How to Get into the University of Pittsburgh 

The University of Pittsburgh is a public State research university located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The university comprises of 17 undergraduate and graduate schools or colleges and is home to around 28,000 students and faculty. 

What is the University of Pittsburgh? 

The University of Pittsburgh, founded in 1787 as Pittsburgh Academy, was one of the few universities founded in 18th-century America. It is the oldest continuous chartered institution of education west of the Allegheny Mountains. The university began as a preparatory school in a log cabin around 1770 prior to being chartered. 

Testing Scores for Admission

According to the college, the average SAT score ranges from 1280 to 1450, while the average ACT score is between 29 and 32. The average unweighted GPA of acceptance is around 4.1 and 80% of students placed in the top quartile of their graduating class. As such, GPA is just as important as the main two standardized tests. 

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Acceptance & Graduation Rate

To get into Pitt, a student’s standardized test scores and high school GPA have to be exceptional. This is reflected in the acceptance rate as it is 64%. However, this school has enrolled some hard-working students as the graduation rate is 83%.

How Are Applicants Rated? 

There are just two factors that Pitt ranks as being “very important” to their admissions process. Those are: the rigor of one’s coursework and an applicant’s GPA. The only categories ranked as “important” are the essays and character/personal qualities. Just about every other factor is “considered” in the admissions process.

Tips to Get Into the University of Pittsburgh 

  • “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.”
  • Most “Public Ivies,” including accept the Common App so students should use that to their advantage by filling out the activities section.
  • Pitt does 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.
  • Lastly, Pitt does not offer interviews. Therefore, the best way to personalize the admissions process is through your essays and recommendations.

How Does Pitt Compare to Other Top Universities? 

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 21%. To compare this school to other flagship public institutions, Penn State has a 19% yield, UGA comes in at 41%, and Ohio State’s is 30%.

Are you or will you be attending the University of Pittsburgh?

Stock up on gear to show your pride for the Panthers. Grab this sweatshirt, decals for your laptop, or this University pennant.

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