Accelerated High School
Accelerated High School is for juniors or seniors who wish to take college courses on campus.
Each term, the Accelerated High School program permits qualified high school students to take up to two college courses at the University while continuing their high school education. These students earn college credits that are often transferable to whichever college or university they may attend.
Part-time, undergraduate tuition at the University of Pittsburgh for in-state residents for the academic year 2008–09 (2091, 2094, 2097) is $534.00 Most classes are three credits.
Call the Accelerated High School (AHS) program at 412-624-7428 or 412-624-6789 to request an application packet. Then submit your completed information, along with a high school transcript and your application fee, to be considered for admittance.
After you have received notification of your admittance from the University, you will then register for your class. To register, call the AHS office and make an appointment. If you return your signed enrollment (registration) form with your application, a printout confirming enrollment will be sent to you and indicates you have been registered for your class. Therefore, no appointment is necessary.
Remember, you are registering for a college-level course.
Qualifications for Accelerated High School
To be accepted, students:
- Must have the approval of their parent(s)/guardian(s) and of their high school principal and, in some cases, the University department.
- Must be high school juniors or seniors, although under special circumstances younger students may be granted permission.
- May be required to take a placement exam. Check the prerequisites for each course as listed in the course descriptions.
- May take no more than two courses per term.
Submitting the Application
To complete the application process, send the following materials to the Accelerated High School program office:
- Approval form (must be completed by the high school principal and the parent or guardian of the applying student)
- Application
- Most recent high school transcript
- Application fee ($25 check or money order, made payable to "University of Pittsburgh." This one-time fee is nonrefundable.)
Please be sure forms are thoroughly completed, including applicant's signature on all forms, submitted with transcript and fee, in order to avoid delay in the application process.
Deadlines and Registration
Be aware that course availability changes constantly during the registration period. Prompt application and registration maximizes the possibility of getting into the desired class. You must be admitted to Accelerated High School before you can register.
In order for you to be considered for admission, all required materials must be received at the University of Pittsburgh, Accelerated High School, 140 Thackeray Hall, Pittsburgh, PA 15260, by the last day to apply for each term.
Registration begins:
For summer 2008 (2087): February 18, 2008
For fall 2008 (2091): March 31, 2008
For spring 2009 (2094): November 3, 2008
Last day for application to Accelerated High School:
For summer 2008 (2087): April 23, except 6wk-2 session, by June 11
For fall 2008 (2091): August 11, 2008
For spring 2009 (2094): December 12, 2008
Scheduling Courses
Once you have been admitted, please call Accelerated High School, 140 Thackeray Hall, 412-624-7428, to schedule an appointment to come in and register for the course you wish to take. Registration requires the signature of an academic advisor. There is no mechanism for reserving space in a course except by formal registration. Although course availability changes constantly during the registration period, in some cases you may register by mail. You can do this by signing and returning the enrollment form sent with your application packet. Return it with your application to the Accelerated High School office.
You must meet any prerequisites for a course, which can be found in the description of the course. Regular restrictions apply, and some courses require a placement exam or departmental approval.
Check the "Special Indicators" column in the Schedule of Classes for course restrictions.
Tuition, Fees, and ID Cards
Tuition charges and other fees are the same as those for other undergraduate students in the School of Arts and Sciences, including a part-time student activity fee, which entitles students to use campus facilities and take advantage of student discount tickets for a variety of events. Additional costs may include textbooks, class materials, and lab fees. Tuition invoices are sent to students approximately two to three weeks after registration occurs. The University of Pittsburgh eBill system is in place. You will receive your tuition invoice via your Pitt e-mail account. For payment or viewing, log on to http://my.pitt.edu. Use your Pitt log-in and password. Select "My Communities," then "Student Services," then "View" and "Pay My eBill" in Pittpay.
For billing and payment questions, contact the Student Payment Center, G-7 Thackeray Hall, 412-624-7520.
Usually, beginning approximately three weeks before the term for which you are registered, you may get your Pitt ID. Photo ID cards are issued at Panther Central in the Litchfield Towers main lobby, 3955 Forbes Avenue, 7:30 a.m.–6 p.m.
Access from Fifth Avenue is often more convenient. Take the steps next to the University Book Center, and cross the courtyard to enter the lobby. Panther Central is to the left. You will be asked to present a current photo ID or, if there is no photo ID, other identification such as your birth certificate. Stop in or call Panther Central at 412-648-1100 if you have any questions.
A currently valid University of Pittsburgh ID card allows you access to University facilities and events such as libraries, athletic events, and recreational facilities. In addition, many community businesses offer discounts to students upon presentation of your valid student ID.
The Pitt ID also provides access to an extensive bus shuttle service as well as free transport on Port Authority buses within Allegheny County.