A “just right” distance from home

The University of Pittsburgh is in the “Goldilocks zone,” far enough but not too far away from the DMV (D.C./Maryland/Virginia area), said D.C. and Maryland enrollment services manager Kiara Alexander. I’ve driven it recently myself, and the four-and-a-half hour trip is “just right” for students who want to get away from home yet able to make it back for a weekend.

Urban campus with green space access

Pitt is located in the city of Pittsburgh, but walking and biking trails are nearby with the 450-acre Schenley Park adjacent to campus. Pitt students get free public transportation and admission to the Carnegie museums with their student IDs.

Student life and community options

Alexander said that Pitt is like a buffet—you can pick and choose from lots of activities as well as engage in top academics. About 20% participate in Greek life, and DI football is played in the Steelers stadium, so if you’re into sports, you can cheer on the Pitt Panthers. Living-learning communities, mostly suite-style housing, help make the large school smaller by uniting under a common theme, such as serving others, appreciation of the arts, outdoor recreation, business, or honors.

Admission statistics for 2025

For 2025, Pitt received 60,893 applications and admitted 35,371, for an admission rate of 58%. With about 20,400 undergraduates, they have students from every state but North Dakota. (If you’re from North Dakota, I know a number of schools who are looking for you!)

Application timeline and process

Pitt’s application opens August 1, but they really don’t start reading applications until September. However, if you apply in the first week of September, you’ll have an answer within a week or two because they use rolling admissions. Generally, the earlier you apply, the better your chances, providing you meet the requirements. The average GPA is a weighted 3.78-4.37. Pitt will remain test optional through fall 2028, and 58% applied without test scores this year.

Undergraduate school options

To apply to the University of Pittsburgh, select one of six first-year entry (undergraduate) schools: College of Business Administration

• Swanson School Engineering
• School of Nursing (ranked #4 in the U.S.)
• School of Public Health
• School of Computing and Information
• Dietrich School Arts and Sciences

Academic prerequisites by program

Applicants to the business school must have four years of high school math, with pre-calculus at the minimum; calculus is strongly preferred. Engineering requires pre-calculus plus chemistry and physics. Nursing requires three years of lab sciences, including chemistry and biology, and four years of math, including pre-calculus. Alexander said they prefer to see nursing students take calculus over statistics after pre-calc. Computing doesn’t have set prerequisites, but those who apply tend to take higher level math. Public health and Dietrich are more flexible. Over half the undergraduates are in the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences.

Application requirements and considerations

In addition to choosing a school, you’ll need to fill out the Self-Reported Academic Record, or SRAR. You will also need to rank the three regional campuses that you’d consider if not admitted to the main campus. (Nursing students should list Greensburg as their second choice after Pittsburgh.) Letters of recommendation aren’t considered unless you’ve had some sort of blip in your progression. A counselor may be able to contextualize extenuating circumstances, and you yourself should also address it in additional information. You can use the Common App essay for your personal statement.

Essay advice for applicants

Because they don’t generally consider recommendations, your essay becomes more important. Alexander said you can focus on any topic as long as you convey who you are beyond your transcript and activities. Pitt’s looking for the vibrancy students will bring to campus, for those who will engage with the greater community.

Frederick Honors College opportunities

The Frederick Honors College has a required essay: “If you could change anything in the world, what would it be? Explain why and how you would change it.” The honors college may refine the directions, but the prompt should remain the same. Alexander recommends applying for the honors college because acceptance could come with a scholarship of up to full tuition. All applicants to Pitt are considered for merit aid, but applying for the honors college is a form of demonstrating interest, which may work to your advantage. About 700 freshmen join the Frederick Honors College each year.

Guaranteed admission programs

Pitt offers 20 guaranteed admission programs (GAPs) through the institutional application or Common App. Requirements vary by program. The medical school GAP is the most competitive. There are guaranteed admission programs for physician assistants, dental school, physical therapy, and law.

Campus improvements for 2025

Fall 2025 will see the grand opening of the Recreation and Wellness Center bridging upper and lower campus and encompasses 270,000 square feet, with a pool and a jogging track. It will also be a hub for mental and financial wellness. The newly renovated dining hall features eatery seating arrangements that foster gathering, socializing, studying, and club meetings.

In my opinion. . .

Students who value academic flexibility in an urban environment with access to nature will thrive at Pitt. Like the “buffet” Alexander describes, the university offers a rich spread of options—from living-learning communities and Division I sports to honors programs and guaranteed professional pathways—allowing students to craft a college experience that’s uniquely their own.