Accelerated High School (AHS) is a challenging program and an excellent indicator of college readiness. All AHS students are required to meet all Dietrich School course requirements, including extensive inside and outside of class assignments. The University has high expectations for its students to have academic maturity and independence, and AHS encourages students to seek advice to determine if they are ready for the challenge of college courses.
Once admitted through AHS, a student can enroll in a maximum of six credits per term as a part-time, non-matriculated student in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences while continuing his or her high school education. AHS students are subject to the same policies and regulations as all other Dietrich School undergraduates.
PLEASE NOTE: Students who will be minors at the beginning of the term can only be registered for courses in which the instructor and teaching assistant have the required clearances to work with minors.
Interested students should contact AHS (412-624-7428) to discuss the application process, course options, requirements, and any other questions. Please click the following link to Search Classes.
AHS Qualifications
To participate in Accelerated High School, students:
- Must have written approval of their parent/guardian, high school principal or guidance counselor, and in some cases, the University academic department.
- Must be juniors or seniors and at least 16 years of age.
- Must meet all prerequisites for courses, and 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 six credits per term.
- May not be registered for College in High School and Accelerated High School in the same school year.
How to Apply
High school students must apply and be accepted into Accelerated High School before registering for any University of Pittsburgh classes. Call the AHS office at 412-624-7428 to request an application packet. Please complete the following items for the application to be processed:
- AHS Application
- Most recent high school transcript
Student applicants should be sure that all forms are fully completed with all required signatures in order to avoid delay in the application process.
Accelerated High School
Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts & Sciences
University of Pittsburgh
G-1 Gardner Steel Conference Center
130 Thackeray Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15260
accelhs@pitt.edu
AHS Deadlines
Students must be admitted to AHS before registration. Course availability changes constantly during the registration period; prompt application maximizes the possibility of getting into the desired class. ALL REQUIRED MATERIALS must be received no later than 5 weeks before the beginning of the term.
| Term | Last Day to Apply | Registration Period Begins |
|---|---|---|
| Spring 2024 | October 5, 2023 | October 30, 2023 |
| Summer 2024 | March 15 for 12wk and 6wk1 April 18 for 6wk2 classes |
February 12, 2024 |
| Fall 2024 | June 6, 2024 | March 25, 2024 |
AHS Registration for Classes
When a student receives an acceptance letter from the University of Pittsburgh for Accelerated High School, he or she should call the advisor at 412-624-7428 to set up a course selection meeting. Students may meet with the advisor in person or by telephone. This meeting is required in order to register for the class.
Students may be required to take a placement test, departmental approval may be required, and students must meet any prerequisites for a course. All regular restrictions apply. View courses offered and prerequisites through the Course Catalog.
Tuition, Fees, and ID Cards
Tuition charges and other mandatory fees are the same as those for other undergraduate students in the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences. View current tuition rates and fees. Fees include 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.
Students and their Authorized Users can view and pay the student account in PittPAY. The due date for each term is displayed on the Account Summary tab and payments can be processed online from the Make Payment tab. Use the login button at the top of the Student Payment Center website to access PittPAY. For billing and payment questions, contact the Student Payment Center at payments@pitt.edu or 412-624-7520.
Students may obtain a Pitt ID issued at Panther Central, located in the Litchfield Towers main lobby, 3955 Forbes Ave. Contact Panther Central at 412-648-1100 or go to https://www.pc.pitt.edu/panther-card/submit-photo to learn more.
A valid University of Pittsburgh ID card allows students access to University facilities and events such as libraries, athletic events, and recreational facilities. Many community businesses offer discounts to students upon presentation of a valid student ID. The Pitt ID also provides access to an extensive Pitt bus shuttle service as well as free transportation on Port Authority buses within Allegheny County.
Academic Integrity
It is the student’s responsibility to know essential information in the Academic Calendar which includes add, drop, and withdrawal deadlines, as well as Pitt standards, procedures, and policies, such as the Academic Integrity Code. This information is found in Academic Expectations.
Any academic questions not addressed by these links should be directed to Accelerated High School 412-624-7428.