University of Pittsburgh: A Comprehensive Guide to Admissions

The University of Pittsburgh, a renowned institution with a rich history and diverse academic programs, attracts students from around the globe. This article provides a detailed overview of the admission requirements for prospective first-year and transfer students, including specific information for various schools and programs within the university.

First-Year Admission

Rolling Admission and Application Deadlines

The University of Pittsburgh operates on a rolling admission basis for first-year students. This means there is no set deadline for applying to Pitt, and admissions decisions are made throughout the year. Applying early is advantageous, as it helps students stay ahead of deadlines for scholarships, the Frederick Honors College, and Graduate School Guaranteed Admissions Programs.

Holistic Review

Every application undergoes a holistic review process, which takes into account the applicant's academic record and unique qualities that make them a good fit for the University of Pittsburgh.

Required Application Materials

First-year student applicants should have completed a minimum of 17 units of credit in college-preparatory-level courses in high school. To apply, students must complete the online application, submit a Self-Reported Academic Record or an official high school transcript, and pay the $55 application fee. While SAT or ACT scores may be submitted, they are not required through fall 2028.

Merit Scholarships and Guaranteed Admissions Programs

Applicants who want to be automatically reviewed for institutional merit scholarships must submit their applications and all supporting materials by December 1. Outstanding first-year student applicants who indicate certain professional programs as their intended field of study on their application will automatically be reviewed for guaranteed admission into that professional program. A separate application is not necessary, although some programs may have additional application requirements. Early application is highly recommended for Pitt Guaranteed Admissions Programs, as spaces are limited.

Enrollment Fee and Housing

Once accepted, students must reserve their positions in the upcoming class by submitting a nontransferable, nonrefundable $300 enrollment fee by May 1 for the fall term. This fee includes a $100 tuition deposit and a $200 orientation fee. Residence hall accommodations on the Pittsburgh campus are guaranteed to first-year students admitted for the fall term who pay the $300 enrollment fee by May 1 and meet all housing contract and deposit deadlines. Housing is guaranteed for three full years from the time admission is offered.

Deferral Policy

Students may request to defer their admission for a religious activity, community service, or world travel, among other reasons. Deferrals are only granted to the same term as the original admission.

Transfer Admission

Transfer Student Definition

Prospective students who are high school graduates and have attended postsecondary institutions, colleges, or universities (except those who took college classes while in high school and are considered first-year students with advanced standing) apply for admission as transfer students through the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. International transfer students must apply online.

Rolling Admission

The University of Pittsburgh practices a rolling admissions policy for transfer students. Applicants are considered and informed of admission decisions as they apply.

Holistic Review for Transfers

Transfer applications undergo a holistic review, considering factors such as grade trends, cumulative grade point average, number of credits completed, the level of challenge of the curriculum, the intended field of study, transferable courses and credits, coursework completed that is relevant to the school/major, and the type(s) of institution(s) attended.

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Schools with Rolling Admission

The following schools practice rolling admission for all three terms, except where noted: Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, College of Business Administration, Swanson School of Engineering, College of General Studies, School of Nursing (fall and spring term admission only), and the School of Social Work (fall and spring term admission only). However, some schools and programs have definitive deadlines.

Articulation Agreements

The University of Pittsburgh has formal articulation agreements with various higher education institutions throughout the state of Pennsylvania to facilitate the transfer of students.

Transfer Credits

Credits earned at another accredited institution are evaluated by the admitting school, which determines the number of advanced standing credits the transfer student will be awarded and the distribution of these credits in relation to the school’s degree requirements and University policy. Acceptable credits from institutions other than Pitt will appear on the student transcript as advanced standing credits and will not count in the GPA calculation.

Readmission for Former Students

Students who previously attended the University of Pittsburgh then attended other institutions and wish to return to the University are considered transfer students and must reapply following the guidelines for transfer students. The admitting school will evaluate the credits previously earned at the University of Pittsburgh along with credits earned elsewhere to determine the number of credits the transfer student will be allowed.

Specific School and Program Requirements

School of Dental Medicine: Dental Hygiene Program

The School of Dental Medicine offers a two-year Associate of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene. Applicants must submit the following items to the School of Dental Medicine by November 1 for early decision review: a completed Dental Hygiene Program application, including the Personal Essay; three professional references; transcripts from all academic institutions attended; 15 hours of job shadowing with a practicing dental hygienist; and SAT I/ACT scores.

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School of Nursing

RN Options (Early Admission to MSN or DNP): The University of Pittsburgh RN Options curriculum is designed for registered nurses who obtained their initial nursing education through either a CCNE, ACICS or ACEN [NLN] accredited diploma or associate degree or diploma program and want to pursue undergraduate education with early admission to a graduate nursing program. Applicants must meet the admission criteria for the BSN Program and simultaneous conditional admission to the preferred graduate program. If admitted, they will complete the remaining 24 credits at the graduate level.

Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN: This program enables individuals with a Baccalaureate Degree in another discipline to earn a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) in three consecutive full-time terms. Admission is competitive and is based upon proven academic achievement and grades earned in prerequisite courses. The program requires 122 credits: 31 credits from a previous degree, 36 to 38 prerequisite credits, and 54 curriculum credits. Early submission of an application is recommended. New classes begin in the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms.

School of Pharmacy

Transfer students, both within the Pitt system and from other colleges and universities, applying for admission to the School of Pharmacy must: (1) file an online PharmCAS application with all supporting credentials by the deadline; and (2) submit a School of Pharmacy Supplemental Application by the deadline specified in the online instructions.

School of Computing and Information (SCI)

Graduate Programs: The School of Computing and Information seeks students with diverse interests and abilities for its graduate degree and certification programs. All applicants will be judged on their own merits. Applicants for Master’s study must have earned a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a scholastic average of B (3.0 on a 4.0 scale) or better; the doctoral programs have more stringent requirements. Applications for graduate study must be completed and submitted entirely online. Individual programs require supplemental application materials, and some programs require prerequisite coursework and skills knowledge. The University of Pittsburgh participates in the Council of Graduate Schools’ (CGS) “Resolution Regarding Graduate Scholars, Fellows, Trainees and Assistantships” also known as the “April 15 Resolution.”

English Language Proficiency: Graduate students must possess sufficient knowledge of English to study without being hindered by language problems, to understand lectures, and to participate successfully in class discussion. Submission of TOEFL test results is required for admission to graduate study in this School. Applicants who are citizens of a country where English is the official language are exempt from submitting the results of the TOEFL or IELTS. Students may choose to take the International English Language Testing System exam (IELTS) in place of the TOEFL.

Transferring Within SCI: Transfers between SCI departments or programs will be reviewed by the receiving department’s admissions committee - including a thorough assessment of the student’s academic performance in previous institutions as well as within SCI.

Admission of Students from Other Countries: Applicants are required to submit original or certified, official secondary school records; literal translations of your records if they are not in English; and an official credential evaluation of all international documents (transcripts, marksheets, certificates, examination results, etc.) from an approved evaluator.

Second-degree Pitt: Students who have already earned an undergraduate degree at the University of Pittsburgh with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and who are returning to complete a second degree may be admitted to SCI directly as undeclared students while they complete the requirements for admission to a specific degree program.

College of General Studies (CGS)

Students who are seeking a degree at another university but want to take courses at the University of Pittsburgh for credit during the summer should apply through the College of General Studies (CGS).

Additional Information

Test-Optional Policy

The University of Pittsburgh will continue its test-optional policy through fall 2028. Scores from the ACT or SAT exams will not be required for students applying to enter the university for fall 2025, 2026, 2027, and 2028. This applies to both first-year and transfer students and includes international and homeschool students. All applicants to the University of Pittsburgh receive a comprehensive individual review; admission is not based on a single factor.

Applying Test-Optional

For students with SAT/ACT scores, how you wish to present yourself to the Admissions Committee should be a personal decision. If you do not consider your test results to be an accurate reflection of your past academic performance and future academic potential, you may want to apply test-optional. Subsequently, if you have SAT/ACT results you believe add to your overall academic portfolio, you are invited to submit those scores.

Early Application

Although the University of Pittsburgh is on a rolling admissions schedule, it is to your advantage to apply early. This will increase your chances for admission in our competitive applicant pool.

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