@JMS111 the point I was trying to make is that you probably need a 34 on the ACT exam in order for an OOS applicant to feel that they have a real shot at some merit which seem to range from $10000 to $15000. the University of Pittsburgh should NOT be consider a shoo in for these awards. Admission might not be an issue with lower scores, but merit awards will be. There are plenty of kids/parents looking for merit because they do not qualify for need based aid, and an ACT score around 32 in NOT a given. Possible? Sure. However based past results, it is very difficult to attain and potential candidates should not be applying thinking they will be getting it. Everyone should have a range of schools including financial safeties.