Short Answer Questions - Admissions | University of Pittsburgh

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In lieu of an essay or personal statement, we ask interested applicants to answer a series of short answer questions. Answering the following questions is optional, but strongly encouraged for U.S. applicants. Responses are required for international applicants.

Responses are required to be considered for scholarships and may increase the likelihood that you are considered for guaranteed admission programs, or given special consideration due to extenuating circumstances. The Admissions Committee reviews responses for quality rather than length. However, the most effective responses typically range from 200-300 words per question. Responses that are longer or shorter are acceptable.

Please respond to two of the following short answer prompts:

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are integral to the Pitt community. Please identify and describe one element of your personal identity, and explain how that element would positively impact and/or progress the Pitt community.
Resumes and lists of activities provide the Admissions Committee with an overview of your accomplishments. Please use this opportunity to provide more information by identifying one of your accomplishments and explaining how it has prepared you for a transition into collegiate life.
If you could create a new product, process, business, or organization, what would it be? Please describe its purpose and how it would function. (We especially encourage applicants interested in the College of Business Administration or the Swanson School of Engineering to respond to this question.)
With thousands of colleges and universities in the United States alone, discuss why the University of Pittsburgh is a good fit for you.

Describe your life and work experiences since you graduated high school.
If you had any challenges in your academic studies, what changes have you made to be more successful in the future?

Describe yourself
Describe why studying in the U.S. and at Pitt are good choices for you.
Describe an experience where you had to adjust to a culture other than your own.

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