Hi, I am trying to apply to the guaranteed admit for medical program at UPitt (which is due today). On the UPitt website (and various others) they state, “The Admissions Committee reviews responses for quality rather than length. However, the most effective responses typically range from 200-300 words per question.”
On common app however, the maximum word count is 750. I wrote my essays to be 300. While there are some other ideas that I could add back in to increase the word count, would 300 words be fine? Especially for the extremely competitive guaranteed admit program? Or should I try to bring it closer to the common app word count?
Also, it says they don’t accept a personal statement and it seems like they have an application process not through the common app. Does this mean they don’t receive common app essays?
My son applied through the Common App but did not submit the Common App essay with the application-you have a choice when you submit. He completed the short answer questions instead. I believe that they would like to see each answer between 200-300 words so that they are able to carefully read responses-quality not quantity.
We look at the Short Answer Questions rather than the Common App essay. It is fine to go over the 200-300 word recommended range, but we do recommend that range because we find responses of that length to be most effective.
@arthurballoon, Hope that helps!
Best,
A Pitt Admissions Staffer