I know you need it to receive a scholarship, but does not answering the questions hurt your chances? I’m applying to Pitt next year, and am a borderline student for Pitt.
If it’s only for the scholarship, then no. If it’s an “optional” question, then I don’t see why you would not answer it. It just shows admission officers you may not want to go to Pitt as much as the student who does fill it out.
If you don’t fill it out and are already borderline, what message does it send adcoms regarding your ability to write, your work ethics, and your interest in their university? Is that the message you want to convey?
Personally, I was a borderline applicant applying to Pitt. I wrote the extra short answer questions and was accepted. My best guess is that if you have high enough stats it probably doesn’t matter but if you’re a borderline app you should fill them in. Again, personally, if there are extra questions, I would cil them out. Some universities may try to cut applicants that don’t show inters.
A borderline student to any school would probably find it a good idea to really put some time into their essay questions.