Will Application be Reviewed without Remaining Rec?

<p>Friends,
We have a son graduating from Pitt in 2014 with a Neuroscience major and a Chem minor. He has had an outstanding 4 years there—2 years as a chem TA, 2 years in the neuroscience research lab and 4 years volunteeriing in two hospitals. In 2010, he chose Pitt over Hopkins and Brown. and has never regretted it. Now his sister, a senior in high school, has applied to the nursing school. She submitted her application at the end of August with her personal essay and the College Board sent her SATs (1980/1330). Her school completed its packet of her record-- transcript etc and the portal showed all required items checked off as of last week. Her assigned Admissions persons also said they received her activity resume,</p>

<p>Here is my question. My daughter asked three teachers to write her recs for Pitt. The most important -from her AP Bio teacher has been received as well as a second. But the third is from a notorious procrastinator. Although she decided therefore to ask him in May, and he said he would have it by Sept 1, he has not submitted to date. So everything is now checked but does this mean the Committee will wait to review her application until this final recommendation comes in or will they go ahead? We are hoping they have sent it on for review.</p>

<p>hi washdcmom,</p>

<p>The Pitt Admissions office is the best place to ask this question. A couple years ago, when my daughter went through this process, they stated that applications would be reviewed when Pitt considers them “complete” which should mean they will not wait for an additional recommendation.</p>

<p>^Washdcmom, I agree with pamom59 although Pitt admin may give very general statement on review process with complete documents.
By the way, what was the reason for your Son to choose Pitt over Hopkins and Brown ?</p>

<p>Thanks guys!</p>

<p>Our son chose PITT because he is planning to go to medical school and he was offered early a place in the Honors Program and housing (Forbes in year one), a full fellowship (Helen Faison), invited to apply for Chancellor’s and accepted into the early admit medical school program etc… His undergraduate education has basically costed us a 1,000 or so a year. Great especially now that medical school is on the horizon! No regrets.</p>

<p>Pitt is a phenomenal place for anyone interested in medicine, health care etc. He has accomplished tons there including extensive neuroscience research for which he is slated to get a Journal credit in 2014. All the hospitals are within walking distance and it’s a very affordable city!</p>

<p>Great decision. My D actually plans to apply for GAP this year, same path your son did.</p>

<p>My daughter is also at Pitt (4th year but doesn’t know what her major is yet) and my son was accepted to start next fall. He also submitted everything including 2 letters of recommendation with the 3rd and final (also asked last May) still not having been sent in. So, that answers your question - same situation as yours and he received his acceptance in mid August. I’m sure her application will move along as is.</p>

<p>Dad2013</p>

<p>That sounds good. Now, be very careful with GAP–if your child is invited and receives the offer. My son had a 3.5 by the end of junior year and you need a 3.75 for the guarentee to be honored. He was told to take the MCAT and apply direct. We know of two children who left the program in freshman and sophomore year and another who had a 3.6 and was told the same. (There may have been others but the group was only 10-12 or so to start I believe.)</p>

<p>As a result S. came home the minute school completed in April, and we set up the dining room as MCAT central (all while we were caring for my Dad who died in May of cancer). He studied from 7 am to 4 pm from April 30 until the MCAT in June. And much to our relief and sheer excitement he did score a 36 with a perfect 15 in Biology. This puts him in the MCAT overall 96- 97 percentile and his PItt Medical Advisor has suggested he apply out across the board with his scores, volunteer and research background. He has already begun receiving mail here from medical schools though he plains to take the gap year and work in a clinic in Pittsburgh.</p>

<p>The Guarantee was wonderful but be very very clear about the 3.75. They absolutely will not waver. It has to be kept in the sciences AND across the board all four years–basically an A-. Our son despite some of the institutional advice decided to go with very tough classes including a Neuroscience major and a chem minor and a medical certificate. He also volunteered in the emergency room of Shadyside and worked twice a week (no pay) in the lab. A 3.55 was the result. We don’t regret his choices. He always chose the hardest most challenging stuff even when he was 5. And honestly with the now 36 MCAT–largely his brain and a very disciplined mind at work AND the good education he received at PITT, everything will work out. We have had a positive experience with Pitt and he has done quite well but I simply wanted to give you a heads up on that score!</p>

<p>Thank you kindly NascarNewYork :wink: </p>

<p>Much to my shock I just opened the mail box and she was accepted into the Nursing Program! I am thrilled and the wait begins. I love Pitt. She also has apps into Case and UVA and Northeastern and Villanova.</p>

<p>Her timeline was : SATs sent July 20, Application and Essay Sent August 20, Two Recs sent Sept 1, Activity Resume sent and received Sept 14, and official transcript mark as received Thursday. Sept 19.</p>

<p>Congratulations on your daughter’s acceptance at Pitt, Washdcmom.
I also appreciate your sharing of experience. (It will be helpful when I will discuss with my D.)</p>