There was a thread on this topic last fall, but I’m starting a new one rather than asking to have that thread reopened.
My DD will be applying soon to Dietrich, Environmental Studies. OOS, 4.0 UW/4.9 W, magnet program at a large public HS, a few 5s on APs and a few 4s as well as one 3. SAT was 1380 and because we didn’t think it would make a big difference with admissions (DD’s list is target- and safety-heavy), DD isn’t planning to take the SAT again. ECs are fine but not outstanding: varsity athlete, a decent amount of volunteering in two separate programs, and a lot of petsitting work over the past few years.
Merit aid at Pitt would, of course, be nice, but we are full pay and OK if merit isn’t forthcoming; but would really love to have the option of the honors college. For the sake of honors, not merit, do you think she should submit the 1380? It’s just above the 50th percentile according to the CDS, but only 50% of enrolled students even submitted scores last year.
Thank you for any advice!
That test score is low for honors college, see here:
SAT/ACT Scores
Although we don’t have minimum SAT/ACT requirements, our average student has a 1450-1500 SAT and/or 32-33 ACT as well as a 3.80 unweighted GPA.
We also don’t know what proportion of honors college admits submitted scores.
Has your D done an admissions session, whether in-person or virtually? She might ask for guidance on submitting test scores, and their role in merit and/or honors college admission.
Thanks for that link!
She did do an in-person visit/tour last spring but at the time hadn’t though to ask that question. She could follow up with Admissions, though. Thanks again.
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It’s a tough call. 5 years ago I’d say no - for merit and Honors. They used to say they wanted a 33 for merit. But they are giving kids with lower scores or no scores merit today and Honors today.
So go with your gut. It’s a very good score. But equivalent to a 30. So not upper echelon.
And don’t forget Non Honors kids can take Honors classes at Pitt.
Many kids want Honors without even knowing what it entails. Make sure she looks at the offering to ensure it interests her. My kids were Honors at some, not other schools.
I can’t give you a yes, no advice on this one. I wouldn’t submit but it doesn’t mean I’m right. My daughter was proud of her 32 and submitted maybe where she shouldn’t have. And got into #1 ranked UGA Honors and high ranked U of SC Honors but was WL at Pitt Honors, denied at FSU Honors and didn’t stay on the Pitt Honors WL as she chose College of Charleston Honors. But that’s for your D to decide. And if she gets in or doesn’t, you’ll never know if the SAT score played a part in that decision. Pitt Honors has gotten more popular for sure.
I’m not sure anyone can truly answer. But she loves Pitt and she’ll get in regardless - so that’s the most important thing.
Good luck.