No, I don’t think it’s particularly late. Applications opened I think August, but it seems many here applied in late September - late October as students were getting their EA apps ready. From past years’ threads/reddit, people are still applying in January and February. And of course apps are open for months yet (according to Maia, into July). I think as long as you’re in before they stop the merit reviews at end-Feb, you’re in the running.
No, that’s within range. They used to say by end November. Anyway, I think you have your budget.
If you got $20K which seems to be the most, does it make it affordable?
You can start to “rank” schools. My daughter knew we weren’t going over $50K. She sort of liked American most even though I think she truly liked the school she ended up at more - just didn’t want to change her initial word.
AU came in over budget and she dropped it - without even me having to tell her.
So if Pitt is #1 and it can be affordable, ensure your son knows the budget - if you hit, great. If you don’t, it comes off and you go to #2. If he likes that it’s urban and the size, there are other urban schools that likely would be less expensive - vs. full pay - such as UAB, VCU, and more - if he didn’t like the CSS schools.
You don’t need to be ranking now - but it’s always good to sort of know - who’s in the lead, who one likes less. The longer one waits without doing that, when it comes time to decide, kids say - I forget what school A was like, I forget what school B was like. So that’s another good thing to do - right after a visit, videotape their thoughts so you can go back to the tape !!
Good luck.
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Pitt was one of the schools that did offer a fee waiver but many public universities he applied to did not despite being on mailing lists and going on visits.
We don’t qualify based on income and it was not a big hardship but they do start to add up and we probably should have saved the money and focused on CSS Profile schools.
UMass Amherst was the most expensive at $90. More than some of the selective private schools he applied to.
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Well - if it makes you feel better, based on what you’re going to spend over four years, it’s just a little. I know it adds up - but if he gets an unreal financial deal somewhere, then it will be money well spent.
I still remember the Pitt code - no idea if it’s changed - Hail2Pitt for the freebie app.
The free app code has changed since then, and I think there were also different codes in the past 2 years.
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Son heard back from Pitt tonight with email to check portal. He applied early 10/25, accepted in late 10/25, Honors in 11/25, and was notified of merit 2/26. We are OOS, Dietrich. Honestly we didn’t think he would get anything so this came as a surprise. Good luck to all still waiting.
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any new notifications this week? seems more quiet than last year
Congrats! If you don’t mind - how much merit? Curious how much is still rolling out. Thanks
Still really hoping against hope
$5k/year - not much but still something
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Anyone hear about Chancellors scholarship?
Got a $6,500 grant/year. Out of state. Called the fa office to inquire and the person on the other end was pretty rude. I’m sure they are swamped but I was surprised as all other interactions with Pitt staff, faculty, and students has been super positive.
Nope. I did see a couple posts on Reddit (I think) a couple weeks ago saying they were offered interviews for the Chancellor’s scholarship. Not sure how reliable the info is or if interview invitations are still ongoing.
All this hoping and waiting sure is hard.
Well, I guess it didn’t happen. So upsetting because he got significant merit at every other school he applied to (so far 10 of 13 acceptances and 9 of 10 offered merit). We’re trying to see what we can do, but it will likely mean significant debt for us. Ugh. That said, I’m very happy for those who received awards and hope your kids love it and thrive! I appreciate you all 
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9 acceptances offered merit.
There’s only positives here.
There’s many colleges and you can only go to one.
So find that affordable one (merit doesn’t = affordable and no merit doesn’t necessarily = not affordable as some are cheaper full price than others with merit). Don’t know your list.
But your student has done great - so they’ll land in just as great a spot!!!
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Thank you so much and I agree. He’s done great. He’s autistic and when he was diagnosed at 3, we didn’t know what the future would hold. He has blown away all of our expectations and we couldn’t be prouder
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Out of curiosity, is anyone who received merit declining admission and enrolling elsewhere?
Yes – my kid. She did decline in her portal. I’m crossing my fingers that it releases that merit for other admits who want it!
Thank you! No idea if that’s how it works but just curious.
I highly doubt someone declining merit frees it up. If it’s an endowed scholarship yes, but regular merit - no.
This is because breakage / yield is built in. Only about 1/8 offered admission attend (13% in 2024/25 CDS), so the yield is very low. So they are expecting/counting on most to decline and no doubt have that built into their plans.
We have this discussion ever year. It’s a nice thought and nice that people do it (decline and all those declines may free up WL spots) but they are expected so unlikely impact merit or even additional admission offers beyond what is likely already planned (Pitt has a high WL accepted ratio - so perhaps they plan for a higher yield just in case).
The best part of declining early for a student - there’s no going back. You are done!!!