The University of Pittsburgh has a rolling admissions policy, which means that the school will admit qualified students until the freshman class is filled or until the Dean of Admissions closes the admissions process. The University has a simplified application process; one single application will be used to determine a student's eligibility for admission, scholarships, and admission into the University's Honors College. Applicants are encouraged to submit a personal essay, statement of academic intent, and letters of recommendation. These supplemental documents, however, are not required for admission.
Admissions officials note that a candidate's secondary school record, GPA, and standardized test scores are the most important factors in the admissions process. Other factors include a student's character, class rank, application essay, extracurricular activities, geographical residence, ethnicity, recommendations, volunteer and work experience, demonstrated talents, level of interest, and whether the applicant is a first-generation college student.