Frequently Asked Questions

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadline for Fall admissions is December 1. Please note that Liaison GradCAS will be disabled after December 1.

Will my application be considered if some of my application materials do not arrive by the December 1 deadline?

It is very important that you submit the on-line application form and fee by the December 1 deadline. Liaison GradCAS will shut down at 11:59 p.m. EST on December 1. If you have sent in other application documents but have not submitted the online application by that time, from the University’s perspective, you have not formally applied. Be sure you have clicked the submit button before closing the program. You will receive a confirmation from Liaison GradCAS that your application was successfully submitted.

We will continue to accept other application materials as they come in, up to the time when the Admissions Committee begins to review completed applications, which is during the second week of December. Incomplete applications will not be considered for admission.

Can I apply to more than one program with the same application?

Yes, you can indicate the programs to which you are applying through the on-line application. However, please only apply to programs to which you are a strong fit. 

When are the interview dates in 2024?

Our virtual recruiting weekend will be held on January 26-27, 2024, and our in-person recruiting will be held on February 23-24, 2024 for those who are accepted.

Can letters of recommendation/transcripts be sent directly to the Department, or should they be sent to me?

The Department of Psychology strongly suggests recommenders use the Liaison GradCAS system to submit all letters of recommendation. Through the site you will be able to provide access to your recommenders, thereby allowing them to upload their letters as part of your application materials. Please request letters in plenty of time to comply with our application deadline of December 1.

Copies of transcripts MUST be uploaded at the time you apply. The Liaison GradCAS system will not permit you to submit your application to us without a transcript attached. Official transcripts will only be necessary if you accept an offer of admission from from the department and before you can be matriculated into the University computer system. In the case of multiple transcripts where the file size is too large for the program, please contact the psychology graduate studies office at psygrad@pitt.edu

Do you require a cover sheet for letters of recommendation?

The Department does not require a cover sheet for letters of recommendation. However, if your recommenders are submitting their letters of recommendation online, the software will automatically generate a cover sheet which must be completed.

I don’t have a background in Psychology. Will I still be considered for admission?

While we suggest that applicants have completed a minimum of 12 credits in Psychology, it is not a requirement. The Admission Committee will evaluate all aspects of an applicant’s file (letters of recommendation, publications, research experience, etc.) before making an admission decision.

I studied abroad as an undergraduate; will I need to obtain a separate transcript from the school I attended abroad?

If your study abroad credits are listed on your undergraduate transcript, it is not necessary to obtain a separate transcript from your study abroad school.

What is the University of Pittsburgh code for the GRE?

The code for the University of Pittsburgh is 2927; Do not enter a department code, it is not necessary.

What is the minimum acceptable GPA? What are the minimum acceptable GRE scores?

Most of our admitted students have a GPA above 3.4 and GRE scores for one or more of the sections (Verbal, Quantitative, or Analytic) above the 70th percentile. However, we have no minimum acceptable requirements, and instead use a holistic review process in which no applicant is screened from further consideration solely on the basis of their GPA or GRE scores. Note, however, that the university may have other requirements. Please see this page.

I am applying to the Clinical program and will not be able to take the GRE Psychology Subject Test in time to apply. Will my application still be considered?

If you are not able to take the GRE Psychology Subject test, or if you are concerned that the test results will arrive too late to be included in your file, the Admissions Committee will place greater weight on your Psychology GPA.

How will I know if my application is complete?

You will be contacted by Psychology Graduate Office staff if your application is not complete. Please allow a reasonable amount of time for the staff to process your application materials before contacting us.

How will I be informed of my admission status?

Applicants will be contacted by a member of the faculty regarding their admission status. 

All applicants will be notified of their admission status by March 15.