Chancellor’s Scholarship
How do I apply for the Chancellor's Scholarship, and what are the criteria to be invited?
Competition for the Chancellor's Scholarship is by invitation only. Nominations are made by the University Scholarship Committee. The application is mailed to all of the Chancellor's Nominees with a return deadline date. Nominees typically:
- Are in the top 5 percent of their graduating class.
- Have above a 3.5 out of 4.0 grade point average (GPA).
- Have a minimum combined SAT score of 1400 or 32 ACT.
To be considered for the Chancellor's Scholarship, you must have applied to the University of Pittsburgh by January 15.
What if I meet the above criteria but have not been invited to apply?
Remember that you must apply for admission to the University of Pittsburgh by January 15 in order to be considered. If you feel that your profile deserves consideration, please send a written request to:
University Scholarship Committee
University of Pittsburgh
Office of Admissions and Financial Aid
4227 Fifth Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
When is my application due?
Your letter should include information regarding when your application is due. As a general rule, your application should be postmarked within three weeks of the postmark date when it was sent to you, or it should be postmarked within two weeks after you receive the application itself.
How many students are invited to apply for Chancellor's Scholarships?
Envision this:
About 700 invitations to apply for the Chancellor's Scholarship are mailed to students. Of these, about 450 applications will be returned to us complete (the application, essays, and two recommendation letters). Of these about 100 nominees will be invited to interview, and of these, about 10–12 Chancellors' Scholars will enter the University each fall.
What is the difference between a "Chancellor's Nominee Scholarship" and a "Chancellor's Scholarship?"
Chancellor's Nominee Scholarships are awarded by the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid and are scholarships ranging from $2,000 per year up to full tuition. They are awarded to students based on their academic accomplishments in high school and standardized test scores. All Chancellor's Nominees are mailed a Chancellor's Scholarship application in late fall through winter, depending upon when they submitted their application for admission. From the Chancellor's Nominees, the University Honors College (UHC) will select approximately 12 Chancellor's Scholars each year. The Chancellor's Scholarship provides full tuition, room, and board for four years and supercedes the Chancellor's Nominee Scholarship and any other University-sponsored scholarships.
Who is part of the Chancellor's Scholarship review process?
The dean of the honors college and advisors are all a part of the review and interview process. In addition, members from the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid and various other departments throughout the University assist UHC during the selection process.
What is the committee looking for?
The committee searches for students who are well rounded and intellectually outstanding. Criteria that will be taken into consideration are similar to other application processes: high school grade point average (GPA) and curriculum, SAT/ACT scores, leadership ability, involvement in activities, community service, dedication to a course of study, international awareness, a desire to read good books, interest in theoretical thinking (from nuclear physics to philosophy), and the ability to think in abstract terms.
Do I have to come in person for my interview?
Yes.
Are in-state students given preference over out-of-state-students?
No.
Since out-of-state tuition is more than in-state tuition, will the Chancellor's Scholarship cover the difference?
Absolutely. The Chancellor's Scholarship will cover your tuition whether you are an in-state or out-of-state student.
What does the Chancellor's Scholarship cover?
The Chancellor's Scholarship provides for full tuition, a standard room and board allowance (based on a double room and full meal plan), and a miscellaneous spending allowance that is applied toward mandatory fees. The Chancellor's Scholarship does not cover the cost of books and supplies.
When will I be notified that I have/have not been awarded the Chancellor's Scholarship?
The process does take some time; you should be notified by April 15.
Is there a deadline for me to accept my current scholarship or the Chancellor's Scholarship?
Yes, you must pay the $300 Enrollment Fee by May 1 in order to receive your scholarship and housing guarantee.
Do I have to live on campus if I am awarded a Chancellor's Scholarship?
Chancellor's Scholars are guaranteed four years of on-campus housing; however, they are not required to live on campus. If students opt to live in an off-campus apartment, they will receive a living allowance at the beginning of each term to cover the equivalent costs of living in on-campus housing.
Does the University sponsor any honors housing?
Yes, please check the honors community Web site for more information.
How active do I have to be in the honors college if I am a Chancellor's Scholar?
The only activity you are required to participate in is a summer retreat for Chancellor's Scholars and one Chancellor's Scholar-specific orientation. Typically, Chancellor's Scholars participate in honors college classes and activities simply because the honors college was part of what attracted them to the University.
If I am not awarded the Chancellor's Scholarship, can I keep my other scholarship and still take honors college classes?
Absolutely.
What if I want to study abroad?
You may take the dollar amount of your Chancellor's Scholarship with you if you study abroad.
What do I need to retain my scholarship?
To retain any University scholarship, including the Chancellor's Scholarship, you must maintain a 3.0 GPA (out of a 4.0 scale; a B average) and be enrolled full time at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh campus in Oakland.
What if I receive the Chancellor's Scholarship and am awarded other scholarships from the University and outside sources?
Because the Chancellor's Scholarship covers the full cost of tuition, a standard room and board allowance, and a miscellaneous allowance, you will not be able to keep other University scholarships. However, if you are awarded scholarships from outside sources (high school, religious group, etc.), you may keep the additional scholarships up to your educational budget.
Typically, an educational budget (which includes tuition, room and board, books, supplies, travel expenses, etc.) is about $2,000 more than the Chancellor's Scholarship will cover a year.
How can I reach UHC?
Go to the contact page to view our contact details.