First-Year Applicants

Choose from one of two prompts and write a maximum of 650 words:

At Pitzer, five core values distinguish our approach to education: social responsibility, intercultural understanding, interdisciplinary learning, student engagement, and environmental sustainability. As agents of change, our students utilize these values to create solutions to our world’s challenges. Please answer only one of the following prompts:

• Reflecting on your involvement throughout high school or within the community, how have you engaged with one of Pitzer’s core values?
• Describe what you are looking for from your college experience and why Pitzer would be a good fit for you.

Pitzer also offers an optional essay (up to 250 words) that you can answer via the Common Application:

As a mission-driven institution, we value and celebrate the synergy created by our differences and similarities. We welcome you to write about distinctive aspects of your background, identity, or personal interests that you would bring to Pitzer, and how you plan to engage in our community.

• We require at least one academic recommendation.
• Your recommendation should come from a teacher who has taught you during your junior or senior year in a core academic subject. 
• We also accept a recommendation from your college counselor and an additional recommendation. Both are optional.
• Recommendations should be submitted through the Common Application: 
  My Colleges > Pitzer College > Recommendations and FERPA
• Recommendations can also be submitted via a form to scan and email to applicant@pitzer.edu.
• If emailed or mailed, letters must be sent to the Office of Admission by the recommender and not the student.

School Report

• A report from your school counselor is required.
• A counselor recommendation is optional.
• The report should be submitted through the Common Application: 
  My Colleges > Pitzer College > Recommendations and FERPA
• The report can also be submitted via a form to scan and email to applicant@pitzer.edu.
• The report must be sent to the Office of Admission by your school counselor.
   

Mid-Year Report/Final Report

• You must submit the mid-year report with first trimester or semester senior grades that show your final Fall grades.
• Admitted students and students who have already finished high school must submit a final report. This includes a final transcript with your graduation date listed.

• If you are still enrolled in high school, you must submit all official transcripts.
• Transcripts must come from your high school and cannot be accepted through the student or guardian.
• High school graduates need to submit only the final transcript with the graduation date.