back at pitt for the second year in a row… '30 hoping to join her sister whom we move in on monday. happy to help if anyone needs it…'29 is FHC, SCI w merit in state. 
'30
8/6 - common app (applying TO)
8/10 - STARS
8/11 - portal email
8/11 - awaiting decision
good luck to everyone! we’ve loved pitt so far. H2P.
Following
I hope move-in goes well! It seemed like last year had later than normal responses for the earliest submissions. In previous years some kids had heard back by Labor Day. I’d read that they were using a new system. Do we have any idea of the extra time was just challenges with the new system or if it’s the new timeline? I’ve seen both 4-6 weeks and 6-8 weeks on different parts of the site and presentations.
A question to all who submitted the application. S26 recently attended a Pitt virtual session. Regarding LORs, there were two confusing answers…one person said they don’t require LORs and don’t look at it. In the same session another admission officer replied they don’t require LORs but will read it if submitted.
In he Common App it clearly says they don’t take LORs, they only need school counselor info to send the school profile. Does the Pitt application say the same?
D26 applied via Pitt app. No LORs required and Common Data Set says not looked at. Also, no school report needed once STARS is complete. Her application is complete and under review with just STARS.
S26 actually ended up using the Pitt App because he was getting confused by the required elements in the Common App that contradicted what the Pitt Admission workshop had stated.
No LOR is required. No school report or counselor report is required. No grades in Common App. (He called the admission office to confirm that no school report or counselor report is required).
All that is needed is 1. Profile information 2. Personal Essay (650 words) 3. Check honors or not (no essay required for honors choice). After submitting, Pitt will provide a link for SRAR/STARS. 4. SAT/ACT official record sent - if submitting test scores.
Make sure the STARS account is created with same email as provided in the Common App or Pitt App. Takes a day for STARS to link with Pitt application. The Common App linking with STARS can take a little longer.
S26 also did the Pitt App because he found it much easier to upload his resume/activities list because he is still working on trying to fit his ECs in the common app word limitations.
Thank you so much for all the info. I am going to suggest to my kid to just use the Pitt app. It seems less complicated.
Not sure really…I am planning for the same as last year but hoping for better. Last year was a record number of applicants I believe as well. Good luck!
My daughter submitted and did Stars. Stars says its linked, and she registered for the Pitt portal. In the Common App, the status says its been downloaded. Does that mean they have everything they need? When did people see their status change from downloaded to In Review? I want to make sure she has done all of the things. Thanks!
My D submitted via Common App on Saturday 8/16. She submitted her SRAR/STAR the same day, and had sent official test scores in July. The Common App showed downloaded pretty quickly, definitely by Monday 8/18. She received two emails today Wed 8/20 – one with instructions about the portal and another saying her app had moved to the review phase with a decision in 6-8 weeks.
My S submitted Pitt App on Friday 8/15, STARS on Monday 8/18. He received an e-mail today 8/20 stating his app had moved to the review phase with a decision in 6-8 weeks. He is applying to the School of Computing and Information. 3.74 unweighted gpa and 4.07 weighted gpa. Some honors classes, 7 classes with dual enrollment. However 1 D and 1 C on the transcript. Pitt is his top choice. Applying from out of state. Hopefully, he will receive an acceptance decision a lot sooner than th 6-8 weeks.