Guaranteed Admissions Programs

• A separate application is not necessary for consideration. All first-year applicants to the College of Business Administration will be considered for the guarantee. In addition, other first-year Pitt applicants pursuing a major in the School of Arts and Sciences may request consideration for the guarantee on their admissions application.

• Be in top 10% of your high school graduating class and score 1410 or higher on SAT (combined Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math) or 31 ACT Composite score.
• If your high school does not rank, you should have an overall “A” average.
• You should be taking a rigorous curriculum that includes some of the most challenging courses at your high school, including Honors, AP, and/or IB coursework if available.
• Earn the BSBA degree as a full-time student in the College of Business Administration at the University of Pittsburgh. Alternatively, if you are selected for the guarantee as an Arts and Sciences major, you must complete your Pitt bachelor’s degree, as well as meet a *quantitative course GPA requirement. Quantitative courses are those taken in mathematics, statistics, economics, accounting, or finance.
• For enrollment in the MBA program, you must achieve a score of 640 on the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT) within three years prior to enrollment, have a minimum of two years of relevant work experience, and participate in a successful interview with the MBA admissions team. Additionally, you must earn a cumulative GPA of 3.50 at the University of Pittsburgh and earn at least a 3.25 GPA in a minimum 12 credit hours of quantitative courses including either statistics or calculus.
• For enrollment in the MS programs or Professional MBA, a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or higher must be achieved at the University of Pittsburgh. In addition, Arts and Sciences majors must earn a 3.0 GPA in a minimum of 6 credit hours of quantitative courses including either statistics or calculus. The GMAT is waived for the specialized MS programs in Accounting, Finance, Management, Management Information Systems, Marketing Science, and Supply Chain Management, as well as the Professional MBA.
• Professional MBA program and full-time MBA program require two years of post-Baccalaureate professional work experience.
• The offer of guaranteed admission for the MBA or one of the MS programs remains in effect for five years after graduation from Pitt thereby allowing you to apply during the final year of your undergraduate studies with the option to defer your enrollment for up to five years or to apply within five years of your graduation.
• More information about the Katz Graduate School of Business.

Test optional applicants are eligible for this guarantee.

There are three GAP opportunities on the education track:

Elementary Education

• School of Education Combined Accelerated Studies in Education (CASE) Teacher Certification Program Guarantee. CASE is a five-year teacher certification program that begins in the junior year. Students complete a B.S. in Applied Developmental Psychology (ADP) and the M.Ed. with certification in PK-4 general education and PK-12 Special Education.

• A separate application is not necessary for consideration. To be considered for the guarantee, select “Elementary Education” in the Guaranteed Admission Program dropdown box on the Application for Undergraduate Admission. Only prospective first-year students are eligible for the guarantee.
• Maintain a 3.25 grade point average as a full-time undergraduate student in both the University’s School of Arts and Sciences and in the School of Education once admitted (instances where your grade point average falls below a 3.25 will be reviewed by the Dean of the School of Education)
• Attend a teacher education or ADP information session in the School of Education by the end of your sophomore year
• Declare your intended program by the end of your sophomore year
• Complete all prerequisite courses for your intended program
• Show experience working or volunteering with children or adolescents as a teacher, tutor, camp counselor, etc.
• More information about the CASE Program in the Graduate School of Education.

International students are not eligible for this guarantee.
Test optional applicants are eligible for this guarantee.

Secondary Education

• School of Education Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) or Master of Education in Special Education with an Instructional Certificate (MOSAIC) Guarantee Programs

• A separate application is not necessary for consideration. To be considered for the guarantee, you can either select “Pre-Education” as your Intended Field of Study or select “Secondary Education” in the Guaranteed Admission Program dropdown box on the Application for Undergraduate Admission. Only prospective first-year students are eligible for the guarantee.
• Be admitted to the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh.
• Maintain a 3.0 grade point average as a full-time undergraduate student in the University’s Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences or the University Honors College (individual instances where a student’s grade point average falls below 3.0 will be reviewed by the Dean of the School of Education).
• Attend a School of Education Teacher Education Information Session in the School of Education by the end of your sophomore year. RSVP here.
• Declare the specific teacher education program by the end of the junior year. Please note that international students are only eligible to obtain certification in a foreign language content area, as applicable and available.
• Complete all prerequisite courses for the teacher education specialty area.
• Candidates in foreign language must also attain a rating of at least Advanced Low on the Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) examination administered by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).
• Show evidence of substantial experience working or volunteering with children or adolescents as a teacher, tutor, camp counselor, etc.
• More information about the teacher certification programs in the Graduate School of Education.

Test optional applicants are eligible for this guarantee.

Applied Developmental Psychology

• School of Education Master of Science in Applied Developmental Psychology (ADP) Guarantee Program

• A separate application is not necessary for consideration. To be considered for the guarantee, you can either select “Pre-Applied Developmental Psychology” as your Intended Field of Study, or select “Applied Developmental Psychology” in the Guaranteed Admission Program dropdown box on the Application for Undergraduate Admission. Only prospective first-year students are eligible for the guarantee.
• Be admitted to the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh
• Maintain a 3.0 grade point average as a full-time undergraduate student in the University’s School of Arts and Sciences or the University Honors College (instances, where your grade point average falls below a 3.0, will be reviewed by the Dean of the School of Education)
• Complete courses in Research Methods and Developmental Psychology
• Show substantial experience working or volunteering with children or adolescents as a teacher, tutor, camp counselor, etc.
• More information about the Master of Science in Applied Developmental Psychology in the Graduate School of Education.

For any additional questions about the Master of Science in Applied Developmental Psychology or about becoming a teacher at the University of Pittsburgh School of Education please contact Wesley Vaina, Director of Admissions and Enrollment at wvaina@pitt.edu or 412-648-7362.

Test optional applicants are eligible for this guarantee.

• A separate application is not necessary for consideration. All first-year applicants to the Swanson School of Engineering will be considered for the guarantee.
• Achieve a minimum SAT score of 1510 (combined Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math) or 34 ACT Composite score.
• Be in the top 5 percent of your high school graduating class or have an equivalent grade point average (GPA).
• Complete an undergraduate degree in the Swanson School of Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or better.
• Review graduate engineering programs.

Test optional applicants are eligible for this guarantee.

• A separate application is not necessary for consideration. When you submit your application for admission, you should select “School of Computing and Information” as your school, and select “Information Sciences” from the Guaranteed Admission Program drop-down box on the application. Only prospective first-year students can be considered for the guarantee.
• Achieve a minimum SAT score of 700 (Math) or a minimum score of 30 on the Math section of the ACT.
• Be admitted to the School of Computing and Information and successfully (as defined on the School’s website) complete the Bachelor of Science program. Completion of the BS program and enrollment in the MSIS program must occur within five calendar years of being awarded the Information Science guarantee.
• Maintain a 3.25 QPA while in the BS program with no grade (throughout your college career) lower than a C.
• Review information on the School of Computing and Information website.

Test optional applicants are eligible for this guarantee.

• A separate application is not necessary for consideration. To be considered for the guarantee, you can either select “Pre-Law” as your Intended Field of Study in the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, or select “Law” in the Guaranteed Admission Program dropdown box on the Application for Undergraduate Admission. Only prospective first-year students are eligible for consideration.
• Be in the top 10 percent of high school graduating class with a 1360 SAT (combined Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math ) or 30 ACT Composite score.
• While enrolled at Pitt, maintain a 3.5 grade point average as a full-time student.
• At point of application to law school, satisfy a standard character review and attain a 162 LSAT result.
• Note: for students not eligible for the guarantee, working toward early admission to the School of Law after three years of study in Arts and Sciences or applying through our early decision program may be a desirable alternative.
• More information about the School of Law.

Test optional applicants are eligible for this guarantee.

• A separate application is not necessary for consideration. All first-year applicants to the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences who choose a social science major will be considered for the guarantee. In addition, applicants who choose “Public and International Affairs” in the Guaranteed Admission Program dropdown box on the Application for Undergraduate Admission will also be considered for the guarantee. Only prospective first-year students can be considered for the guarantee.
• Be in top 10 percent of high school graduating class with a 1360 SAT (combined Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math) or 30 ACT Composite score.
• Maintain a minimum 3.5 grade point average while satisfying the minimum course work requirements for the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences.
• Achieve minimum scores of 154 each on the verbal and quantitative sections, and a score of 4.0 or above on the analytical writing section, of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).
• Demonstrate a commitment to public service through internships, volunteer, and/or work experience in the fields of public and international affairs.
• Apply to the Master of Public Administration, Master of Public & International Affairs, or Master of International Development programs. The offer of guaranteed admission remains in effect for three years after graduation from Arts & Sciences with a bachelor’s degree.
• More information about GSPIA.

Test optional applicants are eligible for this guarantee.

• A separate application is not necessary for consideration. When you submit your undergraduate application for admission, you can either select “Pre-Social Work” as your Intended Field of Study in the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, or select “Social Work” in the Guaranteed Admission Program dropdown box on the Undergraduate Application for Admission. Only prospective first-year students are eligible for the guarantee.
• Earn a 3.5 grade point average in high school with a 1270 SAT (combined Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math) or 27 ACT Composite score.
• More information about the School of Social Work.

Students have two options

Option 1

• Complete the requirements for admission to the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) in the School of Social Work with a 3.5 or higher quality point average (QPA). The BASW program is an upper-division program beginning in the junior year offered at the Pittsburgh campus only.
• Complete the BASW program with an overall 3.0 QPA.
• Complete the application to the Masters of Social Work program.

Option 2

• Complete your undergraduate degree at a regional campus with a minimum of a 3.0 QPA.
• Have completed no less than 30 credits in both liberal arts and social sciences and a 3-credit course in statistics.
• Complete the application to the Masters of Social Work program.

Test optional applicants are eligible for this guarantee.

To be considered for the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Communication Science and Disorders Guarantee, first-year applicants must select “Communication Science” in the Guaranteed Admissions Program dropdown box on the Application for Undergraduate Admission.

Students issued a Communication Science and Disorders Guarantee are guaranteed admission to the undergraduate program in Communication Science and either the Audiology or Speech-Language Pathology graduate program. You will be able to select which graduate program you desire when completing the CSD Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS).

Students awarded guaranteed admission to the Communication Science (BA) must:

• Complete all requirements for admission
• Have an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.6 or higher when you apply to the program.

Completion of the CS (BA) is required to maintain your graduate guarantee.

Students awarded guaranteed admission to the SLP (MA/MS) or Audiology (AuD) must:

• Achieve a 3.6 or higher overall GPA and a 3.75 or higher GPA in core CSD courses while completing the undergraduate Communication Science (BA) program
• Meet all requirements for admission
• Complete the CSD Centralized Application Services (CSDCAS) process.

Only prospective first-year students can be considered for the guarantee. Learn more about the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology graduate programs.

Test optional applicants are eligible for this guarantee.

• Only prospective first-year students applying to the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences can be reviewed for this guarantee.
• A separate application is not necessary for consideration. When you submit your undergraduate application for admission, select Dental Medicine to be reviewed for this guarantee.
• Rank in the top 10 percent of high school class with 1470 SAT (combined Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math) or 33 ACT Composite score, or better.
• Maintain an overall GPA of 3.75 with a Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics (BCPM) GPA of 3.65 as an undergraduate.
• Complete the undergraduate degree within four years.
• Continue to gain dental-related experiences during undergraduate years.
• Seek research opportunities in a related field.
• Seek opportunities for community service.
• Attend yearly scheduled meetings with the Dental Office of Student Affairs to review progress related to activities, research and community service, and satisfactory academic progress.
• Successfully complete the prerequisite courses for admission to the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine.
• Provide the Dental Office of Admissions with a CV & official transcript at the completion of the fall semester of your junior year, meeting all deadlines established for students.
• Obtain a favorable interview result with the Pitt Dental Medicine Admissions Committee in the spring semester of your junior year.
• Meet with the Admissions Committee at the end of the junior year to confirm that all expectations have been met including: satisfactory academic achievement, general foundational science knowledge base, understanding of the field of dentistry, & demonstration of communication skills.
• More information about the School of Dental Medicine.

International students are not eligible for this guarantee.
Test optional applicants are eligible for this guarantee.

To be considered for the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Health Informatics (MS) Guarantee, first-year applicants must select “Health Informatics” in the Guaranteed Admissions Program dropdown box on the Application for Undergraduate Admission.

Students awarded guaranteed admission to the HI (MS) program must:

• Achieve a 3.0 or better overall GPA while enrolled in an undergraduate program at Pitt and
• Complete the application process as required.

The program is offered in residential and online formats – students offered the Guarantee will be able to choose which course modality they prefer when completing the application for admission. Additionally, students may select any curriculum track or certificate. Only prospective first-year students can be considered for the guarantee. Learn more about Pitt’s Health Informatics graduate program.

Test optional applicants are eligible for this guarantee.

Health Information Management Undergraduate Program

Students with a Health Informatics (MS) guarantee are also guaranteed admission to the undergraduate program in Health Information Management (HIM).

Students awarded guaranteed admission to the HIM (BS) program must:

• Achieve a 2.5 or better grade point average (GPA)
• Earn a minimum grade of C- in all prerequisite courses
• Meet all admission requirements and complete the application process as required

Completion of Health Information Management (BS) is optional. Students may complete any undergraduate major at Pitt to maintain their graduate guarantee. Learn more about the Health Information Management undergraduate program.

The School of Medicine Guaranteed Admissions process for Fall 2022 is now complete. Only those selected to move forward in the process will be notified by December 15. Due to the volume of applications which resulted in a significant increase in applications, individual inquiries, either phone or email, regarding the School of Medicine Guaranteed Admissions process and/or final decision are not encouraged and will not be answered. This unprecedented number of applications resulted in an extremely competitive process for those candidates applying at or near the November 1 deadline.

For future students, to be considered for the School of Medicine’s Guaranteed Admissions Program, first-year applicants must:

• Submit a completed application for admission on or before November 1. International students as well as applicants to the regional campuses of the University of Pittsburgh are not eligible for this program.
• Select “Medicine” from the Guaranteed Admission Program drop-down box on your undergraduate application for admission. This guarantee is only available to domestic first-year students at the Pittsburgh campus.
• Earn the highest grade point average in your high school’s graduating class in the context of a curriculum showing the greatest academic rigor possible
• Achieve a minimum SAT score of 1490 (combined Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math) or 34 ACT composite score. Due to the University expanding the test-optional policy through fall of 2023, the MCAT will be required prior to matriculation to the medical school only for test-optional candidates entering Pitt as first-year guaranteed admits starting in 2021.  However, the earned score will only be used for advising purposes following matriculation to medical school. The MCAT requirement does not apply to students admitted with SAT/ACT scores.
• Respond to the Personal Statement or Common Application Essay.

Consideration for the GAP is a multi-step process. After the initial review described above, students selected to continue in the process will be notified by the School of Medicine of their eligibility to apply for the GAP. Those selected will be asked to submit supplemental information in support of their candidacy. The supplemental information will be reviewed by the selection committee. Selected students will be invited for an interview in the School of Medicine in March.

Please note: If you are selected to continue in the GAP review process, you will be notified by mid-December. All applicants for this guarantee will be reviewed for nomination after the November 1 deadline. Please do not contact the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid or the School of Medicine regarding the status of your application. Only candidates who are selected to continue in the GAP review process will be notified. Additionally, due to the high number of quality applicants for this program, decisions cannot be appealed.

Students offered the guarantee must complete an undergraduate degree based on course work done at the Pittsburgh campus of the University of Pittsburgh within four years, complete the prerequisite course work, maintain a cumulative science and quality point average of at least 3.75, and engage in undergraduate research and extracurricular activities that provide greater knowledge of the science and practice of medicine. The MCAT will be required prior to matriculation to the medical school only for test-optional candidates entering Pitt as first-year guaranteed admits starting in 2021.  However, the earned score will only be used for advising purposes following matriculation to medical school. The MCAT requirement does not apply to students admitted with SAT/ACT scores.

More information on the Guaranteed Admission Program (GAP) and the School of Medicine.

• Test optional applicants are eligible for this guarantee.
• International students are NOT eligible for this guarantee.

• A separate application is not necessary for consideration. All first-year applicants to the School of Nursing will be considered for the guarantee.
• Be in the top 10% of high school graduating class with a minimum score of 1450 SAT (combined Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and Math) or 33 ACT Composite score.
• Requirements to Maintain Nursing Guarantee:
  • Complete the Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree at a Pitt campus with an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.5 or higher.
  • GRE: Competitive applicants are expected to score in the 50th percentile or above on both the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE and 3 or above on the analytical writing section. GRE scores are acceptable for five years after the test date. GRE will be waived if the student applies for a Master’s Program (CNL or Informatics) and has graduated with a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher in the BSN degree.
  • Fulfill all specific admissions requirements for selected graduate program.
• Recommendations:
  • Participate in scholarly or research opportunities.
  • Establish a mentoring relationship with a faculty member or doctoral (PhD/DNP) degree with a matching or similar research area of interest.
• Notes:
  • Students offered the guarantee will be given the option of pursuing the Master’s, DNP, or PhD program in nursing.
  • More information about graduate programs in the School of Nursing.
  • Pitt BSN alumni, who are admitted to and begin a Pitt graduate nursing program, will be reimbursed the GRE fee (if application criteria include GRE scores). Students will receive reimbursement while enrolled in the graduate nursing program.

Test optional applicants are eligible for this guarantee.

To be considered for the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD) Guarantee, first-year applicants must select “Occupational Therapy” in the Guaranteed Admissions Program dropdown box on the Application for Undergraduate Admission.

Students awarded the Guarantee must:

• Complete an undergraduate degree at Pitt within 4 years
• Maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.6 or higher
• Complete all prerequisite courses required for admission to the OTD program with a minimum grade of B prior to submitting the OTCAS application
• Complete the Occupational Therapy Centralized Application Service (OTCAS) process (including experience hours, references, personal statement, prerequisite courses, essay questions) and all admission requirements by October 1
• Attend a Department of Occupational Therapy Guarantee Information Session annually (Spring or Fall) to review requirements and progress.

Only prospective first-year students can be considered for the guarantee. Learn more about Pitt’s Doctor of Occupational Therapy program.

Test optional applicants are eligible for this guarantee.

• A separate application is not necessary for consideration. When you submit your undergraduate application for admission, you can either select “Pre-Pharmacy” as your Intended Field of Study in the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences or select “Pharmacy” in the Guaranteed Admissions Program dropdown box on the Application for Undergraduate Admissions. Only prospective first-year students can be considered for the guarantee.
• Students offered the Pharmacy Guaranteed Admissions Program must earn the following in the pre-professional courses at the University of Pittsburgh:
  • A letter grade of a C or better in all pre-professional courses with no repeated courses
  • A 3.25 or greater overall GPA in the pre-professional courses
  • A 3.25 or greater GPA in the required Math and Science courses at the University of Pittsburgh (AP credits may be acceptable).
• To exercise the Pharmacy Guarantee, all applicants must:
  • Submit the Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) scores
    • The PCAT is optional for fall 2022 PharmD Admissions and will be considered in the holistic application review process for applicants who have reported scores. Applicants who are unable to complete an exam or who choose not to report exam scores will not be disadvantaged.
  • Submit a completed PharmCAS application
  • Participate in a satisfactory interview prior to School of Pharmacy admission
• For more information on the PharmD program.

Test optional applicants are eligible for this guarantee.

To be considered for the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Guarantee, first-year applicants must:

• Select “Physical Therapy” in the Guaranteed Admissions Program dropdown box on the Application for Undergraduate Admission.
• Rank in the top 10 percent of high school graduating class.

Students awarded the Guarantee must:

• Maintain a 3.5 or better science and overall grade point average (GPA) through the time of application submission.
• Complete all prerequisite coursework required for admission to the DPT program, including adequate exposure to the field of physical therapy. We recommend applicants have up to 150 volunteer/observation hours.
• Complete the PT Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) process as required.

The program is offered in residential and hybrid formats – students offered the Guarantee will choose which course modality they prefer when completing the PT Centralized Application Service (PTCAS) process.

Only prospective first-year students can be considered for the guarantee. Learn more about Pitt’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program.

Test optional applicants are eligible for this guarantee.

To be considered for the School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences Physician Assistant Studies (MS) Guarantee, first-year applicants must:

• Submit a completed undergraduate application to Pitt Admissions by January 15.
• Select “Physician Assistant” in the Guaranteed Admissions Program dropdown box on the Application for Undergraduate Admission.
• Rank in the top 10 percent of high school graduating class (if applicable)

Consideration for the PAS Guarantee is a multi-step process. Students who complete the steps above will be asked by the School of Health and Rehabilitation to submit supplemental information in support of their candidacy. The supplemental information will be reviewed by the selection committee. Students selected for the guarantee based on their submissions will be notified by the PAS program.

Students offered the guarantee must:

• Complete an undergraduate degree at the University of Pittsburgh within four years.
• Maintain a 3.4 or better science and overall grade point average (GPA).
• Complete all requirements for admission to the PAS program.
• Meet with a PAS faculty or staff member at least once a year providing proof of GPA and courses taken.

PAS reserves the right to limit the number of accepted first-year students into the Guaranteed Admission Program to 15 students per year. Only prospective first-year students can be considered for the guarantee. Learn more about Pitt’s Physician Assistant Studies program.

Test optional applicants are eligible for this guarantee.

• A separate application is not necessary for consideration. All first-year applicants to the School of Public Health, or first-year applicants to the Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences who choose “Biological Sciences” or “Psychology” will be reviewed for the guarantee. In addition, applicants also will be reviewed for the guarantee if they choose “Public Health” from the Guaranteed Admission Program dropdown box on the Application for Undergraduate Admission. Only prospective first-year students are eligible for consideration.

To be considered for the guarantee, applicants should:

• Be in the top 10% of their high school class; achieve a 1360 or higher on the Evidence-Based Reading and Math sections of the SAT or a composite score of 30 or higher on the ACT.
• Maintain a minimum 3.3 grade point average at the University of Pittsburgh.
• Complete any prerequisite courses required for the degree program.
• Submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test scores, if required by the program. Scores should be at least in the 55th percentile for both the Verbal and Quantitative sections, and 3.5 or better on the Analytical Writing section.
• Complete an application in SOPHAS and provide all requested materials.*

The following master’s programs currently participate**:

• Behavioral and Community Health Sciences (MPH)
• Biostatistics (MS, MS-HDS, or MS-SCG)
• Environmental and Occupational Health (MPH or MS)
• Epidemiology (MPH or MS-45 credits)
• Health Policy and Management (MPH)
• Human Genetics (MPH, MS, or MS in Genome Bioinformatics; excluding MS in Genetic Counseling)
• Infectious Diseases and Microbiology (MPH-MIC, MPH-PEL or MS)

Review our school-wide and department prerequisites.

Note: Pitt students who are not eligible for guaranteed admission can still consider other options, including the Graduate School of Public Health’s
Accelerated Bachelor’s/Master’s Program.

Still want more information? Visit our website.

* Even with a guaranteed offer of admission, applicants must officially apply to the Pitt Public Health. Application instructions can be found on our website.

**Participating programs in the Guaranteed Admissions Program, as of May 2021. For the most up-to-date list, please contact Pitt Public Health before applying.

Test optional applicants are eligible for this guarantee.