Application for Admission

Most undergraduate admissions to the University of Pittsburgh’s Pittsburgh campus are handled by the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. This section details the general requirements and procedures for admissions to the University through that office and also provides admissions information for prospective students whose applications are not handled by that office. Some schools and programs require supplemental application materials or admission requirements in addition to those requested by the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. Those requirements are listed within the Schools and Academic Programs section of this bulletin.

The admissions information in this section is subject to change at any time. It is intended to serve only as a general source of information.

Pittsburgh Campus First-Year Student Admissions

Prospective students who have not earned college credits since graduating from high school with a diploma or GED should consult this section for information on admission to the University of Pittsburgh.

Admissions Contact Information

University of Pittsburgh
Office of Admissions and Financial Aid
Alumni Hall
4227 Fifth Ave.
Pittsburgh, PA 15260-6601
412-624-PITT (7488)
Admissions: pitt.admissions@pitt.edu
Financial Aid: finaid@pitt.edu
admissions.pitt.edu
financialaid.pitt.edu

High School Preparation

First-Year Student applicants to the University of Pittsburgh should have completed a minimum of 17 units of credit in college-preparatory-level courses in high school. Specific course requirements for first-year entry schools include:

• Swanson School of Engineering applicants should have completed four units of mathematics through trigonometry/pre-calculus-as well as a unit each of chemistry and physics.
• School of Nursing applicants should have three units of laboratory science, including one year of chemistry with a lab, and four units of mathematics.
• College of Business Administration applicants should have completed four units of mathematics through trigonometry, pre-calculus or calculus in their senior year.

Application Procedures

Students seeking admission to the University of Pittsburgh must complete the online application, a Self-Reported Academic Record or an official high school transcript, and the $55 application fee. Students may choose to submit SAT or ACT scores but are not required to do so. The Personal Statement, included with the First-Year Student Application, is optional but required for scholarship candidates.

Exceptions: Applicants to the Dental Hygiene Program, and students seeking special or non-degree status should see the application procedures outlined under their respective admissions sections (Dental Hygiene Program-School of Dental Medicine Admissions, and Special and Non-Degree Status).

Application Deadlines

The University of Pittsburgh practices a rolling admissions policy, meaning there is not a specific deadline by which prospective students must apply. Applicants are considered and informed of admission decisions on a first-come, first-served basis. However, applicants who want to be automatically reviewed for institutional merit scholarships must submit applications by December 1. See Academic Merit Scholarships.

Note: International students must apply by:

• April 1: for fall and summer term admission
• October 1: for spring term admission

Academic Merit Scholarships

Applicants are automatically considered for Pitt academic merit scholarships if their applications and all supporting materials are received by December1. Scholarships are awarded for four years or eight semesters, provided that the student adheres to University Scholarship Guidelines.

Graduate School Guarantees

Outstanding first-year students 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. We offer guarantees for 20 graduate programs, including business, law, medicine, dental medicine, and physician assistant studies.

A separate application is not necessary, although some programs have additional application requirements. Pitt Guaranteed Admissions Programs are competitive, so we highly recommend you apply for admission early in your senior year of high school. Early application is recommended as spaces are limited. Please note that the Medical School Guarantee has a deadline of November 1.

Enrollment Fee/Tuition Deposit

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 is a combined $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. After that housing is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Deferred Admission

First-Year Student applicants who are interested in deferring University of Pittsburgh admissions may do so for up to one academic year following the term for which admission was offered, provided the enrollment fee has been paid by the May 1 deadline.

Examples of deferrals may include, but are not limited to a religious activity, community service, or world travel. Students may only defer to the same term as their original admission. For example, spring term admission students may only defer to the following spring term. Please refer to the deferral website for most up-to-date information.

International first-year students are eligible for deferral but must work with the Office of International Services regarding visas.

Regional Campus Admissions

Listed below is the contact information for the admissions offices of the University of Pittsburgh’s four regional campuses. Contact the regional campuses for more information on their particular requirements:

University of Pittsburgh at Bradford

Office of Admissions and Financial Aid
300 Campus Dr.
Bradford, PA 16701-2898
1-800-872-1787
admissions@upb.pitt.edu
upb.pitt.edu

University of Pittsburgh at Greensburg

Office of Admissions
Rossetti House
150 Finoli Dr.
Greensburg, PA 15601-5898
724-836-9880
upgadmit@pitt.edu
upg.pitt.edu

University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown

Office of Admissions
157 Blackington Hall
450 Schoolhouse Rd.
Johnstown, PA 15904
814-269-7050
upjadmit@pitt.edu
upj.pitt.edu

University of Pittsburgh at Titusville

Office of Admissions and Financial Aid
504 E. Main St.
Titusville, PA 16354
814-827-4509
uptadm@pitt.edu
upt.pitt.edu/

Transfer Student Admissions

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. Transfers between University of Pittsburgh schools or campuses are handled through the school or campus.

Application Procedures

Degree-seeking transfer students who wish to be considered for admission to the University of Pittsburgh must complete an online application, an official high school transcript or GED, an official transcript from each postsecondary institution attended (whether or not it is intended that all courses will be counted toward a degree at the University of Pittsburgh), official SAT or ACT test result score if either test was taken, and the $45 application fee.

Exceptions: Applicants to the Dental Hygiene Program, and students seeking special or non-degree status should see the application procedures outlined under their respective admissions sections (PharmD Program, Dental Hygiene Program-School of Dental Medicine Admissions, and Special and Non-Degree Status).

NOTE: International transfer students must apply online.

Admission Deadlines

The University of Pittsburgh practices a rolling admissions policy, meaning there is not a specific deadline by which transfer students must apply. Applicants are considered and informed of admission decisions as they apply. 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, there are several schools and programs that have definitive deadlines by which applications must be submitted for consideration. You can verify deadlines for your school of interest online.

NOTE: International applicants must apply by the deadlines specified or the specific program deadline, whichever comes first.

Articulation Agreements and Transfer Credit Guide Summaries

The University of Pittsburgh has formal articulation agreements with various higher education institutions throughout the state of Pennsylvania to facilitate the transfer of students from one institution to the other as they pursue their educational goals. The table lists the current articulation agreements  and their specific requirements.

Transfer Scholarships

Transfer scholarships are available to College of General Studies students who are U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens. Degree-seeking applicants are automatically reviewed for eligibility. These annual scholarships range in value from $600 to $2,500. The scholarships are offered through: the CGS Alumni Endowment Scholarship Fund including John O. Bolvin and Anne E. Levenson scholarships, The Brackmann and Saalbach Family Endowed Scholarship, Joan C. Dash Scholarship, Bruce P. McGough Scholarship, Tom R. Slone Scholarship (designated for students who are active in the Big Brothers Big Sisters youth mentoring organization), and the Grace C. Stewart Fund. Awarding of these scholarships is handled through the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid.

Evaluation of 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. See the appropriate school’s information in this bulletin.

Deferred Admission

The University does not offer deferred admission for a subsequent term to admitted students not enrolling for the term of their admission. However, students wishing to have their applications re-reviewed for another term may submit a request in writing to the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid.

Readmission

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. 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. Credits earned at the University of Pittsburgh will appear as term entries on the student transcript, and courses accepted toward the degree will be used when calculating the student’s GPA.

Former University of Pittsburgh students who have not attended another institution may be reinstated through the dean’s office of the school in which they were previously enrolled.

Dental Hygiene Program-School of Dental Medicine Admissions

The School of Dental Medicine   offers a two-year (six consecutive terms) Associate of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene. The program is designed to fulfill the professional and academic requirements of the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Completion of the program prepares the student for licensure as a dental hygienist in most states.

Admissions Contact Information

University of Pittsburgh
School of Dental Medicine
Dental Hygiene Program
B-82 Salk Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15261-1937
412-648-8432
hygieneadmissions@pitt.edu
dental.pitt.edu/students/dental-hygiene-program

Admission Requirements

Applicants to the Dental Hygiene Program must fulfill the following criteria before applying: have a high school diploma, have a minimum GPA of 3.0 at all academic institutions, have a minimum SAT I combined math and verbal score of 1200 or ACT score of 24, have successfully completed chemistry and biology courses with laboratory components, and have successfully completed a college-level English composition course and a college-level introduction to sociology course.

Application Procedures

Applicants to the Dental Hygiene Program 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. Once the application materials have been received, the qualified applicant will be invited to attend a mandatory Applicant Seminar and participate in a personal interview with the admissions committee.

Students who complete this program also have the option of completing a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene offered by the College of General Studies (see the College of General Studies  listing in the Schools and Academic Programs section of this bulletin for information on BS degree completion option).

School of Nursing-RN Options (Early admissions To MSN Or DNP)

The University of Pittsburgh RN Options (Early Admission to MSN or DNP) 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 graduate nursing program. Courses are taught by nursing leaders who are experts in their field. Faculty serve as educators, role models and mentors for their students. The RN Options curriculum builds upon the individual professional nurse’s strengths and experiences to expand professional knowledge and practice skills. Graduates of the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing possess critical appraisal/thinking skills, sophisticated clinical practice knowledge, and the ability to integrate the latest research findings to provide quality, safe and effective patient care.

Course offerings are flexible and students may begin coursework in any term (fall/spring/summer).

Applicants should apply using the online application.

Contact Information

University of Pittsburgh
School of Nursing
239 Victoria Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
1-888-747-0794 or 412-624-4586
sao50@pitt.edu
www.nursing.pitt.edu

Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

Application Guidelines

RN-MSN or DNP early admission track:

• Successful completion of a nursing diploma or associate degree program submitting official Transcripts from institution.
• Cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.0 for previous college and/or coursework, which must be semester credits or the equivalent.
• Copy of current RN license (All students must obtain a Pennsylvania license) (students may be permitted to take theory courses only until evidence of successful completion of NCLEX is provided)
• Successful completion of all prerequisite courses
• ≥ 3.0 GPA in Associate Degree or nursing diploma (from ACEN (NLN), ACICS, or CCNE accredited program)
• Graduate Record Exam ( GRE) :

 MSN track - may be waived if the RN program GPA is 3.5 or higher; or DNP track - no waiver, Verbal & Quantitative sections (competitive score), Analytical Writing ( ≥ 3)

• Brief type written essay (as needed DNP project statement)
• Current resume
• Three letters of professional recommendation, one from current manager
• Completed online application
• International applicants:  consult nursing.pitt.edu & ois.pitt.edu

Formal interview*

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 will be at the graduate level. Full and part-time schedules are available.   

*Potential students will meet with the RN Options Coordinator for an interview and must meet with the coordinator of the graduate program.

School of Nursing - Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN Program

The Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN is designed to enable individuals with a Baccalaureate Degree in another discipline the ability to earn a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) in three consecutive full-time terms. The Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN requires 122 credits: 31 credits from a previous degree, 36 to 38 prerequisite credits, and 54 curriculum credits. The curriculum is fast-paced and designed to build upon the individual’s previous education while providing additional science and nursing content. At the completion, graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become Registered Nurses (RN).

Admission to the Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN is competitive and is based upon proven academic achievement and grades earned in prerequisite courses. The school admits three cohorts, Fall, Spring and Summer.

Contact Information

University of Pittsburgh
School of Nursing
239 Victoria Hall
Pittsburgh, PA 15261
1-888-747-0794
sao50@pitt.edu
http://www.nursing.pitt.edu

Admission Requirements and Application Procedures

The Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN requires an applicant to complete 36 prerequisite credits. These courses may be taken at any college or university. Courses from other institutions must be evaluated as equivalent to University of Pittsburgh courses. (Coursework taken at the University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing prior to admission may be taken as a non-degree seeking student.)

Required prerequisites include:

*Should have been completed within the past ten years
+Should have achieved a grade of “B-” or better

Application Deadlines and Other Information

Early submission of an application is recommended. New classes begin in the Fall, Spring and Summer term. Accelerated 2nd Degree BSN applications are reviewed, and admission decisions made, based on the application deadlines: Fall Term — February 15/June 1; Spring Term—June 1/October 1; Summer Term—October 1/February 15.

Prospective students must apply online to the School of Nursing.

School of Pharmacy PharmD Program

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. For more information on deadlines, online applications, admission calendar, and application instructions, please visit the school’s “Admission Process” Web site.

Transfer within University Schools and Regional Campuses

Transfer between Schools

Students enrolled in an undergraduate school of the University who wish to transfer to another undergraduate school at the University should contact the school in which they are currently enrolled to request a transfer of their records. The student’s records will be evaluated by the receiving school, which will then notify the student of acceptance or rejection.

Transfer between Campuses

Students enrolled in one campus of the University who wish to transfer to another campus of the University should contact the school at the campus in which they are currently enrolled to request a transfer of their records. The receiving schools will evaluate the records and notify students of acceptance or rejection.

Reinstatement

Students who have left the University for one calendar year or more (whether of their own volition or as a result of a suspension) and who wish to continue their studies must apply for reinstatement through the school to which they were previously admitted.

Second-degree Candidates

Previous Degree Earned Elsewhere

Students who have earned a previous undergraduate degree from an institution other than the University of Pittsburgh and wish to earn a second degree are treated as transfer students and must apply through the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid. (See Transfer Student Admissions.)

Previous Degree Earned at the University of Pittsburgh

Students who have earned an undergraduate degree from a school or campus of the University of Pittsburgh and who now wish to earn another bachelor’s degree should apply as second-degree students directly through the desired school. This process may vary with some upper-level division schools.

Each school determines the number of previously earned credits that will apply. A minimum of 30 new credits must be earned to receive a second degree. In addition to those general rules, schools may have other requirements.

Special and NonDegree Admissions

College in High School

The College in High School Program, offered through the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, offers qualified area high school students the opportunity to earn college credits from the University during their regular school day. Courses in chemistry, communication, computer science, French, Latin, mathematics, physics, and statistics are offered. There is a registration process and fee for this program. For further information, contact the College in High School office at 412-624-6828.

Postbaccalaureate Students

Some of the schools at the University will allow students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree to take courses at the University as nondegree students. Students should contact the appropriate school for information about admission requirements.

Students interested in the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences or the College of General Studies should contact the College of General Studies, 412-624-6600, 407 Cathedral of Learning; College of Business Administration students should contact 412-383-9600, 2100 Sennott Square; Swanson School of Engineering students should contact the Engineering Student Records Office, 412-624-9800, 151 Benedum Hall.

NOTE: International applicants should file an online application.

Guest/Visiting Students

Guest students are those who are seeking a degree at another university but want to take courses at the University of Pittsburgh for credit with the expectation that the credits will transfer back to the student’s home institution. Guest students must be in good academic standing and generally must apply at least a few weeks before the start of a given term. Contact the appropriate school for other admission requirements. Admission for the fall and spring terms is handled through the school. Summer admission for visiting students is handled through the College of General Studies.

NOTE: International applicants should file an online application.

Summer Visiting Students

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). Contact CGS at 412-624-6600.

EXCEPTION: International students

Readmission of student service members to the University of Pittsburgh

The University of Pittsburgh will promptly readmit a service member with the same academic status they had when last attending or accepted for admission. This requirement applies to any student who cannot attend school due to military service. 

Definitions

Military service (or service in the uniformed services)-Voluntary or involuntary service in the armed forces, including service by a member of the National Guard or Reserve on active duty, active duty for training, or full-time National Guard duty under federal authority, for a period of more than 30 consecutive days under a call or order to active duty of more than 30 consecutive days. This does not include National Guard service under state authority.

Service member-someone who is a member of, applies to be a member of, performs, has performed, applies to perform, or has an obligation to perform, service in the uniformed services.

Appropriate officer-A warrant, commissioned, or noncommissioned officer authorized to give such notice by the military service concerned.

Armed Forces-the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, and Coast Guard.

Active duty-full-time duty in the active military service of the United States. Active duty includes full-time training duty, annual training duty, and attendance, while in the active military service, at a school designated as a service school by law or by the Secretary of the military department concerned. Active duty does not include full-time National Guard duty.

Notice and Procedure

The student must notify the school of their military service and intention to return to school as follows:

• Notification of military service. The student (or an appropriate officer of the armed forces or official of the Department of Defense) must give oral or written notice of such service to the University of Pittsburgh Office of Veterans Services (“OVS”) as far in advance as is reasonable under the circumstances. This notice does not have to indicate whether the student intends to return to the school and may not be subject to any rule of timeliness. (Timeliness must be determined by the facts in each case.) Alternatively, at the time of readmission, the student may submit an attestation of military service that necessitated their absence from school. No notice is required if precluded by military necessity, such as service in operations that are classified or would be compromised by such notice.

• Notification of intent to return to school. The student must also give oral or written notice of their intent to return to their program of study to OVS within three years after the completion of the period of service. A student who is hospitalized or convalescing due to an illness or injury incurred or aggravated during the performance of service must notify OVS within two years after the end of the period needed for recovery from the illness or injury. A student who fails to apply for readmission within these periods does not automatically forfeit eligibility for readmission but is subject to the applicable University of Pittsburgh policies or practices generally governing student leaves of absence, readmission, and/or reinstatement.

OVS suggests that students providing Notification of military service or Notification of intent to return to school do so sending an email to the Director of OVS at the following address veterans@pitt.edu, or orally by calling 412-383-5580, in order to ensure accuracy and expeditious processing, but such notice is not required to follow any particular format. When a student is requesting readmission, they will be required to provide any supporting documentation requested by the University, in accordance with 34 C.F.R. § 668.18(g).

The University of Pittsburgh will promptly readmit the student into the next class or classes in the program beginning after they provide notice of intent to reenroll, unless they request a later date or unusual circumstances require the University of Pittsburgh to admit them at a later date.

The University of Pittsburgh will admit the student with the same academic status, which means:

• to the same program to which the student was last admitted or, if that exact program is no longer offered, the program that is most similar to that program, unless they choose a different program;
• at the same enrollment status, unless the student wants to enroll at a different enrollment status;
• with the same number of credit hours previously completed, unless the student is readmitted to a different program to which the completed credit hours are not transferable; and
• with the same academic standing (e.g., with the same satisfactory academic progress status) the student previously had.

If the student is readmitted to the same program, for the first academic year in which they return, the University of Pittsburgh will assess the tuition and fee charges that they were or would have been assessed for the academic year during which they left the school. However, if their veteran’s education benefits or other service member education benefits will pay the higher tuition and fee charges that other students in the program are paying for the year, the University of Pittsburgh may assess those charges to the student as well.

If the student is admitted to a different program, and for subsequent academic years for a student admitted to the same program, the University of Pittsburgh will assess no more than the tuition and fee charges that other students in the program are assessed for that academic year.

The cumulative length of the absence and of all previous absences from the University of Pittsburgh for military service may not exceed five years. Only the time the student spends actually performing service is counted.

Helping students to be readmitted and when it might not occur

If the University of Pittsburgh determines that the student is not prepared to resume the program with the same academic status at the point where they left off or will not be able to complete the program, the University of Pittsburgh will make reasonable efforts at no extra cost to the student to help them become prepared or to enable them to complete the program. This may include providing refresher courses and/or other remedial measures as the University deems appropriate under the circumstances.

The University of Pittsburgh is not required to readmit the student if it determines:

• that there are no reasonable efforts it can take to prepare the student to resume the program at the point where they left off or to enable them to complete the program; or
• that after it makes reasonable efforts (those that do not place an undue hardship on the institution), the student is not prepared to resume or complete the program.

“Undue hardship” means an action requiring significant difficulty or expense considering the overall financial resources of the school and the impact of such action on its operation.

The University of Pittsburgh has the burden to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that the student is not prepared to resume the program with the same academic status at the point where they left off or that they will not be able to complete the program.