First-Year Applicants

Choose from one of three 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 is known for our students’ intellectual and creative activism. If you could work on a cause that is meaningful to you through a project, artistic, academic, or otherwise artistic or academic, what would you do?

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@sxtcyb.com.
• 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@sxtcyb.com.
• 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.

At Pitzer College, we recognize that many applicants may not have access to mentors or support networks to guide them through the college application process. Thoughtfully used, AI tools can be valuable resources in what can often be a complex and overwhelming journey. By providing support where it might otherwise be lacking, these tools can promote access and equity. When used ethically, AI can help level the playing field for students who may not have access to individualized guidance, reflecting our core value of social responsibility.

We believe that AI can be a meaningful aid in generating ideas and refining your thoughts as you work on your application, but the final submission should authentically reflect your own voice, experiences, and insights. Just as you wouldn’t submit content written by someone else, avoid copying and pasting AI-generated text directly into your application without making it your own. Instead, we encourage you to approach AI as you would any other collaborative resource—use it to brainstorm, edit, and polish your work.

If you choose to incorporate AI-based assistance, consider it a tool for enhancing your creative process. You might use it to help shape your responses to our essay prompts or to refine your activity descriptions in the Common Application. However, always ensure that the outcome genuinely represents you and your perspective. It’s crucial that your application remains a true reflection of your voice and personal story.

We recognize AI's role as a potential partner in your process, particularly if you do not have access to other forms of guidance. However, the integrity of your application—and its reflection of your own thoughts, efforts, and aspirations—should always come first.

• We do not consider AP scores during admission decisions. Please do not submit them in your application.
• If you are admitted and enrolled, you may submit AP scores for potential credit transfer.
• AP credits can apply toward the 32-course credit graduation requirement. You cannot use them to meet an educational objective requirement.
• In general, AP credits do not apply to major requirements. You must consult with the appropriate adviser or field group about exceptions.
• When credit is awarded, that credit may be rescinded if you take courses that duplicate or significantly overlap the AP courses. Please consult with your adviser.
• Students may count no more than four AP and IB credits (combined) toward graduation.

• Four credits may be granted for an IB diploma.
• Credit for exams may be awarded only for higher-level exams—with a score of at least five. Credit is given for a ratio of four semester units per exam, with a maximum of 16 transferable semester units.
• If certification diploma is not completed, individual courses or exams may receive credit.
• We will not award credit for subsidiary exams.
• IB credits can apply toward the 32-course graduation requirement. You cannot use them to meet an educational objective requirement.
• When credit is awarded, that credit may be rescinded if you take courses that duplicate or significantly overlap the IB courses.
• Students may count no more than four AP and IB credits (combined) toward graduation.