from the Keystone State and paid in-state tuition. The split was:

• In-state: 65%
• Out-of-state: 32%
• International: 4%

Looking at ethnic identity among the Panther undergraduate student body, the breakdown for the Class of 2027 was as follows:

• Asian American: 15%
• Hispanic: 7%
• Black or African American: 6%
• International: 5%
• Caucasian: 59%
• Two or more races: 5%

International students hail from 42 countries with the greatest representation from the following nations:

The breakdown by gender of the Class of 2027 shows many more women than men:

• Female: 60%

Pitt’s Yield Rate

Pitt’s yield rate—the percentage of accepted students who elect to enroll, divided by the total number of students who are admitted—was only 16%, which has fallen nearly five points in recent years. To compare this school to other flagship public institutions, Penn State has a 19% yield, UGA comes in at 38%, and Ohio State’s is 22%.

How Pitt Rates Applicants

There are just factors that Pitt ranks as being “very important” to their admissions process. Those are: the rigor of one’s coursework, an applicant’s GPA, and the application essay. Categories ranked as “important” are talent/ability, character/personal qualities, volunteer work, work experience, and demonstrated interest.

In the words of the Pitt admissions office:

“We look for a solid senior year curriculum as part of our university admissions review, so, while applying for college you also should make sure to keep up the good work during your senior year of high school. Every university application receives a holistic review by taking traditional measures of academic achievement into account, while also looking for what makes you unique and a good fit to attend college at Pitt.”

Tips for Applying to Pitt

If you plan on joining the 58,000+ Panther hopefuls for the next admissions cycle, you should know the following:

• Firstly, Pitt does not offer interviews. Therefore, the best way to personalize the admissions process is through your essays and recommendations.
• Pitt has extended its test-optional policy through fall 2025.
• Pitt does strongly consider “ demonstrated interest ” in the admissions process. This means you will gain an advantage by visiting campus, connecting through social media, emailing an admissions officer, etc.
• “The University Of Pittsburgh operates on a rolling admission policy, which means that for our first-year students and undergraduate programs, there’s no set deadline for applying to Pitt.” However, you should plan to submit an application as early as possible.
• Lastly, Pitt does not typically require supplemental essays. This means that all applicants should devote a considerable amount of time and energy to their Common App personal statement .

Should I apply to Pitt?

Successful Pitt applicants generally sport A-/B+ averages and possess average standardized test scores right around the 85 th -90th percentile of all test-takers. Remember, Pitt has a 64% acceptance rate, so they accept more students than they reject. If you fall below these numbers, there is still a good chance that you could gain acceptance to one of Pitt’s 4 branch campuses located throughout Western Pennsylvania.

Pitt Acceptance Rate — Final Thoughts

In conclusion, we want to stress that all college-bound high school students should formulate an appropriate college list , containing a complement of “target” and “safety” schools. This can be done in collaboration with an admissions professional who is aware of the latest trends and strategies associated with your prospective colleges.

Inspired to start crafting your college applications? Consider checking out the following:

• Should You Start College Applications in the Summer?
• What is Demonstrated Interest?
• Do Colleges Look at Social Media?
• College Fair Advice for High School Students
• How to Complete the Common App Activities List
• Common App Essay Prompts
• 25 Inspiring College Essay Topic Ideas
• Should I Complete Optional College Essays?
• Application Strategies

Dave Bergman

Dave has over a decade of professional experience that includes work as a teacher, high school administrator, college professor, and independent educational consultant. He is a co-author of the books The Enlightened College Applicant (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016) and Colleges Worth Your Money (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020).

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The 2024-2025 FAFSA form is now available. For more information and updates check out our financial aid resources page.

Scholarships

How do i get an academic scholarship.

At the University of Pittsburgh, we understand the importance of supporting our students’ academic journeys. For those searching for Academic Scholarships, our Financial Aid Department is your primary resource. On this page, you’ll find detailed information on how to apply for academic scholarships, including the necessary documentation and application procedures. If you’re aiming for full-ride financial aid, it’s crucial to be thorough in your application and meet all the criteria. One of our most prestigious awards is the Chancellor’s Scholarship, which offers full-tuition scholarships to deserving candidates. If you’re wondering, “when do scholarships get awarded?” specific dates vary, but please feel free to contact us about scholarships you’re unclear about. We encourage all students to explore these opportunities to alleviate tuition costs and achieve their academic dreams.

Academic Scholarships

Competitively awarded, Pitt academic  scholarships are based on a combination of outstanding academic achievement, holistic factors provided in a candidate’s personal statement or Common Application essay, and potential for scholarly contributions to the University of Pittsburgh community. Incoming first-year students who have a completed application for admission with all required materials by December 1 are automatically considered for University of Pittsburgh academic scholarships. Additionally, the Chancellor’s Scholarship is awarded to incoming first-year students to Frederick Honors College.

Eligibility for Scholarships

Incoming first-year students are considered for University of Pittsburgh academic scholarships. Continuing students are encouraged to seek potential scholarship funding through the University’s scholarship database, PittFund$Me .  In addition to meeting the December 1 completed application deadline, the following criteria also apply:

• Submission of a personal statement or the Common Application essay is required for scholarship consideration.
• Some scholarships require participation in an interview prior to selection and/or may have additional requirements (see scholarship types below).
• Students admitted for the spring semester are not eligible for scholarship consideration.

This webpage provides detailed guidelines and requirements governing academic scholarships.

University Scholarships are the most common type of merit award and are primarily academic scholarships based on performance in high school. Criteria include weighted grade point average, rigor of curriculum (AP/IB/Honors courses), class rank (if applicable), and SAT/ACT results (if applicable). In addition, various non-numerical, holistic factors, as presented in the personal statement or Common Application essay, that describe the candidate’s background are also a part of the review process. These holistic factors allow for a diverse and multi-talented student body. Holistic criteria may include exceptional and unique talents, commitment to community service and leadership, significant family, job, or community responsibility, and contributions to diversity.

Number, Value, and Term of University Scholarships

University Scholarships range from $2,000 per year to $20,000 per year. University Scholarships are available for four years/eight semesters of undergraduate study provided the recipient maintains Satisfactory Academic Progress and meets all other terms and conditions of the award. Learn more about requirements governing University Scholarships .

Notification of Award

Due to the competitiveness of University Scholarships, most admitted students are reviewed by the Scholarship Committee several times before a final decision is made. As a result, those students selected to receive an award will be notified anytime between late-October and March 1, regardless of the date admitted.  Only students who are selected to receive an award will be notified.

Eligibility Requirements

• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident

PittFund$Me connects you with real, relevant scholarships. As an admitted or current Pitt student, you can log into PittFund$Me – hosted on the Scholarship Universe system – and answer a series of profile questions. The adaptive matching engine will display scholarship opportunities that are tailored to you. And don’t worry – you’ll only see institutional scholarships and vetted outside scholarships so you can be confident as you submit your scholarship applications. You’ll be able to manage all of your applications right in a personalized dashboard – and we’ll even post alerts for new scholarships that might be interesting to you. You have to own the scholarship search process – and we know it’s important to you. That’s why we want to help make it as easy as possible for you to feel totally in control.

The Chancellor’s Scholarship is one of the University of Pittsburgh’s most prestigious awards. Awarded to incoming first-year students admitted to Frederick Honors College, Chancellor’s Scholars receive the individualized attention of an academically demanding small college along with the scholarly advantages of a major research university. A major research university.

Scholarship Details

The Chancellor’s Scholarship is a four-year undergraduate award covering:

• Full tuition
• Mandatory fees
• Average room and board plan
• Guaranteed Frederick Honors College housing
• Candidates must meet the December 1 Frederick Honors College application deadline and be admitted into Frederick Honors College
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
• Must be an incoming first-year student
• Must maintain full-time enrollment at the Pittsburgh campus

Selection Process

No more than 50 students admitted to Frederick Honors College will be invited to an on-campus interview with the Chancellor’s Scholarship Selection Committee consisting of the Frederick Honors College dean, director of advising, and academic advisors.

Selections for interviews are competitively based on a candidate’s high school academic record (submitted as part of the application for admission), results of the SAT/ACT (if applicable), and quality of the required Frederick Honors College application essay questions. In addition, the Selection Committee will also seek an interview pool fairly representing the incoming class as demonstrated by academic schools/majors and demographics, including residency, gender,etc.

Interview notifications will be sent in early-March and interviews will take place throughout the month of March. Only those candidates invited to the on-campus interviews will be notified.

Those participants in the Chancellor’s Scholarship interview process are notified of their final status no later than mid-April. Each year, approximately 15 members of the incoming class are recipients of this competitive scholarship.

Scholarship Renewal Requirements

The Chancellor’s Scholarship can be used for four years/eight semesters of full-time undergraduate study at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Campus. To renew the scholarship on an annual basis, recipients must:

• Remain enrolled as a full-time student (minimum of 12 credits per semester) Satisfactory Academic Progress . See our University Scholarship Guidelines for further requirements

Scholarships for international students can amount to up to $10,000 per year and are generally available for eight full-time undergraduate terms, provided the recipient maintains Satisfactory Academic Progress and meets all of the other terms and conditions of the specific award. Learn more about the requirements governing the University of Pittsburgh academic scholarships .

Eligibility

International freshmen who apply before February 1 will be reviewed for international student scholarships. International transfer students are not eligible for scholarship consideration.

Application Procedure

Students interested in being reviewed for scholarships must submit a completed application for admission and supporting credentials by February 1 at the latest. Students meeting that deadline are automatically reviewed for scholarships. The Committee makes decisions weekly on a rolling basis. Therefore, if you would like to increase your chances for scholarships, it is in your best interest to apply early.

Students who are selected to receive a scholarship will be notified by April 1.

There is not a separate scholarship application for University of Pittsburgh academic scholarships, though if you wish to be considered for scholarships you will be required to complete the Short Answer Question.

Value and Term

Scholarships for international students can amount to up to $10,000 per year and are generally available for eight full-time undergraduate terms, provided the recipient maintains a 3.0 GPA and meets all of the other terms and conditions of the specific award. Learn more about the requirements governing the University of Pittsburgh academic scholarships.

What is the Tuition Exchange organization?

The University of Pittsburgh is a member of The Tuition Exchange which is a reciprocal scholarship program that allows dependent children of our faculty and staff to apply for competitive scholarships to other participating member institutions. The Tuition Exchange (TE) Scholarship organization requires that participating institutions maintain a balance between the number of students enrolled at host institutions (exported) with a TE scholarship and the number of students from other member schools who are enrolled at the home institution (imported) and supported with a TE scholarship. As a member, the University of Pittsburgh agrees to abide by the national policies and practices of the organization.

More Information about Tuition Exchange

Transfer scholarships are based on outstanding academic achievement, leadership experiences, and scholarly contributions to the college/university community. All transfer students are considered for University of Pittsburgh scholarships, when they complete the Short Answer Questions.

Deadlines and Notification of Award

Incoming University of Pittsburgh transfer students should apply by July 1 for fall consideration

Recipient Profile

Strong candidates will possess a minimum average GPA of 3.0 Due to the competitiveness of University Scholarships, most admitted students and their credentials are reviewed by the Scholarship Committee several times before a final decision is made.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

Transfer and continuing students are encouraged to seek possible scholarship funding through the University’s scholarship database, PittFund$Me.

The Nordenberg Leadership Scholars Program is designed to reward the best and brightest student leaders from high schools in Pennsylvania who have demonstrated excellent leadership skills, innovative thinking, intellectual curiosity, and community involvement.

Nordenberg Leadership Scholars are provided with the resources for a rich collegiate experience with opportunities for academic achievement, leadership development, civic engagement, and interaction with organizations and corporations in the Pittsburgh region.

Each year, up to five graduating high school seniors from Pennsylvania will be selected to participate in the four-year program. Nordenberg Leadership Scholars will each receive a full-tuition scholarship for eight terms, which may include one international experience as well as assistance with securing internship positions throughout their time at Pitt.

• Pennsylvania residency
• Full-time enrollment at the Pittsburgh campus
• Complete the Nordenberg Leadership Scholars application process

Application Process

Candidates must submit the PA Scholars application and a completed application for admission no later than November 15.

Representatives of the University of Pittsburgh Office of Admissions and Financial Aid and the Division of Student Affairs will interview a select number of semifinalists by March 1. Recipients of the Nordenberg Leadership Scholarships will be notified of their selection on or before April 1.

The Nordenberg Leadership Scholarship can be used for four years/eight semesters of full-time undergraduate study at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh campus. To renew the scholarship on an annual basis, recipients must:

• Remain enrolled as a full-time student (minimum of 12 credits per semester)
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress

In partnership with the Stamps Scholars Program , the University of Pittsburgh is proud to offer the prestigious and generous Stamps Scholarship to five incoming first-year students from Pennsylvania. As a University of Pittsburgh Stamps Scholar, recipients will be provided with a comprehensive understanding of leadership from a domestic and global perspective.

Valued in excess of $180,000, the Stamps Scholarship is a four-year undergraduate award covering:

• Room and board

The scholarship also includes:

• An allowance for books and supplies, transportation expenses, and personal costs
• Access to an enrichment fund of up to $17,400 to be used over four years for the purpose of global experiences, unpaid internships, leadership training, research, and other academic experiences
• Demonstrated leadership, scholarship, service, perseverance and innovation

Candidates must submit the PA Scholars application ,  and an academic resume/activity sheet highlighting leadership, community service, and international experiences, and a completed application for admission, including a Common App essay or personal statement, no later than November 15.

The University of Pittsburgh will interview up to 32 Stamps Scholarship Semifinalists by March 1. Finalists will then be interviewed by representatives of the Stamps Scholars Program, who will make the final selection of five recipients. Recipients of the Stamps Scholarships will be notified of their selection on or before April 1.

The Stamps Scholarship can be used for four years/eight semesters of full-time undergraduate study at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh campus. To renew the scholarship on an annual basis, recipients must:

Academic Scholarships are financial awards given to students based on their academic achievements, leadership qualities, and other merit-based criteria. At the University of Pittsburgh, these scholarships aim to recognize and support outstanding academic performance.

The Chancellor’s Scholarship is one of our most prestigious awards. To apply, use the ‘Apply’ button found above, where you’ll login, provide information about your financial aid needs, and be matched with scholarships that are relevant to you.

Yes, the University of Pittsburgh offers Full Tuition Scholarships, including the renowned Chancellor’s Scholarship. These scholarships cover the entire tuition fee for selected students, ensuring they can focus solely on their studies.

Scholarship requirements vary depending on the specific scholarship. Generally, they may include academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, leadership roles, and more. Detailed criteria can be found on our website.

The timeline for when scholarships get awarded can differ based on the scholarship in question. However, most scholarship decisions are announced in the spring. Ensure you check the specific scholarship’s details for exact dates.

Full-ride financial aid covers tuition in addition to other expenses like room and board. To be considered, ensure you meet all scholarship requirements and complete the FAFSA for a comprehensive financial assessment.

To learn how to apply for academic scholarships, visit our official website. The ‘Scholarships’ section provides step-by-step guidance, from documentation to submission procedures.

Absolutely! Completing the FAFSA for merit scholarships can position students favorably for various merit-based opportunities. It provides a comprehensive financial profile, allowing for a holistic evaluation of candidates.

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University of Pittsburgh | Pitt

• Cost & scholarships
• Essay prompt

Want to see your chances of admission at University of Pittsburgh | Pitt?

We take every aspect of your personal profile into consideration when calculating your admissions chances.

University of Pittsburgh | Pitt’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Personal statement essay.

If you have written a Common Application Personal Essay you are not expected to also submit a Personal Statement below. We will receive your Common App personal essay if completed.

Submission of either the optional personal statement or Common App personal essay is required for scholarship review, if applying without SAT or ACT scores, and may increase the likelihood that you are considered for guaranteed admission programs or given special consideration due to extenuating circumstances.

The personal statement is your opportunity to communicate directly with the Admissions Committee. Applicants are welcome to submit anything that helps tell their story, being mindful and thoughtful about the quantity and quality of information shared. Share information not included elsewhere in your application.

Select-A-Prompt Short Response

Please select one of these questions

What is something you would like to see change in the world? Explain why.

If you had 10 minutes and the attention of a million people, what would your TED Talk be about?

What does it mean to be “educated”?

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

What are your chances of acceptance?

Calculate for all schools, your chance of acceptance.

Your chancing factors

Extracurriculars.

A Great Pitt Honors College Essay Example

What’s covered:, essay example – changing the world , where to get your pitt essay edited.

The University of Pittsburgh is a large public university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that is known for its great academics. The David C. Frederick Honors College at Pitt offers even more opportunities to a select group of talented students. Given the highly selective nature of the Pitt Honors College, you need to have strong essays to help your application stand out and gain admission. In this post, we’ll share a real essay a student submitted to the University of Pittsburgh Honors College, and outline its strengths and areas of improvement. (Names and identifying information have been changed, but all other details are preserved).

Please note: Looking at examples of real essays students have submitted to colleges can be very beneficial to get inspiration for your essays. You should never copy or plagiarize from these examples when writing your own essays. Colleges can tell when an essay isn’t genuine and will not view students favorably if they plagiarized. 

Read our Pitt essay breakdown to get a comprehensive overview of this year’s supplemental prompts.

Prompt: If you could change anything in the world, what would it be? Explain why and how you would change it. (No word count given)

While growing up, I was constantly reminded about my health. When I would rant about my trivial problems, my mother would respond with: “the most important thing is you are healthy.” As a young and naive child, this response irritated me. I never understood the blessing of good health until I was diagnosed with migraines. Every month I was met with throbbing headaches that made me lose all sensation and control of my body.

On one New Year’s Eve, I went to visit family friends with my father and sister. The flashing lights on the television and little sleep triggered a migraine attack. Without my mother present, everyone was unfamiliar with my frightening symptoms. Out of panic, they decided to call an ambulance. That one simple call and visit resulted in a one-year battle with our insurance company. For months on end, my mother argued against the unfair and hurtful statements the insurance listed as reasons for their refusal of payment. These endless calls brought about extreme stress and frustration, but we did not have the means to pay. There was no other option but to keep on fighting.

This was my first memorable experience with healthcare and its failures. From that day forward, I associated care with payment. I became worried about affording medical treatment at an early age. And so, if I had the power to change the world, I would make healthcare more affordable. Every individual deserves to be treated without the worry of a costly bill.

While I realize that affordable healthcare is a point of debate in our nation, I maintain my stance that it is a human right. I also understand that it will take years to put into place, but this does not discourage me. I can help start the change. With Pitt Honors, I will be exposed to interactive research, a matched mentor, and personalized co-curricular activities. I will be able to become a skilled nurse with critical thinking abilities. With the development of leadership skills, I plan to make a difference. Whether it be taking a high position role at a no-cost clinic or shaping healthcare reforms, I know Pitt Honors College will help me achieve my dream. Whether it be taking a high position role at a no-cost clinic or shaping healthcare reforms, I plan to make a difference.

What the Essay Did Well

Something that makes this essay strong is how it takes time to tell a story and build an understanding for the author before we even learn what they would change about the world. The essay begins by introducing the idea of health, but because we aren’t told what they want to change yet, we are compelled to keep reading. Then, the anecdote helps us appreciate the personal connection this student has to affordable healthcare. They take the time to fully flesh out the context needed to answer the why aspect of the prompt, while at the same time building suspense for the what .

Additionally, this student went above and beyond the prompt by connecting it back to Pitt. They weren’t explicitly asked to discuss how an education from the Pitt Honors Program would help them change the world, but by including this paragraph it demonstrates genuine interest in the school. If an essay can prove that you can only accomplish your goals — especially such impressive ones like changing the world — by taking advantage of unique opportunities at that specific school, then admissions officers might feel they are denying you the chance to reach your full potential by not accepting you.

What Could Be Improved

The area that could use the most improvement in this essay is the last paragraph dedicated to Pitt. Although it’s great that this student took the extra step to include how attending the Honors College will allow them to achieve their goals, the paragraph is a bit vague. To improve it, there should be more specific details, about classes, programs, professors, etc, to show that they have done their research and think taking advantage of these offerings are the only way to change the world. 

For example, the essay says, “With the development of leadership skills, I plan to make a difference.” This sentence would be far stronger if the student mentioned a specific club or volunteer program they want to be a part of and how emerging as a leader in that experience would help them become a leader in the medical field. Or, they mention the Honors College will expose them to research and match them with a mentor, but they don’t elaborate on this. 

The entire paragraph could have just been dedicated to one specific professor whose research aligns with affordable healthcare and what this student hopes to learn from them. Having a more focused and detailed approach to why you want to attend a college will always make for a stronger essay than briefly touching on general opportunities offered at most schools. 

Do you want feedback on your Pitt essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools.  Find the right advisor for you  to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!

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Frequently Asked Questions

Address, e-mail, phone number:.

How do I make updates to my address, e-mail, or phone number?

These changes have to be made through your account with AMCAS. We cannot change any of your information in our database.

How do I prevent legitimate UPSOM e-mail from being caught in my Spam Filter?

Unless our "From" address is added to your contact list or address book, our e-mails might not get delivered to your inbox. Add our "From" address to your "Safe Sender" list within your mail client.  

Supplemental Applications:

How many supplemental applications are sent out? All applicants have the opportunity to submit the supplemental application.

How are supplemental applications sent to applicants? They are sent via e-mail with a link and password attached.

What do I do if I do not receive my supplemental application?

Notifications are sent via e-mail with a link and password attached to access our supplemental applications. These e-mails are sent automatically to all applicants whose verified AMCAS application is received by the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (UPSOM). Typically these e-mails are sent with 48 hours of receipt of the verified AMCAS application. If not received, applicants should check their spam filters and add our "From" address to your "Safe Sender" list within their mail client. Applicants should call the Office of Admissions at 412-648-9891 if they have any questions regarding the status of their supplemental application.    

Does the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine offer a fee waiver for their supplemental application?

Yes, The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine will waive the supplemental application fee for applicants who have been granted fee assistance by the AAMC. Participants in Teach for America, AmeriCorps, and the Peace Corps do not automatically qualify for a supplemental fee waiver. Applicants that do not qualify for the AAMC waiver, may apply directly to UPSOM for consideration of the supplemental fee waiver and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.  

Letters of Recommendation:

Can I add more than the number of required recommendation letters to my file? Yes. You may add as many personal, academic, or other documents as you wish up to the maximum of five letters in total . However, be certain that you complete the minimum requirements for letters of recommendation.

What are the minimum requirements for letters of recommendation?

A letter of recommendation from a Pre-Health Advisory Committee or three individual letters of recommendation are required to complete an application for admission to the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. While any three letters of recommendations will be accepted, it is preferred that the applicant submit three academic letters. 

I submitted more than the 5 permissible letters of recommendation to AMCAS. Can I designate which letters I want you to read or request letters to be deleted? 

We are not able to delete letters of recommendation once we receive them from AMCAS. It is our policy that the first 5 letters of recommendation we receive in chronological order will be reviewed with your application. We can only note within your admissions file your letter preference.

What is considered an academic letter of recommendation?

An academic letter can be written by a professor from whom you took a class, a pre-health advisor, or a research mentor(s).

What is considered a committee letter?

Many medical, dental, and some other health professional schools require or prefer applicants to have letters of evaluation from their undergraduate school's pre-health committee. This committee may be called the Pre-health Advisory Committee and is composed of faculty, administrators, and staff from across the university. The Committee Letter is essentially a cover letter, and part of the packet includes other individual letters of recommendation that are obtained from professors, instructors, research supervisors, and other mentors. As a cover letter, the Committee Letter serves several purposes: it introduces you to medical school admissions committees, and it reviews your strengths and accomplishments. The Committee Letter is thorough, detailed, and individualized. A single letter from a pre-health advisor/counselor is not considered a committee letter.

When is it an appropriate time for me to follow-up with the UPSOM?

Our Admissions Committee welcomes letters of intent/interest and updates to your application. The most appropriate time to follow-up with us is following your interview or after the receipt of your official admissions decision.  Communications can be sent via postal mail or to our admissions mailbox at  [email protected] . Any communication received from the applicant will be included in their admissions file.

Academic Requirements:

What are the Academic Requirements for the MD program?

In addition to thorough preparation in the basic sciences, applicants should have a strong liberal arts education with demonstrated accomplishment in the humanities and social sciences. A strong background in mathematics is highly recommended.

Acceptance of courses taken at foreign universities is determined on an individual basis at the discretion of the Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid. You should have completed most pre-medical requirements to receive serious consideration. All requirements must be met before matriculation.

Please review our  Academic Requirements web page  for additional information.

We will accept AP credit if credit was awarded by your college/university and the course credit granted appears on your transcript. CLEP credits are not accepted.

Does the UPSOM accept online coursework?

Yes, online coursework will be accepted to meet our academic requirements for matriculation to the UPSOM.

Does the UPSOM accept online degrees?

On-line degrees will be accepted with an additional year of in-person instruction at a regionally accredited institution recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation within the United States and Canada. 

Does the UPSOM accept a PharmD to fulfill the baccalaureate degree requirement?

Yes, but an applicant with the PharmD must still complete all the  required coursework  for matriculation. This coursework may or may not have been included in their Doctor of Pharmacy program.

International Students:

Do you accept international applicants?

The University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of citizenship status for the MD program. International applicants must meet all requirements of applicants who are United States citizens, permanent residents, or asylees. These requirements mandate at least one year of higher education within the United States or Canada and completion of all pre-requisite courses as listed on the website. Proficiency in written and spoken English must be documented.

University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine International Medical Student Application Process Policy

Individualized Disability Support:

When do I request physical accommodations for the study of medicine?

According to the ADA, the decision regarding academic credentials for medical school admission must be completely independent of any consideration of accommodation for disability. That decision must precede any discussion of potential accommodation requirements. After the admission decision, if the applicant is offered a place in the class, the applicant will be sent a copy of the  technical standards  required to complete the program at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. At that time, the applicant indicates whether they can satisfy those standards – either with described accommodations or without. The school committee on technical standards, in consultation with the  University Disabilities Services , will work with the applicant to determine if it is possible for the applicant to successfully complete this program with accommodations.

COVID-19 Pandemic:

Do I need to be vaccinated against COVID-19?

Effective December 6, 2021, all University of Pittsburgh students, faculty and staff on all campuses must be vaccinated against COVID-19 or have received an approved exemption to remain a community member.  Please visit the following site about the requirement, providing proof of vaccination or to request an exemption:  https://www.coronavirus.pitt.edu/covid-19-vaccines/vaccine-requirement  

Supplemental Essay Guide 2024-25

What do the 2024-25 supplemental essay prompts really mean, and how should you approach them? CEA's experts are here to break them all down.

Acceptance Rate

Undergrad population.

• Liberal Arts (59)

* Tuition filtering is based on out-of-state fees

Agnes Scott College 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Alvernia University 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide  

American university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, amherst college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, babson college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, bard college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide  , barnard college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, baylor university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide  , bennington college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, bentley university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, berry college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, bethany college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, boston college (bc) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, boston university (bu) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, bowdoin college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, brandeis university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide , brown university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, bryn mawr college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, bucknell university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, butler university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, california institute of technology (caltech) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, california lutheran university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, capitol technology university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, carleton college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, carnegie mellon university (cmu) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide , catawba college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, centre college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, chapman university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, claremont mckenna college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide  , clark university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, clemson university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, coastal carolina university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, college of charleston 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, college of william & mary 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, college of wooster 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt 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guide, george mason university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, georgetown university 2024-25 essay prompt guide, georgia state university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide  , georgia tech 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, gonzaga university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, hamilton college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, hampshire college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, harvard university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, harvey mudd college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, haverford college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, hillsdale college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide  , hofstra university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, illinois institute of technology 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, illinois wesleyan university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, ithaca college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, johns hopkins university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, kalamazoo college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, lafayette college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, lehigh university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, lewis and clark college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, linfield university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, loyola marymount university (lmu) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide , lynn university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, macalester college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, manchester university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, marist college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, mary baldwin university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, meredith college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, monmouth college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, moravian university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, morehouse college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, mount holyoke college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, new york university (nyu) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, north carolina state 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, north park university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, northwestern university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, occidental college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, oklahoma city university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, olin college of engineering 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, penn state 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, pepperdine university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, pitzer college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, pomona college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, princeton university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, providence college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, purdue university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, rensselaer polytechnic institute 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, rice university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, roger williams university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, saint anselm college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, saint elizabeth university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, santa clara university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, sarah lawrence college 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, scripps college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, seattle pacific university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, seattle university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, smith college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, soka university of america 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, southern methodist university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, spelman college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, st. john’s college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, stanford university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, stevens institute of technology 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, stonehill college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide  , swarthmore college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, syracuse university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, texas a&m university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, texas christian university (tcu) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, the college of idaho 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide  , the george washington university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, the new school 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, trinity college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, tufts university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, tulane university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, unc wilmington 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide , university of california (uc) 2024-25 essay prompt guide, university of central florida 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of chicago 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of cincinnati 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of colorado boulder 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of florida 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of georgia (uga) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of illinois chicago (uic) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of illinois urbana-champaign 2023-24 supplemental essay guide, university of maryland 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of massachusetts amherst 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of massachusetts lowell 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of miami 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide  , university of michigan 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of minnesota twin cities 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide , university of mississippi (ole miss) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of mount saint vincent 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of north carolina (unc) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of north carolina at charlotte 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of north carolina at greensboro 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of notre dame 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of oklahoma 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide , university of oregon 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of pennsylvania (upenn) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of pittsburgh 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide , university of richmond 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, university of rochester 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of san diego 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide , university of san francisco 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of southern california 2024-25 supplemental essay and short questions guide, university of texas at austin 2024-25 essay prompt guide, university of tulsa 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of vermont 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of virginia (uva) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of washington (uw) 2023-24 supplemental essay prompt guide, university of wisconsin-madison 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, vanderbilt university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, vassar college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, villanova university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, virginia tech 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, wake forest university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, washington and lee university 2024-25 supplemental essay guide, washington university in st. louis 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, wellesley college 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, worcester polytechnic institute (wpi) 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide, yale university 2024-25 supplemental essay prompt guide.

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Making Peace with your Supplemental Essays

As if writing the personal essay for college apps wasn't enough, many colleges also like to see supplemental essays! They're not trying to torture you though, it's more a way for them to get to know you even better, so be sure to write these supplements -- and take your time and do your research for each one. Even though these essays can be short, they are really important! This is your opportunity to explore all that awesomeness that you do and want to be or to explain the context of your life, so they can have a greater understanding of your application. ⁠

What is optional and what does that mean for college admissions? Sometimes, colleges will say an essay is optional, but I encourage you to write every essay unless it doesn’t apply to you at all.

What’s the point of all these supplemental essays? The point is to paint a picture of you on their college campus. They want to see who you are and what you’ve done and how you are going to bring that to their specific campus. Each of these essays involves digging in and learning more about yourself and what’s important to you and then how that you who you are fits in with what they offer on their campus. Each of these essays requires research about what they offer and elements of you.

Often, these essays are more important than the Personal Essay. Colleges ask these questions for a reason -- and it’s usually to make sure they learn more about you and the HUMAN you are (not a test-taking, grade-making, EC doing machine) and how you will bring that human (you) to THEIR specific campus. They also want you to show them some love and show them you’ve done the work -- the research -- to know why you want to be there.

Here’s something you might not know...colleges sometimes like to hide their supplements. These essays can be sneaky little devils and they aren’t always found in the writing section. Sometimes they call them questions --- with 250 word answers:) Be sure to check the different sections of the Common App for where they might be hiding, like in Activities, Family, and Academics. As you’re organizing your essays, make sure you go through the entire common app, step by step to find the hidden essays -- it’s like a treasure hunt!

THE WHY COLLEGE ESSAY

The most important thing to remember about a “Why College” essay is that it’s really a “Why You on our College Campus Essay.”

This essay is just as much about you as the college.

Why do they need you on their campus?

What will you bring?

So, in essence this should be an essay that ONLY YOU could write about ONLY THIS SCHOOL. If any sentence could apply to any other school or applicant, scratch it. Here’s an idea from College Essay Guy: take a sheet of paper and divide it down the middle. On one side list all the awesome stuff about you. On the other side list all the amazing stuff about the college. Where do you see overlaps? That’s your substance of your essay. Make sure you include SPECIFICS in your essay. Do your research, and let them know you’ve done your research:

If you’ve visited (or virtually visited in pandemic times), say so. And talk about what you saw and liked and why it was specifically appealing to you.

Read the student newspaper online. Find events and articles that appeal to you.

Follow the admissions department on social media, and learn what interests you about their campus. Mention something they’ve profiled recently and why it’s specifically interesting to you.

This year, I encourage you to follow the changes and updates they’ve been making in response to Covid 19 and the human rights movement. How has any of that resonated with you? Let them know that you are keeping up with what they are doing to open up or if they’re going test optional or how they’re supporting their students of color.

Read the website, especially the admissions website, carefully. Most college websites tell you exactly what they’re looking for. Are you that person? If so, demonstrate to them why. If not, well, maybe this school isn’t a great fit for you.

Read the college’s mission statement. Does their mission mesh with your personal mission?

Check out classes that look interesting to you. Look at course lists on the website. Do you find classes that you can see yourself attending? Tell them why this would be a great class for you. What will you get out of it? What can you contribute?

Find professors that appeal to you. Maybe even reach out to them and learn about their programs.

Again, devour their website. Check out clubs and activities on campus. What can you bring to the campus and how do you see yourself being involved?

Tulane has a great How To for the Why College Essay on their admissions blog . Read it.

THE LEADERSHIP ESSAY

Leadership doesn’t necessarily mean captain or officer. Leadership is more than a title, it’s about what you do. How are you a leader:

In your own life? In your family? Among your friends? In your school? In your community?

And how will you demonstrate that leadership specifically on their campus? Do your research.

THE EXTRACURRICULAR ESSAY

Choose your activity: Pick the one with the most hours, blood, sweat, and tears, and that’s the most important to you (could be school club, sport, summer activity, job, family responsibilities, personal hobby or interest)

Discuss your history with the activity, any challenges or obstacles you’ve come across, failures you’ve learned from it, and successes. Be sure to describe in detail what you’ve learned and experienced.

Go into the why -- why is this activity important to you.

Then the how -- how will you use what you’ve learned and experienced with this activity and bring it to their campus -- be specific. Are there clubs or activities on their campus you can be part of?

THE WHY MAJOR ESSAY First, I suggest you apply with a major -- even if you’re not certain. Many students change their minds. Admissions offices know that, but they like to know that you have some sense of direction. It’s important that you give them a clear idea of WHY you’ve chosen this major. So, once again, details are important. I see this is more of a why me in this major at this school essay than just a why major essay. Your job is to create a picture of you on their campus based on what you’ve already done and what you hope to do. Mention and Describe WHY these were meaningful to you and how they relate to the major:

Courses you’ve taken in high school (or on Edx, Coursera, Khan Academy, etc)

Activities you’ve participated in that have related

Independent or personal research or hobbies that relate

Research and discuss the following within your potential major:

Classes you are excited by on their campus (look at course offerings)

Potential professors who you’d like to take classes with

Potential research projects you’d like to be involved in

Clubs and activities the college offers that are related to your major

Discuss how you see your major playing into your future --- even if you’re not completely sure what you want that future to be.

THE COMMUNITY/IDENTITY/BACKGROUND ESSAY

Many colleges want to know more about your community, your background, or your identity, and how you play a part in it -- and what they really want to know is how you will play a part in the community on their campus and in their community and what you might bring to their campus with your special perspective.

Decide which community you want to describe. Communities can be super small or large: country, state, city, religion, ethnicity, neighborhood, school, club, activity, online, family, siblings, friends, social groups, and more.

If you’re stuck I encourage you to think like an ant and look at your world from the tiniest being around -- what communities do you see? Where do you fit in to that setting? Or look at the world from a giant lens and see where you fit. You don’t have to be a certain ethnicity or religion or be a team player or a club member to be part of a community. Even if you’re kind of a loner, there is some community you’re part of somewhere.

Once you’ve decided, discuss and explain:

How the community has molded you

Challenges and obstacles you’ve faced because of it (if any)

Lessons learned from the community

How you have impacted your community

How you plan to continue being part of this community on their campus

Give details -- do your research about what they offer on your campus that might allow you to continue to be involved

If you’re discussing a community that might be hard to continue involvement (your family) on their campus, talk about how you will use what you’ve learned from your involvement in your community on their campus.

THE ADDITIONAL INFO ESSAY

The Additional Info Essay is there for you for just that -- adding info to your application that they won’t otherwise be able to learn about. Basically, this space is available for you to provide whatever information you feel the admissions team needs to know in order to understand the context of your application. This is an important space and it can be used for lots of different aspects of your application. You could:

Expand on an EC: when you’re not given the opportunity to do so in the application and you have an activity that is particularly meaningful and time consuming to you -- and your application wouldn’t be complete without the admissions officers understanding more about this activity, you can add it here. You can bullet point here or write it like a Why EC essay.

Why College: If you have a particularly compelling reason why this is the right college for you, and you aren’t given the opportunity to present it in the application, you might want to let them know here. See the Why College Section.

Life Isn’t Always Fair -- Share your Story

Sometimes you need to be able to explain the circumstances in your life -- and colleges want to know about any hardships you’ve had.

They want to understand the context of your application, so don’t worry about thinking you’re asking the colleges to feel sorry for you. I hear kids say that all the time.

This is your real life. Let them know. They can’t know about your challenges and obstacles unless you tell them.

Be proud of yourself for making it through your challenges and moving on to pursue college -- that’s an accomplishment on its own!

I feel like the Additional Info section is the place to talk about them; that way you can use your Personal Essay to get into details about other aspects of who you are beyond whatever challenges life has presented you.

Some Aspects of Your Life Might Require More Context: adversity and hardship, sexual orientation, gender issues, family income and background, family obligations, mental health issues, deaths, divorce, drug-related incidents, illness, and even legal problems. If any of these have affected your school performance, you need to make sure to explain these events or issues.

More Phoenix, Less Ashes (I wish I could take credit for that metaphor -- I think it’s also from a story u/Ninotchka shared on a2c)

Address your issue or circumstance BRIEFLY and be straightforward. Don’t dwell on it.

Next, focus on what you did to take care of yourself and how you handled the situation. Describe how you’ve moved forward and what you learned from the experience.

Then, write about how you will apply those lessons to your future college career and how you plan to help others with your self-knowledge as you continue to help yourself as you learn more and grow.

Show them that, while you can’t control what happened in the past, you’ve taken steps to gain control over your life and you’re prepared to be the college student you can be.

Remember to keep the focus on the positives and what you learned from your experiences.

Make sure your essay is at least 90% phoenix, the rest ashes.

DISCIPLINARY ISSUES ESSAY (See More Phoenix, Less Ashes Above)

First, briefly tell the story. Step up and take responsibility for whatever your issue is. Do NOT blame anyone else.

Spend most of the essay talking about what you’ve learned, what positive impact the lesson had on you, and how you’ve grown from the experience. Be specific about steps you’ve taken to learn more.

End by explaining how the experience will make you a better college student.

Demonstrate that you are taking ownership and taking steps to change your life. You won’t hide from this event, and you’ve worked hard to move past it.

THE COVID-19 QUESTION

From over 300 College Admissions Deans: …”we encourage students to communicate any factors specific to their circumstances that impeded their academic performance. Those factors might include:

lack of access to the internet

no quiet place to study

or the various family responsibilities described above.

We encourage students to describe concretely how any of these circumstances have negatively affected their academic performance or ability to engage in activities that matter to them. It is helpful to know, for example, how much time students spent per week taking on a family responsibility, such as taking care of a sick relative. “ My summary of the “Collective Statement from over 300 College Deans” is here .

Question on Common App: Community disruptions such as COVID-19 and natural disasters can have deep and long-lasting impacts. If you need it, this space is yours to describe those impacts. Colleges care about the effects on your health and well-being, safety, family circumstances, future plans, and education, including access to reliable technology and quiet study spaces.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Many colleges will ask similar questions. It’s ok to rework an essay to make it work for one school and then another.

Make sure you do specific research for that college to include like:

School Traditions

Research Opportunities

Clubs and Activities

Where you learned your research (website, tour, virtual visit, info session, social media, school paper, etc

Write a one size fits all essay

Use the WRONG name of the college!

SUGGESTION!

Organize your supplemental essays. I suggest organizing your supplemental essay by colleges and common supplemental essays. I have one I’ll share with you if you email me at [email protected] . Then, I suggest making google doc folders for each college and copy and paste the topic and word count at the top of a google sheet as you’re organizing. In addition to the spreadsheet, write the Why College, Why EC, Why Major, and so on at the top so when you’re searching for that Why EC essay you’ve already written, you can easily find it.

One last tip -- When you’re submitting your apps, sometimes you have to submit the supplemental essay after you’ve submitted everything else, so be sure to go back and make sure all your supplements have been submitted. This is especially true in my experience with Rice -- but I’ve also heard of it with other schools.

Tl;dr: Even though these Supplemental Essays can often be short, they are super important and must show that you’ve taken your time, given thought, highlighted yourself, and done your research on the college. Your job is to make them see you as an active member of their campus. Every word counts.

If you’d rather see all this in a presentation format, here’s a link .

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Does Pitt look at ECs or Awards?

I am planning to apply to Pitt through their own application, and I noticed that it does not have the sections to list your extracurriculars or awards. Would using the Pitt application be of any disadvantage as opposed to using the common aplication?

In the CDS for the Pittsburg campus ( Common Data Set | Office of Institutional Research ), Rigor, GPA, and test scores are considered Very Important for admissions, application essay is considered Important, while extracurriculars and Talent/Ability are Considered. So not including ECs may not have a strong effect, if you have top stats.

However, if your ECs are strong, and your stats are not that strong, you should likely apply using common ap, unless you think that you will be applying to a very large number of colleges.

When you refer to “application essay” does that include both the personal statement in the Common App and any other supplemental essays?

Yes, I think that they mean the personal statement in the common app. If I am not mistaken, it is not required for admissions, unless one is taking the test-optional route, but it is required to be considered for scholarships and for Honors College.

Pitt has the simplest process but also the most confusing application. How did they manage that? I am helping my kid with it now. The Honors College is a separate application from the main application in the Common App and requires an essay with a different prompt (may be different if applying directly through them??). We too wondered about the essay part - but it is apparently needed for scholarships.

I too am navigating the Pitt Honors application right now. If your kid is applying to Pitt through the Common APP, there should be a tab with a text box attached to write the honors essay. I don’t think there is a separate application from the Common APP.

Thanks! You’re correct - it’s just an extra step, not an entire app. My kid wasnt sure he wanted to apply to honors right away because he just wanted to do an easy app with no extra essay. There is also an option to do the honors app later from their own web site.

Historically, Pitt only looked at grades, test scores and short answer question essays. They did NOT look at EC lists or personal statements. If you wanted them to know about your ECs you had to include it in your short anwer question essays.

However, with the move to test optional last year, they allowed you to submit your personal essay, ECs and recommendation letters. Whatever would help them evaluate your app in the absense of test scores. This year it looks like they are requiring the personal statement and ECs. I don’t see anything about short answer questions.

I don’t think the essay or the ECs are required unless one is test optional (which I am not, although I will submit my essays and resume eventually).

School Essay Writer

Does Pitt Have Supplemental Essays: Insider’s Perspective Revealed

Does Pitt require⁢ supplemental ‍essays?

Understanding the ⁢significance of‌ supplemental ⁢essays in pitt’s application process, insider’s perspective: ​unveiling the‌ truth‍ about pitt’s supplemental essays, why supplemental essays matter: gaining valuable insights into your application, the “why pitt” essay prompt, the “diversity” essay prompt, the “community ‌engagement”⁤ essay prompt, expert ⁤advice: ⁢how to approach ​and‍ excel in pitt’s supplemental⁢ essays, crafting standout supplemental essays ⁤for pitt: tips and tricks from successful applicants, tips⁢ for writing pitt’s supplemental⁢ essays, unlocking the​ key to ​pitt’s ⁣supplemental essays: strategies ⁢for ‌showcasing⁢ your ⁢unique qualities, breaking down the ​evaluation process: how pitt utilizes ⁤supplemental essays ⁣in candidate selection, the conclusion.

The University‍ of​ Pittsburgh,⁢ commonly referred to as⁤ Pitt, has long​ been renowned for⁤ its exceptional academic programs ⁢and vibrant ⁤campus ​life. But⁤ what about‍ supplemental⁤ essays? ⁣Are they a requirement for admission at​ Pitt?​ Let’s dive ​into this question and uncover the⁣ insider’s perspective.

The good ⁤news is⁢ that‍ Pitt does not require‍ any supplemental essays as ‌part of its application process.⁢ Unlike many other universities that often​ ask for‍ additional essays on specific topics or prompts, Pitt values simplicity and ⁢efficiency. This means that applicants​ can focus their time ⁤and energy on crafting⁣ a strong personal statement that showcases their passions, achievements, ‍and aspirations.

By not having⁣ supplemental essays, Pitt ⁤aims to create a more accessible ⁢and inclusive‍ application process. The university understands the‍ importance of giving students⁤ from ⁤all backgrounds an equal opportunity ‍to showcase their ‌potential. Whether ⁤you come from a small town​ or a ‍bustling city, ⁤Pitt wants to‌ hear your story ​without ⁤additional barriers.

Instead of supplemental essays, ‌Pitt⁤ puts a strong⁢ emphasis on the personal ​statement. This is your chance to shine and⁣ make a ‍lasting⁣ impression ⁢on the⁢ admissions ⁢committee. Make sure to ⁤highlight your unique ‌qualities, experiences, ‌and​ goals, demonstrating how⁤ you⁢ can contribute to the Pitt community.

Pitt’s application process is multifaceted, and one aspect‍ that often leaves ⁤students wondering ⁤is the significance of​ supplemental⁢ essays. These additional essay prompts offer applicants⁤ an opportunity to showcase their unique qualities,‌ experiences, and fit for the‌ University of Pittsburgh. So, does ⁤Pitt have supplemental essays? The answer is yes! Understanding the significance ⁤of these essays is ‌essential for maximizing your chances‌ of acceptance.

Supplemental essays provide ⁣admissions​ officers with deeper insights into⁢ your⁢ personality, passions, ‌and potential contributions to‍ the ​Pitt‍ community. They allow​ you ‌to​ expand upon‍ your​ achievements, delve into your background or interests, and even address ‌any gaps or challenges in⁤ your academic ‌record. These⁣ essays are a chance ‍to⁢ demonstrate ‌your ​writing skills⁣ and‌ express why you are ⁤a strong candidate for ‌admission.

Crafting‍ compelling supplemental essays ⁣requires ‌thoughtful reflection and research. ‌Here are a⁤ few key points to guide you:

Thoroughly read and understand each prompt: Pitt⁢ typically provides specific essay prompts or questions ⁣that require careful attention. Ensure​ you grasp the essence ‌of ‍what they are seeking,‍ and⁤ tailor your responses ⁢accordingly.

Show your fit with⁤ Pitt: Highlight⁢ how your ‍interests align with‌ Pitt’s values, programs, ‍and resources. Research ⁢the university’s offerings, such as ‍academic departments,​ clubs, or unique programs, to incorporate specific⁢ details into ⁣your ⁢essays.

Be authentic and honest:⁢ Admissions ⁣officers‌ value ⁢genuine⁤ stories⁢ and perspectives. Share ‌your experiences, aspirations, and​ personal growth while avoiding clichés or ⁤exaggerations.

• Edit ​and ⁤proofread⁣ meticulously:⁣ Your supplemental‍ essays should be polished,​ error-free,⁤ and well-structured. Take the time to review⁣ and revise ‌your ​writing,​ seeking⁤ feedback from trusted ⁢mentors or advisors.

As an aspiring student, one of ⁣the ⁤most confusing aspects of the​ college application process is navigating through various supplemental essays required ‌by different ⁣institutions. With‍ the University⁣ of Pittsburgh being on ‌your radar, you might have wondered about their‌ specific requirements. Fear not, for​ we have the insider’s perspective on⁤ Pitt’s ⁣supplemental essays, and we ⁢are here to unveil the truth.

Contrary to popular belief, the University of ‌Pittsburgh does not⁢ require‍ any ⁢supplemental essays. Yes, you heard it ‍right! ​Unlike many⁤ other universities that inundate applicants ​with⁢ additional writing prompts, Pitt ​values simplicity‍ and directness, focusing solely⁣ on your Common Application essay.⁢ So, ⁤if you were worried⁤ about juggling multiple essays, rejoice, because Pitt stands‌ out as a beacon of ‍simplicity.

By ⁢not requiring supplemental‌ essays,‍ Pitt gives you ⁣the opportunity⁢ to fully immerse yourself ‌in crafting a compelling personal statement . This 650-word gem will ‍be ‍your⁤ chance to introduce yourself to‌ the admission committee, allowing them to understand your background, aspirations, and​ what makes⁢ you truly unique. You should take this opportunity seriously⁤ and utilize ‌it⁤ to‍ showcase ‌your personality, passions, and academic⁢ goals.

To sum up, no supplemental⁣ essays ⁢mean fewer hurdles ⁢to overcome⁤ when ⁣applying to ‍the University of Pittsburgh. Embrace the simplicity, and focus your energy⁢ on creating a ​powerful Common Application ‌essay that will truly capture the attention of the admissions team. Remember,‌ this is ⁣your chance to ‌shine​ and⁣ stand out from⁤ the crowd, ‌so make every word ‍count!

Supplemental essays ⁤are a crucial part of the college ​application process. They provide a unique opportunity‌ for students to ‌showcase their interests, ⁤experiences, ⁢and personality beyond what can be captured in the‌ traditional application components. ‌At the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt),⁣ supplemental essays play a significant role in ⁣gaining⁢ valuable insights into your application and providing a well-rounded view of who you are as an‍ applicant.

One⁣ of the main reasons why supplemental essays‌ matter is ⁢that⁣ they allow you to demonstrate ⁤your fit for Pitt.​ These essays provide‍ a⁢ platform for⁤ you to express your ⁣genuine interest in the university and explain why you believe Pitt‍ is⁣ the right​ choice for you. By researching and incorporating specific⁢ details about Pitt’s programs, resources, and campus⁤ culture into‍ your‌ essay, you can clearly communicate ⁢your enthusiasm and commitment to⁣ becoming a part of​ the Pitt community.

Additionally, supplemental essays ‍give the admissions committee⁣ a deeper understanding⁣ of your experiences and​ perspective. They provide an opportunity to share personal ⁢narratives,​ challenges overcome, or lessons⁤ learned that may ⁤not be ‍evident from your grades or test ​scores alone. Through​ these essays, you can ⁤illustrate your unique​ background, talents,⁢ and ⁣ambitions,‌ giving admissions officers⁣ a‍ more‌ comprehensive picture of who ‌you are as ​an ⁣individual.

Furthermore, supplemental essays allow you to showcase your ⁤writing skills and‍ demonstrate your ability ​to⁣ articulate your⁤ thoughts effectively. Strong writing is a ​valuable‌ skill in‌ college and beyond, ⁢and these essays ⁢provide a chance to showcase your ability to⁤ communicate ⁣clearly, concisely, and persuasively. By crafting well-written and thoughtful responses⁣ to the essay prompts, ⁤you can leave ‍a ⁣lasting impression⁣ on⁣ the admissions committee and convey ​your potential for success in Pitt’s academic‌ environment.

When⁤ approaching supplemental essays, it‍ is essential to take the time to ⁤brainstorm, plan, and ​revise your responses. Use specific examples, anecdotes, and evidence‌ to‍ support your points, ‌and be sure⁤ to‌ tailor ‍each ⁣essay to the prompt ‍and⁤ the university. Taking a strategic approach to these essays will‌ help you stand out among‌ other applicants ⁤and increase⁣ your chances of being admitted to Pitt.

Deconstructing Pitt’s supplemental essay ‌prompts:⁣ Analyzing what they really mean

When​ applying to ‌the University of Pittsburgh, you may‌ have ⁤come‌ across the term “supplemental essays” and wondered,‌ does Pitt have ‌supplemental⁢ essays? As someone‌ who has ‌gone through the application ⁤process​ and gained insider knowledge, ⁣I’m here to reveal the ⁤truth.

Yes, Pitt‌ does require‍ supplemental⁣ essays ‍as​ part ‌of⁢ its ‍application. These additional essay prompts ‌provide the‌ admissions committee ‍with valuable ⁣insights into ‌your personality, passions, and ⁤potential fit for the university.‍ While ‍they may seem daunting​ at first, deconstructing and analyzing these prompts​ can help‍ you⁣ approach them​ with confidence.

Let’s‍ take a closer look ​at Pitt’s ​supplemental essay prompts and decipher what they ⁢really mean:

This ⁤essay prompt asks you‌ to articulate ⁣your reasons for⁤ choosing the University ⁣of Pittsburgh.⁣ It’s ⁤important to convey a genuine connection to‌ the⁢ university and showcase your understanding of what makes Pitt‍ unique.

• Highlight specific ⁤academic programs, research‍ opportunities, or⁣ extracurricular activities that align with your interests.
• Showcase how‍ the location of the university, the‌ campus community, or the city of⁢ Pittsburgh itself ⁣appeals to you.
• Emphasize how being a part ‌of ​the ​Pitt community⁣ will contribute⁢ to your personal‍ and academic growth.

Pitt‍ is committed to‌ fostering a diverse and inclusive campus environment.⁢ This essay prompt gives you the opportunity to share how your ‍unique ‌background, ​experiences,⁢ and perspectives will contribute to this diversity.

• Reflect on the challenges you’ve faced⁢ and the lessons you’ve⁣ learned⁤ as a result of your ‍diverse background.
• Discuss how​ your experiences have ⁢shaped⁣ your worldview and influenced your ⁤interactions ​with others.
• Illustrate how you plan⁣ to actively contribute to ⁤creating ⁢an ⁢inclusive community at Pitt.

This essay prompt focuses⁤ on your involvement​ in community service or extracurricular activities. ‌Pitt​ values students who are⁢ actively engaged in making a positive⁢ impact in⁣ their communities.

• Highlight specific⁢ volunteer experiences or leadership roles you’ve had ‍and how they have shaped⁣ your character.
• Discuss how⁣ you plan to continue your commitment​ to community engagement at Pitt.
• Explain how your experiences‌ have prepared⁣ you ​to contribute meaningfully to the Pittsburgh community.

Remember, ‌the key is to be‍ authentic⁣ and demonstrate a⁤ genuine fit with the values and mission​ of the University of Pittsburgh. By understanding ⁤the true intentions behind these supplemental essay prompts, you can craft compelling and personalized responses that showcase your​ unique qualities and aspirations.

Pitt’s ​supplemental essays are a crucial part of the application process, giving you a‌ chance to ⁣showcase your⁢ uniqueness​ and demonstrate why you are a perfect fit for ‌the university. Here, we ‍will unveil some​ expert advice on‌ how to approach and excel⁤ in Pitt’s supplemental essays, ensuring ​that you leave a ⁢lasting impression​ on the admissions committee.

1. ‍Understand the prompts:⁣ Before diving into‍ your⁢ essays, take ⁤the time to carefully⁢ read and comprehend each prompt. ⁣Look beyond ⁤the surface level and⁢ identify‌ what qualities or experiences the university is seeking. Make a list of key points you ‍want to address⁤ in your response.

2. Stay authentic: Pitt values‍ individuality‌ and wants ‌to ⁤get to know⁣ the real ​you. ⁤Use this opportunity to share your passions, interests, and personal anecdotes that highlight your ​true character. Be genuine in your‌ writing, ⁣and let ​your personality shine through.

3. Research​ Pitt:⁤ Take the time ⁢to familiarize yourself ‌with Pitt’s programs, resources, and campus culture. ⁣Incorporate⁤ specific details about the university that ‍resonate with ​your goals and aspirations. Show​ the admissions committee​ that you ​have done your homework and have a genuine interest ‌in becoming a⁣ part of ⁢the Pitt ⁢community.

4. ​Showcase your fit: Pitt‍ wants to ⁣see how ⁣you⁤ align with⁢ their values⁤ and mission. Highlight your ​academic and extracurricular ⁢achievements that demonstrate your⁣ commitment to learning, leadership, and⁢ community engagement.​ Emphasize how Pitt’s unique opportunities ‍will⁣ help you grow and thrive academically and personally.

Crafting standout supplemental ⁤essays for Pitt requires ‍careful thought and preparation. We have gathered tips and tricks from successful applicants who have cracked ⁣the code to​ impress the admissions‍ committee. These insights will equip​ you‌ with strategies to showcase your unique qualities and make ‌your application ⁢shine.

1. Understand ⁤the prompt: Take ​the time‌ to⁤ truly grasp the ‌essay prompt. Break it‍ down ⁣into key components and identify what‌ the​ admission officers are looking for. This will guide​ you in structuring your essay ⁣effectively.

2. Highlight⁢ your fit with Pitt: Demonstrate ‍your ⁤thorough knowledge of the university by showcasing how ‌Pitt aligns with your academic and career goals. ​Research specific programs, ⁣professors, ⁣or‌ campus resources that pique your interest.⁤ Including these details will not only exhibit your ⁤dedication but ‌also make a compelling case for why‌ Pitt is the‍ perfect fit for you.

3.⁣ Show, don’t tell: Instead​ of listing your‌ achievements‌ and qualities,‌ use concrete examples and‍ anecdotes to illustrate them. By​ providing specific instances, ⁢you allow the admissions⁤ committee to visualize your ​experiences and understand how you have grown or overcome challenges. This will make your‍ essay more ⁢engaging and⁢ memorable.

4.‍ Bring your authentic voice: Avoid⁣ generic language and ⁤clichéd⁣ phrases. Instead, let your ​personality ‍and passions shine through in your writing. Be genuine, vulnerable,​ and relatable,‍ as this‍ will help the admissions‍ officers connect with you on ​a⁣ personal‌ level.

The dos and don’ts‍ of⁤ Pitt’s supplemental essays: Common mistakes ‍to avoid

When it⁣ comes ⁤to ⁣completing ‍your ⁤application‍ for the University of Pittsburgh,‌ it’s ‌important⁤ to put your best foot forward. ‌This⁢ includes the supplemental essays, which provide you with an ‍opportunity to showcase your​ personality,⁤ experiences, and aspirations. To help you navigate this process, we have compiled ‌a ⁤list of dos and don’ts to keep ⁤in mind while ⁢crafting your⁤ essays.

• Research the ⁣University: ⁢Take‌ the time to understand Pitt’s mission,⁣ values, ⁢and academic programs. Your ‍essays should reflect ‌your genuine interest and⁢ alignment with​ the university.
• Show, Don’t Tell: Instead of simply​ stating⁤ your qualities, provide specific examples and​ anecdotes ‌that illustrate ⁢them. Show the ⁣admissions committee‌ your unique perspective through vivid storytelling.
• Be Authentic: It’s important ‌to ⁤be true to‍ yourself in your essays. Write from your heart ⁤and ​convey your ​personal⁤ experiences, challenges, ⁢and growth.⁤ This will resonate with ‌the readers and⁤ make your application stand out.
• Edit and Proofread: Take‍ the time to review, edit, and proofread your essays carefully. Ensure that⁢ your ideas​ flow smoothly, your ⁢grammar is correct,‍ and your punctuation‌ is accurate.‌ This will demonstrate your​ attention to detail and commitment to excellence.

Don’ts:

• Plagiarize or Use Generic Language: Avoid‌ copying content from the internet ⁣or ‌using generic‌ phrases‌ that lack originality. Admissions officers are⁢ looking​ for unique perspectives and genuine ‌voices.
• Rush the Process: Writing compelling essays takes‌ time and ‍effort. Don’t procrastinate and rush⁣ through the process. ⁣Start early, brainstorm ideas, ‍and ⁣give yourself ample ​time‍ to revise and​ refine your⁤ essays.
• Exceed Word ‍Limits: Stick to the ⁢specified word ⁤limits for each essay.⁢ Going over the‍ limit may indicate⁢ a lack of attention to detail or an inability to follow instructions.
• Focus Solely on Achievements: While⁤ it’s important to highlight your accomplishments, avoid solely focusing ⁣on achievements. Instead, balance your narrative with personal stories,​ challenges, and aspirations to ​create a more well-rounded picture‍ of⁣ who you are.

By keeping these dos ⁤and don’ts in mind, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle Pitt’s supplemental essays with confidence‌ and precision.⁣ Remember, the⁢ essays are your chance to ⁤leave a lasting impression ⁤on ‌the admissions committee and ‌demonstrate why​ you would ⁢be a⁣ valuable addition to the ‍University of Pittsburgh.

If ‌you’re‌ considering applying to the University ‍of Pittsburgh, you may ‌be wondering if⁣ there are ​supplemental essays⁤ as part of the application process.‍ Here’s⁢ the ⁢insider’s perspective revealed: Yes, Pitt‌ does have supplemental⁣ essays, and‍ they provide a⁢ valuable ‌opportunity ⁤for ⁣you to showcase your unique ‍qualities to the admissions committee.

When tackling Pitt’s supplemental ​essays, it’s⁢ crucial to ‍approach ⁣each prompt strategically. Here are some⁢ strategies to‌ help you⁣ make⁤ the most of your ⁢essay responses:

• Reflect on your personal experiences: Think about significant moments, challenges, or accomplishments that have shaped your character and perspective. These‌ anecdotes⁢ will provide a strong ⁤foundation for your essay and⁣ allow the reader​ to‌ gain insight into who you are‍ as an individual.
• Highlight your connection‌ to‌ Pitt: ⁣Demonstrating your genuine interest and understanding of⁢ the University of Pittsburgh⁣ is essential. ⁤Research ⁣the​ programs, courses, and extracurricular activities that align with ‌your academic and ⁤career ⁣goals, and illustrate ​how Pitt is the⁢ perfect fit​ for ⁣you.
• Show, don’t ‍just tell: ‍Instead⁤ of listing qualities or achievements, use vivid ‍examples and descriptive language to illustrate your points. This approach will ‌make your essay more engaging and memorable.
• Revise, revise, revise: Give yourself ample time to reflect, ⁤draft, and⁤ edit your essays. Polish your writing, ensuring clarity, coherence, and error-free content. Seek feedback ⁣from trusted mentors or educators to refine your essays ⁣further.

By putting these strategies into action, you’ll be on your way⁤ to crafting compelling supplemental essays that highlight ⁤your unique qualities and demonstrate why Pitt is ​the ​ideal place for⁤ your​ academic journey.

Supplemental essays have become ⁢a common requirement for many‍ college applications, and⁤ the University of Pittsburgh is no ⁢exception. ⁢These‌ additional essays‌ provide⁣ applicants with the ⁤opportunity to showcase their unique ‍qualities, experiences,​ and personal ⁣values ⁤that may ⁢not ​be fully captured in other parts of the application.

When ⁤it comes to ⁢evaluating candidates,⁣ Pitt considers ‌the supplemental essays as an important component of their ⁢selection process.⁢ By including these essays in the application, the university aims to gain ⁣insights into an ⁤applicant’s personality, their‌ motivations, and ​their ability⁣ to think critically and express themselves ‍effectively.

To⁣ ensure fairness and accuracy⁢ in ​the evaluation, Pitt combines the ​information from supplemental ⁢essays with other key application materials ‌such​ as high school transcripts, ‍standardized ‍test scores, ‌and ⁤recommendation letters. ‌This comprehensive approach allows ⁣the admissions⁢ team to holistically assess each‌ candidate and​ make​ informed decisions.

Through ​the supplemental‌ essays, Pitt seeks to identify students⁣ who not only possess strong academic⁤ abilities‌ but also demonstrate a genuine passion for learning and a⁢ commitment to ⁢making a positive impact on their ⁢communities. These essays provide applicants ‍with an opportunity ⁤to effectively ​communicate their ⁢goals,⁤ aspirations, and‍ unique perspectives, which can further strengthen their⁢ candidacy.

So, if you’re considering applying to ‍the​ University of Pittsburgh, don’t overlook the ‌significance of their ⁣supplemental essays. ⁣Take your⁢ time to carefully⁤ craft compelling ​responses⁣ that showcase your personality, ‌experiences, and ⁤potential contributions to the ⁣Pitt ‍community.

In conclusion,⁤ we hope‍ that this⁤ insider’s ⁣perspective on ⁢Pitt’s supplemental essays⁢ has shed light on an often mysterious aspect of the college admissions process .⁣ While the university does⁤ not require ⁤any⁢ additional essays ‍beyond the Common‍ Application,‍ we encourage you ‌to seize the ⁤opportunity to showcase ‌your⁤ unique passions ⁣and experiences within the ⁤main essay. Remember,⁢ this is your ⁢chance to stand out and demonstrate⁢ what makes you an ideal candidate for⁣ Pitt.

Key ⁤Takeaways: 1. Pitt does‌ not have any ⁣supplemental essays but offers⁣ a space⁢ within the Common Application to express your interests and accomplishments. 2.‍ Use ⁢the main ⁣essay to highlight your ‍unique qualities and ‌demonstrate your fit for ​the university. 3. Showcase your genuine passions ⁣and experiences to captivate the admissions officers. 4. ‌Do thorough⁣ research on Pitt and tailor your essay to ⁢demonstrate‌ your​ alignment ⁢with the university’s values ‍and opportunities.

As you embark on⁣ your college application journey, we ⁣urge you to approach the ⁤process with confidence and authenticity. Take advantage of ‌the opportunities the Common Application provides to ‍make ‌your application memorable and truly reflect who⁣ you ‍are as a ⁣person ⁢and a student. Good⁤ luck, and we hope to ​see you at Pitt!

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Clinical Participation Requirements

Prepare for the next phase of patient care with Pitt's Physician Assistant Studies Residential Program. 

Qualified applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. They should have an Overall GPA of 3.0 (based on 4.0) in all college level coursework and a minimum GPA of 3.0 (based on 4.0) in the prerequisite science courses designated below with an asterisk (*). See the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA) site for definitions of these GPAs. Exceptions may be made (but are not guaranteed) for candidates who present compelling evidence of success in graduate coursework. This means that if an applicant has an overall GPA of < 3.0, their application may still be reviewed/considered by our team if they have completed an entire masters or doctorate level program.  Completion of graduate level courses without a diploma from said programs will not be considered, nor will graduate-level certificate programs. All admissions requirements must be completed by October 1, 2024 to start classes in the Spring 2025 term of the PA Studies Residential program.

Our admissions process operates on a rolling basis. Initially, all 60 seats are available when CASPA opens in April. Applications are reviewed in the order they're received, undergoing a 'verification' step by WebAdmit/CASPA, which can take several weeks. Please note, our faculty cannot begin reviewing applications until verification is complete.Following verification and faculty scoring, applicants may receive interview offers as early as July (specific dates below). Program seats may be offered to interviewees two weeks after interviews. Applying later in the cycle means fewer program seats might be available.

For transparency, we'll regularly update this page with our current status to include:

1. Actively reviewing applications and conducting interviews to fill program seats.

2. Interview seats are full, but interviews are ongoing (applying at this stage means joining a pre-interview waitlist).

3. Program seats are full (applying now means joining a pre-interview waitlist).

While applications are welcome until the cycle closes on October 1, 2024, keep in mind that later applications might have reduced chances due to verification and seat availability.

Individuals from Health Professions Shortage Areas, Underrepresented Minorities in Medicine, and other minoritized communities are encouraged to apply. We welcome applicants of all abilities/disabilities, religions, marital statuses, familial statuses, sexes, ages, sexual orientations, veteran statuses, national origins, all ethnic and racial backgrounds, genetic information, and gender identities and expressions.

Advanced placement, defined as a waiver of required coursework included in the PA curriculum for applicants to the program and/or a waiver of required coursework included in the PA curriculum for currently enrolled students in the program which results in the student advancing in the curriculum without completing required curricular components at the University of Pittsburgh, is not an option in this program. 

NOTE:  Our Department offers two entry-level programs for those seeking to become practicing PAs.  Our other Program is the PA Studies Hybrid Program. The ARC-PA has granted Accreditation-Provisional status to the University of Pittsburgh Physician Assistant Studies Hybrid Program sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh. Accreditation-Provisional is an accreditation status granted when the plans and resource allocation, if fully implemented as planned, of a proposed program that has not yet enrolled students appear to demonstrate the program’s ability to meet the ARC-PA Standards or when a program holding Accreditation-Provisional status appears to demonstrate continued progress in complying with the Standards as it prepares for the graduation of the first class (cohort) of students. Accreditation-Provisional does not ensure any subsequent accreditation status. It is limited to no more than five years from matriculation of the first class. The program’s accreditation history can be viewed in the ARC-PA website at  http://www.arc-pa.org/accreditation-history-university-of-Pittsburgh-hybrid/ . For more information, click here Overview | PA Studies Hybrid Program or email [email protected] .

PA Studies Residential program applicants need to have completed the following prerequisites: 

• Biology with lab designed for science majors, two semesters* 
• Chemistry with lab designed for science majors, two semesters* 
• Microbiology with lab, one semester* 
• Anatomy with lab and Physiology* (This requirement may be met by taking either one semester of Anatomy with lab and one semester of Physiology or two semesters of Anatomy with lab & Physiology combined.) 
• Statistics, one semester 
• Medical Terminology, one semester for at least 1 college credit 
• English Composition/writing, two semesters 
• Psychology, one semester 

There is no expiration date for prerequisite courses. For questions about whether your specific courses satisfy our prerequisite requirements, please review this detailed  prerequisite rubric . If you still have questions after reviewing the prerequisite rubric, please contact [email protected]  for additional information. Please note that the GRE General Test is not required for admission to the program. 

Requirements 

To apply to the Physician Assistant Studies Residential program, you must complete and submit the following: 

• Online Application: Upload all application materials through  CASPA . View application timelines below. 
• Patient Care Experience: A minimum of 500 hours of direct, “hands-on,” patient care experience is required by the admissions requirement deadline. Eligible experiences include work as an RN, EMT, paramedic, medical assistant, physical therapy or occupational therapy assistant.  
• Technical Standards Verification: Students admitted to the program must review the  Technical Standards  for admission and graduation, and submit a signed form at the time of matriculation verifying satisfactory performance of the essential skills.  
• Personal Statements: Students must provide two personal statements in the Centralized Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA). Your first essay should be a personal statement focusing on why you want to become a PA. The second essay should reflect the mission of the PA Studies Residential program  and commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. 
• Letters of Recommendation: Submit three letters of recommendation including one (1) from a former college/university instructor, one (1) from a supervisor of the required patient care experience and one (1) character reference describing your commitment to leadership and service. 
• Additional information for International Applicants.  

Admissions Decision Process 

The application and admissions processes for the PA Studies Residential program does not favor specific groups or individuals based on their personal or social identities. 

Student admissions decisions are made in accordance with these practices: 

• Health care experience and level of experience – Higher scores are awarded for longer service and at higher levels of patient care 
• Diploma and degree - While a bachelor’s degree is required, a graduate degree is scored higher 
• Grade Point Averages (GPAs) – Higher undergraduate and specific prerequisite science GPAs receive higher scores 
• Scoring of personal statements – Higher scores are awarded based on the strength of evidence of desire to be a PA, understanding of the role of a PA, demonstration of understanding of the program mission, evidence of how one’s background, qualifications, and/or identities match and/or support the mission, language and writing skills, and editorial care
• Letters of Reference – Scores are compiled from the quality of the letter and score provided by the recommender in CASPA  
• Individual interview – Higher scores are awarded based on the strength of demonstration of the following qualities: adaptability/stress management, conflict resolution, and technical and professional knowledge/ability to learn 
• Group interview – Higher scores are awarded based on the strength of demonstration of the following qualities: active listening, conflict management, probing the group to maximize performance, leadership skills, clarification of group responses, encouraging and harmonizing with fellow group members, articulation, drawing others into the conversation, offering ideas and summarizing
• Total Scoring and Final Review by Admissions Committee: After completion of the above, the committee reviews candidate scores, reviewer comments, and application information to decide who is accepted, waitlisted, and denied admission. 

Pitt Guaranteed Admissions Programs

PAS offers guarantees for incoming first-year students and for sophomores applying to the Nutrition Science (BS) program at SHRS.

Additional Information 

• Admitted students must complete a  background check .  
• Acceptance into and successful completion of the University of Pittsburgh Physician Assistant Studies program does not imply or guarantee National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants (NCCPA) Certification or that the student will be able to obtain state licensure upon graduation. 

APPLY NOW  

Questions? 

If you have questions, reach out to [email protected] at any time. 

Upcoming Deadlines 

Pitt’s Physician Assistant Studies Residential program offers one program start per year. Qualified applicants can apply to the spring cohort of the program each year. 

For the class starting in January 2025, the application cycle will open on April 25, 2024 and close on October 1, 2024. 

Only application materials submitted through the  Central Application Service for Physician Assistants (CASPA)  will be reviewed by the Admissions committee. 

Program Costs 

Click here for a breakdown of all estimated tuition, fees, and costs .  

How Will You Pay Tuition? 

Students have a variety of options to fund their tuition. Some of the most frequently used funding options are included below, but we encourage you to consult with the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid when determining the best options available. 

• FastWeb Scholarship Search Site
• PA Student Scholarships 
• Federal Direct Loans: This is generally the lowest cost loan available, for up to $20,500 every academic year. You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, take at least six credits per semester and submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to qualify. Pitt’s school code for the FAFSA is 008815. We recommend checking out  Frank’s FAFSA Application Platform  to help. 
• Federal Graduate PLUS Loans: If you need to borrow more, then a Graduate PLUS loan can generally cover the remainder. You will need to submit the application for the Federal Direct loan prior to applying for the PLUS.

If federal loans are unavailable or insufficient, we can help you explore private or alternative education loans. Unlike federal loans, private loans do not require a FAFSA to apply. Private loans are not based on need and approval is generally based on creditworthiness and ability to repay. Some students may need to apply with a credit-worthy co-signer. Interest rates, grace periods, repayment options and fees are determined by the lender and can vary considerably from lender to lender; generally, they charge higher rates than Federal loans. 

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