<p>I've written several essays, but none seem to come out the way I want them to. I'm bothered by the fact that an admissions essay is supposed to be about anything but academics, but that's not what I'm posting about. I'm a math student, AP Calc, Physics, and Stat, 800 SAT, etc. but I CANNOT find a way to write an essay that describes me. I have trouble expressing thoughts about my personality without saying them straight out, which is apparently unacceptable on a college essay.
Now I have two questions, if I'm applying to Pitt engineering, how important is the essay? Pitt is my dream school for sure and I want to maximize my chances, but this essay is giving me so much stress that I may avoid it.
Secondly, does anyone have any tips on how to get the ball rolling on this essay if I'm going to write it?</p>
<p>The essay is optional for Pitt. If you are looking for some “prompts” for the essay, Pitt suggests one of these topics:</p>
<p>A. Write about something of particular interest to you—whether that be creative, fantastic, scientific,
ethical, personal, political, etc.</p>
<p>B. If you are interested in the arts or feel you have a special skill or talent, tell us what you do and/or
mail or attach samples of your work. Note any special awards you’ve received.</p>
<p>C. Tell us something about yourself that isn’t apparent from your academic records—something that will give
us insight about you as an individual.</p>
<p>D. If a particular person has influenced your life, tell us about it.</p>
<p>E. How has cultural diversity, or the lack of it, impacted your life so far? What is your view or opinion of
how diversity fits into your education? or,</p>
<p>The University of Pittsburgh is an institution rich in cultural and ethnic diversity. In what ways do you think
this would be of benefit to you as a young, developing adult, and in what ways can you contribute to this?</p>
<p>F. Elaborate on one or more experiences and/or your participation in organizations, whether affiliated with or
outside of school, that will help the committee to know you better. This could include sports, the arts, social
services, work, or other activities. A description of your experiences and how they have affected you is more
helpful to the committee than a list. Include years of involvement, nature of position, any leadership roles,
and/or title, if applicable.</p>
<p>G. Some factors that may be taken into consideration in the admissions review follow: If any pertain to you,
you may wish to address that in your essay or as an addendum to your essay. You are: not a native speaker
of English; first generation in the family going to college; coming from a single parent home; home schooled;
an early graduate (graduating from high school in three years) or early applicant (i.e., planning to skip the
senior year of high school).</p>
<p>H. If you have experienced special challenges or adversities that you feel should be taken into
consideration, please let us know.</p>
<p>I. Have you had an international or travel experience that has affected you? Describe it.</p>