3.4 Weighted GPA and 1480 SAT (760 Math, 720 Reading)
Course Work
AP Computer Science Principles
AP Human Geography
AP US History
AP Macro/AP Micro
AP Computer Science
AP Calculus AB
AP Psychology
AP Comparative Government and Politics
AP US Government and Politics
German for 3x Years
Awards
DECA State and District Champion in Accounting Qualified to Internationals
DECA Top Test Score in Accounting across Pennsylvania
Local Debate Champion, qualified to states, and placed 4th among my district
AP Scholar with Distinction
Academic All American Award through NSDA
Extracurriculars
Research @ University of Pittsburgh
Financial Intern @ Startup
DECA (Director of Accounting/Finance)
Speech and Debate (Treasurer/Team Captain/Camp Director)
Volunteering - 250 Hours
Essays/LORs/Other
Personal Statement is pretty good gonna get it officially reviewed soon Schools
Pitt Business for Business Analytics or Finance
I also had a question about if I get rejected from Pitt Business will I still be considered for the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences
I also had extenuating circumstances my junior year that played a role in my lower GPA
My school does weighted only out of 4. Do you think I have a shot with my ec’s and SAT? I am also going to explain my extenuating circumstances and If I get the chance I will send my first quarter senior grades
Usually the school counselor explains the extenuating circumstances…at least that is in my experience. Is there some reason why you will be doing this yourself?
It was in the additional info section I saw online that you fill out any circumstances you had and you can report it yourself. This is what my counselor said as well.
This is what my schools scattergram looks like people are definitely getting accepted with around my GPA but lower SAT score. Im guessing not for Business tho
If your unweighted is 3.375 and weighted a 3.4, your school barely gives weighting to an AP.
Again don’t assume that you should apply to A&S. Reach out to admissions and ask if you apply for business and don’t get in, would they also consider you for A&S or not ? If you look at their stats by school - last I could see was two years ago - A&S and Business were near identical.
Do you know your approximate class rank ?
Why Pitt ? Take your shot but let’s find you other schools in back up ? What specific major in business?
As for extenuating circumstances, it’s better if the counselor can elaborate - less coming off as making excuses. But not all counselors have the time or desire.
I don’t think that moves a needle in most cases, especially at publics.
Take your shot but tell us what is it about Pitt and let’s find others as a just in case.
I dont know if you saw but my school scattergram shows that I am in a good spot for University of Pittsburgh. Moreover, I loved the school when I did research there and I just love the environment. Also its in-state so I get better rates on tuition. Judging by the scattergram I feel like I should be fine since I have been working so hard on my essays and improving other parts of my application. I will try to see if I can get my counselor to elaborate on my situation but its rlly personal and Idk if they would be much help. Im also probably going to apply to University of Alabama, and UArizona, so those will be my safety schools. I feel like I am in a good spot for Economics at Dietrich tho let me know what you think. My senior grades are looking good right now to we have about 2-3 weeks left in the quarter and I have straight A’s
Bama and Arizona are fine but what is your budget ? Neither is like Pitt environmentally but Arizona more so.
Even in state Pitt will be $40k-ish. Bama and Arizona will be more but both have well known B schools.
What about one of the other campuses if Pitt doesn’t work out ?
What sub area of business?
One unique thing about Pitt is the size of the b school. It’s quite small so a Bama or Arizona will be much larger - school wise but especially b school wise.
For a large school Michigan State will be closer to home (well if you’re Western PA). Millersville in state or Christopher Newport out of state will still have you in society, are smaller and will be cost competitive - especially Millersville. Temple as a larger in state school.
You might check College of Charleston - a bit less campus than Pitt but has a campus and urban environment. The b school will have a smaller population like Pitt. Tons going on as it’s a tourist Mecca. UT Chattanooga might be another mid size school suggestion city adjacent.
Bama and Arizona are great - but will they be too big ? And too expensive?
Good luck with Pitt.
Ps business and Econ are nowhere alike other than a few classes. Attend a school where you can study what you want. Not what you don’t want.
I love Economics, Statistics, and Business. Do you think I have a shot though given I am applying before October 1st and my schools scattergram shows people applying with lower SAT than me getting? And my parents have the budget to pay up to a 100k a year so that is not the problem. I rlly want to go to Pitt its been my dream school for a while. Do you think doing research at the school give me a unique advantage?
I think you apply and for the major you want and you see. But you have backups.
Statistically you are short but you have data that shows you aren’t.
Only Pitt can decide. Figure your major. If it’s business - and that’s not a major - there are sub areas, then apply there. If stats or Econ apply to A&S.
The only one who can answer your question is Pitt.
But all students need a plan so have a plan. If it’s Bama or Arizona great - but there are others more similar to Pitt in environment (and potentially cost).
I assume you mean extenuating circumstances as they relate to some low (below B) grades. Generally I would not recommend explaining this yourself.
If the circumstances were a family issue, or a personal illness or mental health disorder, your counselor should cover that in their LoR. Also, one would not explain low grades due to a bad teacher, or poor fit with teacher, or harsh grading curve, etc. You don’t have to tell us the details here, but it’s typically quite difficult for a student to cover these things well /appropriately.
I would apply to the school with the majors you most want to study. Econ is not like studying many business majors, take a look at the courses required for the various majors to see the differences.
I agree with tsbna that you should contact your Pitt AO and ask your question wrt being considered for one school if denied from another.
Business and Economics are very different. Apply for the major you want.
Pitt used to put equal weight on GPA and SAT. I don’t know if that’s still the case. Your GPA is in the lowest quartile. You have rigor going for you. Maybe they’ll take your circumstances under consideration but I wouldn’t count on it. Same for Alabama and Arizona. I wouldn’t consider any as safeties.
Pitt business has transfer agreements with some community colleges. It used to be a 3.0 from CCAC was a guaranteed admit. Something to consider.
Get your Pitt application in soon for best odds. Have you also considered PSU or Temple? I was impressed with Temple’s business school when S20 applied. WVU could work. Duquesne or W&J if you like western PA. Good luck.
Not sure about Bama. I saw “holistic” in the requirements. No idea about Arizona. Plus, do they have secondary requirements for their business schools? Pitt is direct admit.
Agree that fit and happy to attend are part of the safety mantra.
