I applied to Pitt like 2 weeks ago
I really want to be admitted into their honors college. Does completing the short answer questions place a part in the admissions process?
If so how long should the responses be for each question? And how much longer do I have to fill them out?
It feels kinda weird to me to just not answer the questions even thought they say it’s not mandatory.
I’m not the best writer so if people have gotten into the program without answering the questions i’m ok with leaving them blank.
Anything would be helpful thanksssss
“honors college” (i say that because it isn’t really an honors college- read hailtopitt’s posts to see what i mean) is based on sat scores and class rank (i think it’s technically based on class rigor and something too). but i don’t think short answer responses matter for that. If you are sure you’ll get into Pitt and are not worried about merit aid, then i wouldn’t bother with the short answer questions
@leicisbest, The Short Answer Responses don’t really play a role in determining your eligibility to enroll in honors courses. The University Honors College is not a membership-based college, there are a few different ways you can qualify to take (or get permissions to take) honors courses. I would encourage you to visit the UHC website for more information, and you may want to start with this page: http://www.honorscollege.pitt.edu/course-eligibility
What the Short Answer Responses do accomplish is to give our Admissions Committee a little more information about you when they review your application. It is not mandatory, as you already mentioned, but you are welcome to submit responses if you would really like to emphasize some extra curricular activities or other things you think would be useful for the Committee to know.
The most effective responses typically range from 250-500 words in total for all three questions. There is no official word count, though. Don’t sweat it if you are a little over/under that range. The Committee is really reviewing these answers for quality rather than length. I would encourage you to fill out the responses fairly soon in order to ensure that they get to the Committee before they review your application. There is no deadline, since they are optional, but you may want to aim for the end of the week.
Best,
A Pitt Admissions Staffer
Thanks a lot for the responses.
I’ve got the whole honor courses figured out now.
But do the short answer questions determine merit aid? Based on @Copperrrrrrrrrrr 's response i’m guessing they do?
@Leicisbest, They do not. The Scholarship Committee will look at them if they are there, but they are not required for merit aid consideration.
Best,
A Pitt Admissions Staffer