University of Pittsburgh: Acceptance Rate and Admissions Statistics

The University of Pittsburgh is a public research university with an acceptance rate of 57%. For its many strengths, Pitt ranks among the top Middle Atlantic colleges and universities and the top national public universities.

Considering applying to University of Pittsburgh? Here are the admissions statistics you should know, including average SAT/ACT scores and GPAs of admitted students.

Acceptance Rate

During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, the University of Pittsburgh had an acceptance rate of 57%. This means that for every 100 students who applied, 57 students were admitted, making Pitt's admissions process competitive.

SAT Scores and Requirements

The University of Pittsburgh requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 83% of admitted students submitted SAT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of the University of Pittsburgh's admitted students fall within the top 20% nationally on the SAT. For the evidence-based reading and writing section, 50% of students admitted to Pitt scored between 630 and 700, while 25% scored below 630 and 25% scored above 700. On the math section, 50% of admitted students scored between 630 and 740, while 25% scored below 630 and 25% scored above 740. Applicants with a composite SAT score of 1440 or higher will have particularly competitive chances at the University of Pittsburgh.

Requirements

Pitt does not require the optional SAT essay section or SAT Subject tests. Note that the University of Pittsburgh participates in the scorechoice program, which means that the admissions office will consider your highest score from each individual section across all SAT test dates.

ACT Scores and Requirements

Pitt requires that all applicants submit either SAT or ACT scores. During the 2018-19 admissions cycle, 34% of admitted students submitted ACT scores.

This admissions data tells us that most of the University of Pittsburgh's admitted students fall within the top 12% nationally on the ACT. The middle 50% of students admitted to Pitt received a composite ACT score between 28 and 33, while 25% scored above 33 and 25% scored below 28.

Requirements

Note that Pitt does not superscore ACT results; your highest composite ACT score will be considered. The University of Pittsburgh does not require the optional ACT writing section.

GPA

In 2019, the average high school GPA for incoming University of Pittsburgh freshmen was 4.07, and over 90% of admitted students had an average GPA above 3.5. These results suggest that most successful applicants to the University of Pittsburgh have primarily A and high B grades.

Self-Reported GPA/SAT/ACT Graph

The admissions data in the graph is self-reported by applicants to the University of Pittsburgh. GPAs are unweighted. Find out how you compare to accepted students, see the real-time graph, and calculate your chances of getting in with a free Cappex account.

Admissions Chances

The University of Pittsburgh, which accepts over half of applicants, has a selective admissions process. If your SAT/ACT scores and GPA fall within the school's average ranges, you have a strong chance of being admitted. However, Pitt's admissions process focuses on more than a strong academic record; they are looking for students who succeed in rigorous courses that include AP, IB, and Honors courses. The admissions officers also place weight on applicants' responses to the optional short answer questions.

To apply, students can use the Common Application or the Coalition Application. Pitt has rolling admissions, but it is certainly to your advantage to apply early for the best chance at scholarships.

In the graph above, the blue and green dots represent accepted students. As you can see, the majority of students who got in had "B+" or higher averages, SAT scores of about 1150 or higher, and ACT composite scores of 24 or higher. The higher the numbers, the more likely you are to get accepted. Behind the blue and green in the middle of the graph is some red (rejected students) and yellow (waitlisted students), so it's important to keep in mind that some students with strong GPAs and test scores still get rejected by Pitt.

All admissions data has been sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics and University of Pittsburgh's Undergraduate Admissions Office.