not to discourage the applicant but my kid did lots of the above noted in last 2 posts(although i guess it was more me doing the contact with an admissions officer), and he was one kid outside the top 5 percent. in his case, the above did not help. also had test scores barely at scholarship level but they were in schlolarship range including some VERY high subtests on the reading side. for some kids, despite the decent stats, the scholarship committee does not budge. on the plus side, my kid is flourishing as a college freshman so a no scholarship from pitt is not the end of all collegiate options. and best of wishes to you siameseninja.