Congratulations on your admission to the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown. At Pitt-Johnstown, we realize that the options admission process is not typical and is rather confusing, but we hope to simplify any concern that you may have.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Options Program
Q. I applied to the Pittsburgh campus, why was I offered admission to the Johnstown campus?
A. The interest in the Pittsburgh campus is growing, and admission has become very competitive over the last few years. Only a select few gain admission each year. For students whose academic profile suggests that they could benefit from the University's educational philosophy, strengths, and reputation, the Admissions Committee may offer admission to one of the four regional campuses. At Pitt-Johnstown we offer the same philosophy, strengths, and international reputation that Pittsburgh offers; however, we offer it in a much smaller setting.
Q. I have been optioned to the Johnstown campus, do I have to reapply?
A. No. You have already been accepted and there is no need to reapply.
Q. Are there any academic scholarships available for incoming freshmen?
A. Typically whenever a student is admitted to Pitt-Johnstown, they are automatically looked at for academic scholarships. Whether you were admitted through a direct application to Pitt-Johnstown, or through the Options Program, you are considered as an incoming freshman, and will be evaluated for our academic scholarships.
Q. If I decide to start at Pitt-Johnstown, can I relocate to Pittsburgh?
A. Yes. You can relocate to Pittsburgh after you have successfully completed 60 credits and have achieved a GPA of at least a 3.0.
Q. I have been optioned to another regional campus, can I be considered at Pitt-Johnstown?
A. Absolutely. Contact the Admissions Office of the campus you were accepted at and have them forward your information to the Admissions Office at Pitt-Johnstown. If you are admissible to Pitt-Johnstown, you will have to call the Admissions Office of the campus that you were first accepted at and asked them to DEACTIVATE your application. Within the Pitt System, you are only allowed to have one active application open at a time. Deactivate DOES NOT mean cancel, it simply means that the campus will step back and allow you to be admitted to the campus that you requested. You can then make your ultimate decision.
Q. I am unfamiliar with the Johnstown campus, how can I get information about the campus?
A. If you contact the Admissions Office, you can make an appointment to come see the campus. You will be given a tour of the campus by one of our STARS, student tour guides, and also have the opportunity to meet with an Admissions Counselor. We also offer several Open Houses and Admitted Student programs throughout the year. You can contact the Admissions Office by calling 1-800-765-4875. Feel free to navigate the website, you can find information about different programs of studies, student clubs and organizations, Division II sports, and housing options.
Q. How big is the Johnstown campus?
A. The campus sits on 650 picturesque acres; however, we actually only use 120 acres for classroom buildings, dining facilities, student housing, and athletic events. Pitt-Johnstown is the second largest regional campus with 3,200 students. The average class size is about 25 students. The student to faculty ratio is 19:1.
Q. What are the benefits of going to the Johnstown campus?
A. Here at Pitt-Johnstown, we offer small class size, classes that are taught by the faculty, each student is assigned an academic advisor in his or her academic field, research and internship opportunities, over 70 student clubs and organizations, guaranteed housing from start to finish, NCAA Division II sports, study abroad, Pitt Panther football tickets, and many, many more! Remember, when you earn your degree from Pitt-Johnstown, you become part of the tradition that is the University of Pittsburgh.