University of Pittsburgh

Admissions Guide for International Students

The University of Pittsburgh — known simply as Pitt — is one of America's oldest and most distinguished public research universities, anchored by the iconic 42-story Cathedral of Learning that towers over Oakland's college-city ecosystem. With deep ties to UPMC, one of the country's largest academic medical systems, Pitt offers unmatched clinical and research immersion in health sciences, while its location beside Carnegie Mellon creates a uniquely collaborative intellectual neighbourhood. For international students, Pitt combines the rigor of an AAU research university with genuine access to faculty, a vibrant urban campus, and a cost of attendance that remains more affordable than many peer institutions.

University of Pittsburgh — campus in pictures

Real, freely-licensed photographs of the campus (via Wikimedia Commons).

https://d28uik752jogqr.cloudfront.net/universities/university-of-pittsburgh/0.jpg

Art gallery at the Frick Fine Arts Building 2

Dllu · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

https://d28uik752jogqr.cloudfront.net/universities/university-of-pittsburgh/1.jpg

Hillman Library is the largest library and center of administration of the library system of the University of Pittsburgh.

Dllu · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

https://d28uik752jogqr.cloudfront.net/universities/university-of-pittsburgh/2.jpg

Litchfield Towers are three cylindrical towers that serve as dormitories at the University of Pittsburgh.

Dllu · CC BY-SA 4.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

https://d28uik752jogqr.cloudfront.net/universities/university-of-pittsburgh/3.jpg

Pittsburgh Athletic Association Building, 5th Avenue and Bigelow Boulevard, Oakland, Pittsburgh, PA 53616241817

w_lemay · CC BY-SA 2.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

https://d28uik752jogqr.cloudfront.net/universities/university-of-pittsburgh/4.jpg

The Fifth Avenue facade of Alumni Hall (University of Pittsburgh), the former Masonic Temple in Oakland

https://d28uik752jogqr.cloudfront.net/universities/university-of-pittsburgh/5.jpg

TheZachMorrisExperience · CC BY-SA 3.0 · via Wikimedia Commons

Pitt sits at the intersection of health sciences excellence, urban opportunity, and authentic research access. Here is what distinguishes it for international applicants.

Pitt's partnership with UPMC — a top-ranked academic medical system — gives undergraduates in nursing, bioengineering, neuroscience, and rehabilitation science clinical exposure that most universities cannot replicate. Pitt is consistently among the top five US universities for NIH research funding.

The 42-story Gothic Cathedral of Learning, housing 30 Nationality Rooms decorated by immigrant communities, is a living symbol of Pitt's global character. The campus blends historic architecture with a modern urban setting, and the Commons Room inside the Cathedral is open to all students 24/7.

Oakland: America's Most Competitive College Neighbourhood

Pitt's Oakland campus borders Carnegie Mellon University, UPMC hospitals, and the Carnegie Museums. Students tap into a combined ecosystem of tech companies, biotech start-ups, and academic events — rare advantages for internships, research, and professional networking.

As a member of the Association of American Universities, Pitt gives undergraduates direct entry into research labs from year one. Programmes like the Brackenridge Research Fellowship fund students to pursue independent inquiry in any discipline.

Pitt graduates post a 92% employment or graduate-school placement rate within six months of graduation. The alumni network spans global finance, government, medicine, and tech, with a particularly strong presence in Pittsburgh's growing tech and healthcare sectors.

Ranked #50 nationally (US News) and #168 globally (QS), Pitt offers elite research-university credentials at a cost of attendance well below comparable private institutions. Merit scholarships of up to $10,000 per year are available specifically for international freshmen.

Pitt admits roughly half of all applicants, making it a moderately selective university. However, competitive programmes — particularly in nursing, bioengineering, and computer science — attract stronger pools and carry higher de-facto bars. International applicants who present strong academic records, compelling personal statements, and scores in the upper bands significantly improve their chances.

Pitt accepts both the Common App and its own Pitt Application (pitt.mycollegeapplication.org). The following elements make up a complete application for international first-year students.

Submit through either Common App or the Pitt Application. Both are accepted equally. The $55 application fee applies regardless of platform.

Secondary school transcripts (all years) showing your full academic record. International transcripts must include mark sheets and grading scales. Note: STARS (self-reported transcript system) is NOT required for international applicants.

A personal statement is required for all international applicants, as well as for scholarship and Honors College consideration. Pitt does not publish fixed supplemental prompts — use the Common App essay or the Pitt Application's personal statement section to share what makes you distinctive.

Pitt is test-optional. Submitting SAT/ACT scores is not required but may strengthen your application and scholarship eligibility. If you submit, scores are considered holistically.

International applicants whose first language is not English must submit TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test scores. Required minimums apply.

As no federal aid is available to international undergraduates, Pitt requires proof of sufficient financial resources to cover costs before issuing a Form I-20 for your student visa.

https://admissions.pitt.edu/international/

Pitt uses a holistic review process, balancing academic achievement with personal narrative, intellectual curiosity, and potential to contribute to the campus community. Admissions officers read every application; no score or GPA alone guarantees admission or rejection.

Pitt values students who have challenged themselves with the most rigorous curriculum available — IB Diploma, A-Levels, AP courses, or their national equivalents. An upward trend in marks is viewed favourably.

Research projects, science olympiads, independent study, or passion projects outside the classroom signal the kind of intellectual drive that thrives in Pitt's research environment.

The personal statement is especially important for international applicants. Admissions officers look for genuine voice, specific experiences, and a clear sense of purpose — not a CV in prose form.

Pitt values students who have made a difference in their communities — whether through clubs, volunteering, part-time work, or family responsibilities. Context matters; they read applications with your background in mind.

For competitive health-science or engineering programmes, demonstrating sustained subject-specific interest (research, competitions, shadowing, relevant coursework) materially strengthens your application.

Pitt operates rolling admissions for first-year applicants — there is no single fixed deadline. Applications are reviewed as they arrive, and decisions are typically communicated 6–8 weeks after all materials are received. However, several critical funding and programme deadlines impose earlier submission targets for international students.

Apply by this date for scholarship consideration; decisions made weekly on rolling basis

Pitt strongly encourages early application. Programme spaces in high-demand schools (Nursing, Engineering, Swanson) can fill before February. Applying in September or October maximises your odds and scholarship eligibility.

https://admissions.pitt.edu/international/

Pittsburgh has been repeatedly named one of America's most liveable cities — affordable, walkable, culturally rich, and home to a booming tech and life-sciences sector. For Pitt students, the city is both a backdrop and an extension of campus.

Pitt guarantees housing for first-year students in on-campus residential colleges. International students are encouraged to live on campus in their first year for community integration. The Panther Central service acts as a one-stop hub for housing, ID cards, and campus services.

Thirty classrooms inside the Cathedral of Learning, each donated and designed by Pittsburgh's immigrant communities — from China to Ukraine to Syria — hold classes while celebrating global heritage. They are a daily reminder that Pitt has always been an international institution.

From the South Asian Student Association to pre-medical fraternities, robotics clubs, and startup incubators, Pitt's 700+ student organisations give every student a community. The Student Government Board runs annual events including a Spring Carnival that draws students from across the city.

Once the steel capital of the world, Pittsburgh has reinvented itself as a hub for healthcare technology, AI, and autonomous vehicles (Google, Uber ATG, and Carnegie Robotics all have major operations here). Pitt students are well-positioned to tap this employment ecosystem through internships and co-ops.

Pitt competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) — one of the most competitive in American college sport. Home football games at Acrisure Stadium, shared with the Pittsburgh Steelers NFL team, create a unique fan experience unavailable at any other university campus.

Pitt's location in Pittsburgh's expanding tech and health-sciences corridor, combined with UPMC's scale as an employer, means students have unusual direct access to career pathways. The University Career Center partners with hundreds of employers and graduate schools.

UPMC's 40+ hospitals and 8,000+ physicians employ and train a significant portion of Pitt graduates. Pitt's School of Medicine is one of the top NIH-funded medical schools in the US, and many undergraduates who pursue pre-med go on to Pitt's own MD programme or other top medical schools.

Pittsburgh's designation as a robotics and AI hub — anchored by Carnegie Mellon's School of Computer Science and companies like Duolingo, Google DeepMind Pittsburgh, and Uber — creates dense recruitment pipelines for Pitt engineers and computer scientists.

The Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business feeds graduates into financial services, consulting, and corporate management. Pittsburgh's financial services sector and proximity to New York City create strong recruiting relationships with national firms.

A significant proportion of Pitt graduates pursue advanced degrees. The Brackenridge Research Fellowship and other undergraduate research programmes serve as preparation and credentialling for PhD and MD-PhD pathways at top institutions globally.

Does Pitt have a fixed application deadline for international students?

Pitt operates on rolling admissions, so there is no single mandatory deadline. However, you must apply by February 1 to be considered for the International Freshmen Scholarship (up to $10,000/year). Applying earlier — ideally by November or December — gives you the best combination of admission odds, programme-space availability, and scholarship consideration.

Can international students receive financial aid from Pitt?

International undergraduates are not eligible for US federal financial aid. Pitt's primary financial offering for international freshmen is a merit scholarship of up to $10,000 per year for eight undergraduate terms, awarded on a rolling basis to applicants who apply before February 1. No separate scholarship application is required.

Is the SAT or ACT required for international applicants?

No. Pitt is test-optional, meaning you can apply without submitting SAT or ACT scores. If you do submit scores, they will be considered as part of a holistic review. Strong scores can reinforce your application and may support scholarship eligibility, but they are not mandatory.

What English language test scores does Pitt accept and what are the minimums?

Pitt accepts TOEFL (minimum 80 iBT), IELTS (minimum 6.5 overall), and Duolingo English Test (minimum 110). Students who attended an accredited English-medium secondary school for all four years may be eligible for a waiver — confirm this with the admissions office.

Do I need to submit the STARS transcript record as an international student?

No. The STARS system (Self-reported Transcript and Academic Record System) is required for domestic US applicants but is explicitly waived for international students. International applicants submit official transcripts directly.

What makes Pitt distinctive compared to other public research universities?

The UPMC partnership is Pitt's most singular differentiator. No other American public university has the same embedded clinical research infrastructure within walking distance of campus. For students interested in health sciences, pre-med, bioengineering, or public health, this is a genuine academic and career advantage rather than a marketing claim.

Is Pittsburgh a good city for international students?

Pittsburgh consistently ranks among the most affordable and liveable US cities for students. The cost of living is substantially lower than Boston, New York, or San Francisco. The city has a significant international community, excellent public transit connecting Oakland to downtown, and a growing tech sector that provides internship and job opportunities for international graduates (subject to work authorisation).

What programmes is Pitt particularly known for internationally?

Nursing, bioengineering, neuroscience, and rehabilitation science are internationally recognised through Pitt's UPMC connection. Computer science and mechanical engineering benefit from proximity to Pittsburgh's tech ecosystem. Political science and international studies also have strong faculties within the Kenneth P. Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences.

What Pitt Expects from International Students

Pitt's academic standards reward students who have taken intellectual risks — challenging curricula, strong upward trajectories, and genuine depth in subjects that matter to their intended field. As a moderately selective research university with some highly competitive programmes, the academic bar you need to clear varies significantly by school and major.

For international students, the admissions office evaluates your transcript in the context of your country's educational system. An IB Diploma holder, an A-Level student, and a student from an Indian board will each be assessed against the expectations for their respective curricula. What matters is: did you take the hardest courses available to you, and did you excel in the subjects relevant to your intended programme?

Pitt is test-optional for all applicants, including international students. You decide whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. If you do not submit scores, your application will be evaluated on the basis of your academic record, personal statement, and other materials. There is no penalty for not submitting.

If your SAT is 1290 or above (or ACT 29+), submitting scores is likely to help. Strong test performance — particularly SAT 1400+ or ACT 32+ — reinforces your academic profile and may support merit scholarship consideration.

If your SAT or ACT score falls below the 25th percentile (1290 SAT / 29 ACT), withholding is usually the wiser strategy. Let your transcript, IB results, or A-Level predictions carry the academic case. Your personal statement and extracurriculars provide complementary depth.

IB Diploma scores, A-Level results, national board exam marks, and other international credentials are accepted and valued in lieu of or alongside SAT/ACT. Pitt's admissions team is experienced in evaluating international qualifications.

If you choose to submit standardised test scores, aim for the mid-range or above of the admitted student profile. Scores near the 75th percentile significantly strengthen your application to competitive programmes.

Pitt reports its SAT range as 1290–1460. Scoring 1400+ places you solidly in the competitive zone. For health-science and engineering programmes, prioritise Math section performance (700+ is advisable). Evidence-Based Reading matters most for humanities and social sciences.

The ACT 29–33 range matches most admitted students. A composite of 31+ is a comfortable target for competitive programmes. Science and Math subscores carry particular weight for STEM applicants.

IB, A-LEVELS & INTERNATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

Pitt has extensive experience evaluating international qualifications. Admissions officers assess the rigour of the subjects chosen, the level at which they are studied (HL vs SL for IB; AS vs A2 for A-Levels), and your actual marks or predicted grades.

A total score of 34 or above is typically competitive for general admission. For health-sciences and engineering programmes, aim for 35–38 with HL grades of 6–7 in relevant subjects (Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches, or Physics). An IB score in the upper band combined with a strong personal statement is a compelling application package.

Three A-Level subjects at grades ABB or above are typically competitive. For engineering programmes, A or A* in Mathematics and Physics is expected. For nursing or biosciences, Chemistry and Biology at high grades are important. Predicted grades on your application carry substantial weight.

Strong AP scores (4–5) may earn college credit at Pitt, reducing your time to degree or allowing deeper specialisation. Indian board students (CBSE/ICSE), Sri Lankan A-Level students, West African WASSCE students, and others from recognised national systems are assessed contextually by Pitt's experienced international admissions team.

The subjects you take in the last two years of secondary school send a signal about your readiness and commitment to your intended programme at Pitt.

Health Sciences (Nursing, Pre-Med, Public Health)

Biology, Chemistry, and Mathematics at the highest available level. Pitt's nursing programme is among the most sought-after; competitive nursing applicants present biology and chemistry at HL (IB) or A-Level, with strong quantitative skills.

Mathematics at the highest level is non-negotiable. Physics is strongly recommended for mechanical and electrical engineering. Computer Science coursework or demonstrated programming experience strengthens CS applications. Calculus readiness is expected on day one.

The Swanson School of Engineering's bioengineering programme — one of its flagship offerings — values both Biology/Chemistry and Mathematics/Physics at high levels. Research experience or shadowing in clinical settings is a distinctive asset.

Mathematics and quantitative subjects matter for finance and economics. Demonstrating real-world financial literacy or entrepreneurial experience (competitions, family business involvement, independent projects) can strengthen a Katz-track application.

Political science, communication, and psychology applicants benefit from breadth — humanities, social sciences, and a language. Demonstrated writing ability through a strong personal statement is crucial in disciplines where it is central to the discipline.

International applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English proficiency. Pitt accepts three main tests. Scores below these minimums will typically result in conditional admission or a requirement to complete additional English language preparation.

Students who completed all four years of secondary school at an English-medium institution may request a waiver. Confirm eligibility with the Pitt international admissions office at pitt.admissions@pitt.edu.

https://admissions.pitt.edu/international/

A competitive Pitt application is built over four years of secondary school, not in the final semester. Here is how to approach each stage.

Establish strong marks across all core subjects. Take any advanced or honours courses available. Explore two or three extracurricular interests genuinely — quality matters far more than quantity later.

Select your most challenging curriculum options (HL courses in IB, full A-Level subjects, or AP). Begin research into US universities and Pitt's specific programme requirements. Take an SAT or ACT practice test to decide whether to submit. Start to develop your personal narrative.

Grade 11 Summer: Research and English Prep

If TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo is required, sit your English proficiency test. Visit the Pitt website, review the programmes that interest you, and connect with the international admissions office. Consider attending a virtual information session.

Submit your application early in the fall term for rolling admissions advantage. Gather official transcripts and request predicted grade letters from teachers. Finalise your personal statement. Apply well before February 1 if you want scholarship consideration.

Continue to maintain your grades — Pitt may request final transcripts before confirming admission. Gather financial documentation for your I-20 application. Accept your offer by the stated deadline and arrange housing early.

Common Mistakes International Applicants Make

Waiting until spring of Grade 12 to apply — Pitt's rolling process means earlier applications get stronger programme consideration and scholarship priority

Not explaining your grading system — if your country uses a 10-point or 100-point scale, include a brief explanation or grading key so officers can contextualise your marks

Underestimating the personal statement — for international applicants it is required, not optional, and is often the decisive differentiator when transcripts are similar

Applying without a TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo score when one is required — missing this document is the most common reason for application delays

Choosing soft course loads in Grade 12 — admissions officers check your final year curriculum; dropping science or maths for easier subjects after Grade 11 raises red flags

Assuming test-optional means tests are irrelevant — strong scores still help; weak scores that you chose not to submit simply don't hurt you

Not requesting financial documentation early — proving you can cover the full cost of attendance (~$60,000/year) is required before your I-20 is issued; bank statements take time to obtain

Targeting only nursing without a backup — nursing is Pitt's most applied-to health-science programme; have a thoughtful secondary major preference if nursing is your first choice

An Honest Guide for International Students

The University of Pittsburgh is a public research university — and for international students, it is priced accordingly. Tuition is set at out-of-state rates (Pennsylvania residency does not apply to internationals), and no US federal financial aid is available to non-citizens. That said, Pitt does award merit scholarships specifically for international freshmen, and the overall cost of attendance compares favourably to many private research universities of similar standing.

International students should approach Pitt cost planning with full-cost budgeting in mind. The university requires proof of financial resources covering the first year before issuing Form I-20 for your student visa. Plan for the full cost of attendance — and investigate the International Freshmen Scholarship before applying.

Annual Estimates for International Students

All figures are annual estimates from the facts file. Actual costs may vary by programme and personal spending patterns. These are approximate figures — confirm current rates at the Pitt Student Affairs website before budgeting.

Charged each fall and spring term ($500/term)

Includes tuition, housing, meals, personal, transport

Personal expenses, books, local transport

https://admissions.pitt.edu/international/

International undergraduate students at Pitt are not eligible for US federal financial aid (Pell Grants, subsidised loans, work-study). The primary financial support available is institutional merit scholarships. Pitt does not operate a need-blind admissions or need-based aid programme for international undergraduates.

Pitt awards merit-based scholarships to international freshmen. These do not require a separate application — your admission application is automatically considered. The key requirement is submitting your full application before February 1.

Unlike some elite private US universities, Pitt does not meet international students' demonstrated financial need. You should budget for the full cost of attendance and regard any scholarship as a meaningful but partial offset.

Many international students augment Pitt funding with scholarships from their home governments, bilateral exchange programmes, or international foundations. Research your country's study-abroad scholarship landscape before applying — some deadlines fall before Pitt's admission decisions are issued.

https://financialaid.pitt.edu/international-students

The following scholarships are relevant to international freshmen at Pitt. Domestic-only scholarships (Nordenberg, Stamps, Rees-Chancellor) are included for context but require US citizenship or permanent residency.

Up to $10,000 per year for eight full-time undergraduate terms (four years). Available to international first-year applicants who submit a complete application before February 1. Decisions are made on a rolling basis — applying earlier increases your chances. International transfer students are not eligible for this award.

$2,000–$20,000 per year for US citizens and permanent residents. Included for awareness — international students on F-1 visas are not eligible. These scholarships are referenced here so you understand why Pitt's marketed average aid figure reflects a domestic-heavy pool.

External Government & Foundation Scholarships

Many Pitt international students hold awards from national government scholarship programmes, bilateral agreements, or international foundations. Eligibility and amounts vary widely. Examples vary by country — research your home government's scholarship office for study-abroad programmes applicable to US universities.

https://financialaid.pitt.edu/scholarships

The headline cost of attendance of approximately $60,000 per year is what most international students should plan around. The International Freshmen Scholarship can reduce this to approximately $50,000 at maximum — still a significant investment. Pittsburgh's comparatively low urban cost of living (relative to New York, Boston, or San Francisco) moderates the personal expenses portion of the budget meaningfully.

At approximately $60,000 total cost of attendance, Pitt is priced below most private US universities of comparable or lower research ranking. Peer public universities like Michigan, Virginia, and Wisconsin charge similar or higher out-of-state rates. For students targeting a high-value research university experience at a cost below most private universities, Pitt is genuinely competitive.

Pittsburgh's cost of living is significantly lower than most major US cities. A budget of $16,000 for personal expenses (books, transport, personal spending) is realistic in Pittsburgh's Oakland neighbourhood. This compares favourably to $20,000+ that students at Boston, New York, or Bay Area universities typically budget.

This is the single highest-leverage action for scholarship eligibility. The International Freshmen Scholarship requires a complete application by February 1 and is awarded on a rolling basis — the earlier you apply, the earlier you are considered.

Many students from India, Pakistan, Nigeria, China, South Korea, and other countries have access to government-funded or foundation-funded scholarships for US study. Identify programmes with deadlines that align with your timeline — some require applications before you receive a US admissions offer.

Before Pitt issues your I-20 student visa document, you must show sufficient funds to cover at least the first year of attendance. Begin gathering official bank statements and sponsor letters early — this can take weeks to arrange.

Reach out to Pitt's financial aid office specifically about international student options. Ask about any departmental or college-level awards within your intended school that may not be listed on the main scholarships page.

While on an F-1 visa, you can earn income through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) during the programme and Optional Practical Training (OPT, up to 3 years for STEM fields) after graduation. Factoring in potential part-time or post-graduation earnings is legitimate — but do not over-rely on speculative future income in your visa documentation.

Is the $10,000 International Freshmen Scholarship guaranteed or competitive?

It is merit-based and competitive, awarded to admitted international freshmen who apply by February 1. There is no separate application — your admission application is the scholarship application. Apply early for the best opportunity.

Does Pitt meet 100% of demonstrated financial need for international students?

No. Pitt does not operate a need-based aid programme for international undergraduates. The only institutional financial support for international students is merit scholarships.

What does the International Services Fee cover?

The International Services Fee ($500 per fall and spring term, $1,000 annually) covers services provided by Pitt's Office of International Services, including visa maintenance, immigration advising, and international student programming. It is mandatory for all international students.

Can international students work on campus?

Yes, F-1 students are permitted to work on campus for up to 20 hours per week during the academic year and full-time during breaks. On-campus employment does not require additional work authorisation. Off-campus employment requires CPT or OPT authorisation.

Core tuition rates are uniform, but some professional schools and specific programmes may charge differential fees. Confirm exact costs for your specific school (Engineering, Nursing, Business) on the official Pitt Student Accounts website.

The University of Pittsburgh uses the Common App or its own application platform, both of which include a personal statement section. Unlike many elite private US universities, Pitt does not publish a fixed set of supplemental essay questions — instead, the personal statement carries the full weight of your written narrative. For international applicants, this essay is required (not optional) and is the primary tool through which you distinguish yourself beyond grades and test scores.

Pitt accepts applications through two equally weighted platforms: the Common App and the Pitt Application (pitt.mycollegeapplication.org). In both cases, the personal statement section is the primary writing component. There are no required supplemental essays published for the general undergraduate application, though the Frederick Honors College application may carry additional writing requirements.

If you apply via Common App, the personal essay section is the standard Common App personal statement: 250–650 words, one of seven prompts of your choice. This essay goes to every Common App school you apply to; the Pitt application reader views the same essay.

If you apply via the Pitt Application (pitt.mycollegeapplication.org), you will write a personal statement within that platform. Pitt does not mandate a specific prompt — you are invited to share information about yourself not captured elsewhere in your application.

Applicants to Pitt's Frederick Honors College complete a separate application that includes additional essays. The Honors College application process is distinct and carries its own writing requirements. Verify current prompts on the Honors College website.

https://admissions.pitt.edu/apply/personal-statement/

If applying via Common App, choose one of the seven standard Common App personal statement prompts. These are the current Common App prompts; verify the latest version at commonapp.org before you write. Your essay should be 250–650 words.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

For international students, this prompt is powerful when used authentically — not to describe 'my country's culture' in generic terms, but to illuminate how a specific aspect of your background (a language, a tradition, a community role) has shaped how you think or act. Pitt's Nationality Rooms are a physical testament to the university's respect for heritage; this prompt resonates well here.