does the university of pittsburgh have supplemental essays

Personal Statement

The personal statement is your opportunity to communicate directly with the Admissions Committee. Applicants are welcome to submit anything that helps tell their story, being mindful and thoughtful about the quantity and quality of information shared. Share information not included elsewhere in your application.

A personal statement or the Common Application essay is required to be considered for scholarships or if applying test-optional. It may increase the likelihood that you are considered for guaranteed admission programs or given special consideration due to extenuating circumstances.

The personal statement can be submitted with your application. This can be the University of Pittsburgh Application or the Common Application - we do not prefer one over the other. If you have already completed the application, you may complete the personal statement here.

All international applicants are required to complete a Short Answer Question in lieu of a personal statement.

Fields marked with * are required.

You may upload a PDF containing your statement, or you may enter your statement directly on this form.

Supplemental Essay Guide 2024-25

What do the 2024-25 supplemental essay prompts really mean, and how should you approach them? CEA's experts are here to break them all down.

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Agnes Scott College 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Alvernia University 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide  

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The 2024-2025 FAFSA form is now available. For more information and updates check out our financial aid resources page.

SCHOLARSHIPS

How do i get an academic scholarship.

At the University of Pittsburgh, we understand the importance of supporting our students’ academic journeys. For those searching for Academic Scholarships, our Financial Aid Department is your primary resource. On this page, you’ll find detailed information on how to apply for academic scholarships, including the necessary documentation and application procedures. If you’re aiming for full-ride financial aid, it’s crucial to be thorough in your application and meet all the criteria. One of our most prestigious awards is the Chancellor’s Scholarship, which offers full-tuition scholarships to deserving candidates. If you’re wondering, “when do scholarships get awarded?” specific dates vary, but please feel free to contact us about scholarships you’re unclear about. We encourage all students to explore these opportunities to alleviate tuition costs and achieve their academic dreams.

Academic Scholarships

Competitively awarded, Pitt academic  scholarships are based on a combination of outstanding academic achievement, holistic factors provided in a candidate’s personal statement or Common Application essay, and potential for scholarly contributions to the University of Pittsburgh community. Incoming first-year students who have a completed application for admission with all required materials by December 1 are automatically considered for University of Pittsburgh academic scholarships. Additionally, the Chancellor’s Scholarship is awarded to incoming first-year students to Frederick Honors College.

Eligibility for Scholarships

Incoming first-year students are considered for University of Pittsburgh academic scholarships. Continuing students are encouraged to seek potential scholarship funding through the University’s scholarship database, PittFund$Me .  In addition to meeting the December 1 completed application deadline, the following criteria also apply:

• Submission of a personal statement or the Common Application essay is required for scholarship consideration.
• Some scholarships require participation in an interview prior to selection and/or may have additional requirements (see scholarship types below).
• Students admitted for the spring semester are not eligible for scholarship consideration.

This webpage provides detailed guidelines and requirements governing academic scholarships.

University Scholarships are the most common type of merit award and are primarily academic scholarships based on performance in high school. Criteria include weighted grade point average, rigor of curriculum (AP/IB/Honors courses), class rank (if applicable), and SAT/ACT results (if applicable). In addition, various non-numerical, holistic factors, as presented in the personal statement or Common Application essay, that describe the candidate’s background are also a part of the review process. These holistic factors allow for a diverse and multi-talented student body. Holistic criteria may include exceptional and unique talents, commitment to community service and leadership, significant family, job, or community responsibility, and contributions to diversity.

Number, Value, and Term of University Scholarships

University Scholarships range from $2,000 per year to $20,000 per year. University Scholarships are available for four years/eight semesters of undergraduate study provided the recipient maintains Satisfactory Academic Progress and meets all other terms and conditions of the award. Learn more about requirements governing University Scholarships .

Notification of Award

Due to the competitiveness of University Scholarships, most admitted students are reviewed by the Scholarship Committee several times before a final decision is made. As a result, those students selected to receive an award will be notified anytime between late-October and March 1, regardless of the date admitted.  Only students who are selected to receive an award will be notified.

Eligibility Requirements

• U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident

PittFund$Me connects you with real, relevant scholarships. As an admitted or current Pitt student, you can log into PittFund$Me – hosted on the Scholarship Universe system – and answer a series of profile questions. The adaptive matching engine will display scholarship opportunities that are tailored to you. And don’t worry – you’ll only see institutional scholarships and vetted outside scholarships so you can be confident as you submit your scholarship applications. You’ll be able to manage all of your applications right in a personalized dashboard – and we’ll even post alerts for new scholarships that might be interesting to you. You have to own the scholarship search process – and we know it’s important to you. That’s why we want to help make it as easy as possible for you to feel totally in control.

The Chancellor’s Scholarship is one of the University of Pittsburgh’s most prestigious awards. Awarded to incoming first-year students admitted to Frederick Honors College, Chancellor’s Scholars receive the individualized attention of an academically demanding small college along with the scholarly advantages of a major research university. A major research university.

Scholarship Details

The Chancellor’s Scholarship is a four-year undergraduate award covering:

• Full tuition
• Mandatory fees
• Average room and board plan
• Guaranteed Frederick Honors College housing
• Candidates must meet the December 1 Frederick Honors College application deadline and be admitted into Frederick Honors College
• Must be a U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
• Must be an incoming first-year student
• Must maintain full-time enrollment at the Pittsburgh campus

Selection Process

No more than 50 students admitted to Frederick Honors College will be invited to an on-campus interview with the Chancellor’s Scholarship Selection Committee consisting of the Frederick Honors College dean, director of advising, and academic advisors.

Selections for interviews are competitively based on a candidate’s high school academic record (submitted as part of the application for admission), results of the SAT/ACT (if applicable), and quality of the required Frederick Honors College application essay questions. In addition, the Selection Committee will also seek an interview pool fairly representing the incoming class as demonstrated by academic schools/majors and demographics, including residency, gender,etc.

Interview notifications will be sent in early-March and interviews will take place throughout the month of March. Only those candidates invited to the on-campus interviews will be notified.

Those participants in the Chancellor’s Scholarship interview process are notified of their final status no later than mid-April. Each year, approximately 15 members of the incoming class are recipients of this competitive scholarship.

Scholarship Renewal Requirements

The Chancellor’s Scholarship can be used for four years/eight semesters of full-time undergraduate study at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Campus. To renew the scholarship on an annual basis, recipients must:

• Remain enrolled as a full-time student (minimum of 12 credits per semester) Satisfactory Academic Progress . See our University Scholarship Guidelines for further requirements

Scholarships for international students can amount to up to $10,000 per year and are generally available for eight full-time undergraduate terms, provided the recipient maintains Satisfactory Academic Progress and meets all of the other terms and conditions of the specific award. Learn more about the requirements governing the University of Pittsburgh academic scholarships .

Eligibility

International freshmen who apply before February 1 will be reviewed for international student scholarships. International transfer students are not eligible for scholarship consideration.

Application Procedure

Students interested in being reviewed for scholarships must submit a completed application for admission and supporting credentials by February 1 at the latest. Students meeting that deadline are automatically reviewed for scholarships. The Committee makes decisions weekly on a rolling basis. Therefore, if you would like to increase your chances for scholarships, it is in your best interest to apply early.

Students who are selected to receive a scholarship will be notified by April 1.

There is not a separate scholarship application for University of Pittsburgh academic scholarships, though if you wish to be considered for scholarships you will be required to complete the Short Answer Question.

Value and Term

Scholarships for international students can amount to up to $10,000 per year and are generally available for eight full-time undergraduate terms, provided the recipient maintains a 3.0 GPA and meets all of the other terms and conditions of the specific award. Learn more about  requirements governing University of Pittsburgh academic scholarships.

What is the Tuition Exchange organization?

The University of Pittsburgh is a member of The Tuition Exchange which is a reciprocal scholarship program that allows dependent children of our faculty and staff to apply for competitive scholarships to other participating member institutions. The Tuition Exchange (TE) Scholarship organization requires that participating institutions maintain a balance between the number of students enrolled at host institutions (exported) with a TE scholarship and the number of students from other member schools who are enrolled at the home institution (imported) and supported with a TE scholarship. As a member, the University of Pittsburgh agrees to abide by the national policies and practices of the organization.

More Information about Tuition Exchange

Transfer scholarships are based on outstanding academic achievement, leadership experiences, and scholarly contributions to the college/university community. All transfer students are considered for University of Pittsburgh scholarships, when they complete the Short Answer Questions.

Deadlines and Notification of Award

Incoming University of Pittsburgh transfer students should apply by July 1 for fall consideration

Recipient Profile

Strong candidates will possess a minimum average GPA of 3.0 Due to the competitiveness of University Scholarships, most admitted students and their credentials are reviewed by the Scholarship Committee several times before a final decision is made.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

Transfer and continuing students are encouraged to seek possible scholarship funding through the University’s scholarship database, PittFund$Me.

The Nordenberg Leadership Scholars Program is designed to reward the best and brightest student leaders from high schools in Pennsylvania who have demonstrated excellent leadership skills, innovative thinking, intellectual curiosity, and community involvement.

Nordenberg Leadership Scholars are provided with the resources for a rich collegiate experience with opportunities for academic achievement, leadership development, civic engagement, and interaction with organizations and corporations in the Pittsburgh region.

Each year, up to five graduating high school seniors from Pennsylvania will be selected to participate in the four-year program. Nordenberg Leadership Scholars will each receive a full-tuition scholarship for eight terms, which may include one international experience as well as assistance with securing internship positions throughout their time at Pitt.

• Pennsylvania residency
• Full-time enrollment at the Pittsburgh campus
• Complete the Nordenberg Leadership Scholars application process

Application Process

Candidates must submit the PA Scholars application and a completed application for admission no later than December 1.

Representatives of the University of Pittsburgh Office of Admissions and Financial Aid and the Division of Student Affairs will interview a select number of semifinalists by March 1. Recipients of the Nordenberg Leadership Scholarships will be notified of their selection on or before April 1.

The Nordenberg Leadership Scholarship can be used for four years/eight semesters of full-time undergraduate study at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh campus. To renew the scholarship on an annual basis, recipients must:

• Remain enrolled as a full-time student (minimum of 12 credits per semester)
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress

In partnership with the Stamps Scholars Program , the University of Pittsburgh is proud to offer the prestigious and generous Stamps Scholarship to five incoming first-year students from Pennsylvania. As a University of Pittsburgh Stamps Scholar, recipients will be provided with a comprehensive understanding of leadership from a domestic and global perspective.

Valued in excess of $160,000, the Stamps Scholarship is a four -year undergraduate award covering:

• Room and board

The scholarship also includes:

• An allowance for books and supplies, transportation expenses, and personal costs
• Access to an enrichment fund of up to $17,400 to be used over four years for the purpose of global experiences, unpaid internships, leadership training, research, and other academic experiences
• Demonstrated leadership, scholarship, service, perseverance and innovation

The University of Pittsburgh will interview up to 32 Stamps Scholarship Semifinalists by March 1. Finalists will then be interviewed by representatives of the Stamps Scholars Program, who will make the final selection of five recipients. Recipients of the Stamps Scholarships will be notified of their selection on or before April 1.

The Stamps Scholarship can be used for four years/eight semesters of full-time undergraduate study at the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh campus. To renew the scholarship on an annual basis, recipients must:

Academic Scholarships are financial awards given to students based on their academic achievements, leadership qualities, and other merit-based criteria. At the University of Pittsburgh, these scholarships aim to recognize and support outstanding academic performance.

The Chancellor’s Scholarship is one of our most prestigious awards. To apply, use the ‘Apply’ button found above, where you’ll login, provide information about your financial aid needs, and be matched with scholarships that are relevant to you.

Yes, the University of Pittsburgh offers Full Tuition Scholarships, including the renowned Chancellor’s Scholarship. These scholarships cover the entire tuition fee for selected students, ensuring they can focus solely on their studies.

Scholarship requirements vary depending on the specific scholarship. Generally, they may include academic achievements, extracurricular involvement, leadership roles, and more. Detailed criteria can be found on our website.

The timeline for when scholarships get awarded can differ based on the scholarship in question. However, most scholarship decisions are announced in the spring. Ensure you check the specific scholarship’s details for exact dates.

Full-ride financial aid covers tuition in addition to other expenses like room and board. To be considered, ensure you meet all scholarship requirements and complete the FAFSA for a comprehensive financial assessment.

To learn how to apply for academic scholarships, visit our official website. The ‘Scholarships’ section provides step-by-step guidance, from documentation to submission procedures.

Absolutely! Completing the FAFSA for merit scholarships can position students favorably for various merit-based opportunities. It provides a comprehensive financial profile, allowing for a holistic evaluation of candidates.

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How to Write the UPenn Supplemental Essays 2019-2020

Check out our updated post for 2020-21 prompts 

Founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin, the University of Pennsylvania is one of America’s eight Ivy League institutions. Known for its premier academics and thriving student life, UPenn also enjoys the benefits of being situated in the heart of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Undergraduate education is separated into four distinct schools: the School of Arts & Sciences, Wharton School of Business, the School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, and the School of Nursing. In its most recent admissions cycle, UPenn accepted 3,740 of its 44,491 undergraduate applicants, an admissions rate of 8.4%. Want to know your chances at UPenn? Calculate your chances for free right now.

Want to learn what University of Pennsylvania will actually cost you based on your income? And how long your application to the school should take? Here’s what every student considering University of Pennsylvania needs to know.

How to Write the UPenn Essays 

To apply, you must write a couple university-wide essays. Additionally, individual schools and special programs may require additional written statements. Be sure to respond to all prompts for the academic program you want to pursue. 

Required for All Applicants

How did you discover your intellectual and academic interests, and how will you explore them at the university of pennsylvania please respond considering the specific undergraduate school you have selected. for students applying to the coordinated dual-degree and specialized programs, please answer these questions in regard to your single-degree school choice; your interest in the coordinated dual-degree or specialized program may be addressed through the program-specific essay. (300-450 words).

Unlike some other school prompts, the UPenn essay questions are trying to figure out what drives your intellect. Notice how much emphasis this prompt puts on your academic life, from your intellectual interests generally to the specific school or program to which you are applying. Use this space to flesh out what makes you excited to learn.

If possible with college essays, you want to give your essay a narrative arc. Think: “first I was A, then B happened. So now I’m C. In the future, I hope to be D.” This narrative structure matters less for this essay because it is more based on your intellect than on your personality. However, if you can manage to plot your intellectual interests onto that kind of timeline, it will make your essay more captivating.

Example: Let’s say Sam wants to study History at UPenn. The question Sam is really trying to answer is: “How can I show UPenn what it is about History that I love so much?”

Sam thinks back to the first time he played Civilization, a history-based video game. That was when he knew he was hooked on the subject. Every decision set off a chain reaction, and the choices of individuals could radically change the course of history. By reaching back to Sam’s first meaningful contact with history, he’s found a great beginning for his essay.

A lot of students just stop here. They think all they need to say is, “Wow! This subject is fascinating!” But if Sam only described his first impression of history from playing Civilization, he would not seem as though he had thought very deeply about his passion. Instead, Sam needs to demonstrate how he has developed his interest over the past four years.

In Sam’s case, he has been his school’s history specialist on the Quiz Bowl team. He also co-hosts a history podcast with a friend of his. They record in the school’s basement and have 500 regular listeners. Sam should spend at least a paragraph fleshing out how these extracurriculars relate to his broader interest in history.

He can also point out any lessons about history he learned from his activities. For example, maybe researching for the podcast showed him that a lot of what he knows about history was discovered by archaeologists. In the essay, he could point out that his love of history evolved to include a love of physical artifacts.

At this point in the narrative, Sam can start looking ahead. By reading the course catalogue at UPenn, he can identify specific History classes that will allow him to deepen his newfound love of artifacts. Sam should write a few sentences about professors, events, or courses available at UPenn that would let him learn more about history.

Finally, Sam concludes by looking ahead. College is only four years of Sam’s life, and—truth be told—he has no idea what he wants to do after he graduates. That’s okay. UPenn still wants to see that he’s looking ahead.

So Sam talks about the things he does know. Sam does know studying history will give him a much better perspective on what has made modern society into what it is today. It will prepare him to analyze evidence of many different kinds, including written and physical records.

And that’s it. If he can write a brief conclusion that ties back to the earlier themes of his essay, that’s especially great. For instance, “The generals in my Civilization game and I have one thing in common—we both have only a short time to make a difference. By learning to think deeply and evaluate evidence, I will use my love of history to have an impact wherever the future takes me.”

To review, here’s what Sam did right and what you can do:

• Identify what sparked your interest in this subject
• Highlight ways you have built on your interest (g ive examples from extracurriculars, classes, and side projects)
• Discuss how UPenn gives you the chance to deepen your interest; b e specific with course offerings, professors, events, etc.
• Zoom out—talk about how you will pursue this interest after college

Keep in mind that all of this applies for single-school programs only. If your dream program is dual-degree, you still need to write this essay about your back-up single school program of choice.

At Penn, learning and growth happen outside of the classrooms, too. How will you explore the community at Penn? Consider how this community will help shape your perspective and identity, and how your identity and perspective will help shape this community. (150-200 words)

If the first essay was all about your academic interests, this essay is the opposite. UPenn wants to make sure you are more than a brain in a jar. With that in mind, use this short essay to showcase the best parts of yourself outside of the classroom.

The frame of the essay prompt is community, but you do not have to be a social butterfly to write a good answer. What UPenn means to ask is, “How will you fit into the community we are creating?” 

Maybe you bring musical talents and want to join the student orchestra. Or perhaps your servant leadership style is what you have to offer, and you want to join the student government. Perhaps you are a Hispanic student who wants to revitalize others’ awareness of their cultural heritage. The essay can be about any part of who you are as long as it’s something you can share with the broader UPenn community.

As always, if you can use past accomplishments or experiences to illustrate your point, it will be more powerful. For instance, if you have led your soccer team’s community outreach efforts, talk about how the skills you learned on the team will make you better at building a relationship between UPenn and the city of Philadelphia.

If you’re having trouble coming up with ideas. Ask yourself these questions:

• When have I been a leader? What did I accomplish?
• When have I grown as an individual? How did I change?
• What clubs, groups, or cultural communities might I want to participate in at UPenn?

Specialized Program Prompts

Computer and cognitive science: artificial intelligence program, why are you interested in the computer & cognitive science: artificial intelligence program at the university of pennsylvania (400-650 words).

We have now moved into the prompts for special programs. If you are applying to Computer and Cognitive Science: Artificial Intelligence, that suggests your interests lie right at the crux of these two fields. Students who apply to special programs like this one have the added burden of proving that they have a deep knowledge or interest in artificial intelligence.

The easiest way to answer this prompt is to reference previous work you have done in the field of Artificial Intelligence. If you have demonstrated interest through extracurricular endeavors or academics, build your essay around that past experience.

If, however, you do not have extensive past experience with Artificial Intelligence, there are other ways to write a strong essay. First, look for pursuits that are adjacent to AI. For instance, if you have a lot of experience with computer science, talk about that experience and then identify why pursuing just computer science would not satisfy your intellectual curiosity.

Maybe you don’t have experience in an adjacent field. That is okay too! You’ll want to focus on the intellectual journey you have been on to arrive at AI as your main interest. What books have you read? What movies have you seen? What artificial intelligence has shaped the way you interact with the world?

If you’re having trouble thinking of reasons why you want to pursue AI, that might be a sign that this dual degree program is not for you. Lots of people think AI is interesting in theory, but this essay offers a chance for applicants to test just how committed they are to this niche field. If this essay keeps coming up short, consider applying to one of UPenn’s traditional majors instead.

If you can successfully focus on past experiences in the field, past experiences in a related field, or how your interest formed, congratulations! Your essay is well on its way to being a great one.

Next, address how you hope to use the resources this program offers. Maybe it’s the interdisciplinary approach of the curriculum. Or you might love the work of one of the professors. Perhaps simply the time this degree gives you to focus on your passion without interruption is the draw.

Overall, you want to do all of the following:

• Address why you want to pursue AI
• Highlight your past experience in AI
• If applicable, discuss your experience in related fields. Why did those fields point you to AI?
• Discuss how your thinking on AI has evolved over time, if applicable
• Point to opportunities that the UPenn program gives you to deepen your interest in AI further

Bio-Dental Program

250 words each:, please list pre-dental or pre-medical experience. this experience can include but is not limited to observation in a private practice, dental clinic, or hospital setting; dental assisting; dental laboratory work; dental or medical research, etc. please include time allotted to each activity, dates of attendance, location, and description of your experience. if you do not have any predental or premedical experience, please indicate what you have done that led you to your decision to enter dentistry., list any activities which demonstrate your ability to work with your hands., what activities have you performed that demonstrate your ability to work cooperatively with people, please explain your reasons for selecting a career in dentistry. please include what interests you the most in dentistry as well as what interests you the least, do you have relatives who are dentists or are in dental school if so, indicate the name of each relative, his/her relationship to you, the school attended, and the dates attended..

250 words may not sound like a lot, but try writing five of these essays in rapid succession. That is exactly what the bio-dental program application requests of you. With so much information being asked of you, it is important to step back and prioritize which aspects of yourself you want to highlight.

First, read all of the prompts. Star the one to which you think you have the strongest answer. For example, maybe you are great at cooperating with others. Or, maybe your reason for practicing dentistry makes for a great story. 

Write your answer to the starred question first, then spend the most time revising it. It’s good to lead with your strength.

For the rest of your responses, frame your answers as stories whenever possible. This won’t apply for the prompt about other dentists in your family, but otherwise it’s a good rule of thumb.

Feel free to get a little creative. Admissions officers know that you will not have performed any dental surgery yet, so draw from what experiences you do have. Maybe it’s your love of knitting that actually attracts you to a career in dentistry. It really does not matter how off the wall your experiences are as long as you can tie them back to what you will be studying.

Digital Media Design Program

Why are you interested in the digital media design (dmd) program at the university of pennsylvania (400-650 words).

This emerging field has generated a lot of interest in the past few years, and UPenn is one of only a few schools that offers a specialized curriculum for a career in digital media design.

However, because the program is so rare, it has become pretty competitive. In this essay, you want to show your interest in digital media design is sustained rather than temporary.

For a good essay structure, you can scroll up to the example of Sam, the History major, provided in response to the first UPenn prompt. If you were to write your essay in a similar way, just about DMD, that would be a strong approach.

Since this is a design program, convey your design preferences and unique style as much as possible. A successful essay not only convinces admissions officers that you are passionate about design but gives them a sense of the digital media designs you may create in the future. It shows what your designs will prioritize.

It is not enough just to show that you have an interest in design. You have to connect your passion specifically to digital content.

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Our chancing engine factors in extracurricular activities, demographic, and other holistic details.

Our chancing engine factors in extracurricular activities, demographic, and other holistic details. We’ll let you know what your chances are at your dream schools — and how to improve your chances!

The Huntsman Program

The huntsman program supports the development of globally-minded scholars who become engaged citizens, creative innovators, and ethical leaders in the public, private, and non-profit sectors in the united states and internationally. what draws you to a dual-degree in business and international studies, and how would you use what you learn to make a contribution to a global issue where business and international affairs intersect (400-650 words), lsm seeks students who are enthusiastic about combining science with management. what excites you about this combination what advantages and opportunities does the combination provide, and what issues could it address  be as specific and original as possible in addressing these questions. it is important that you share your thoughts written in your own words because that is what we are interested in reading. (400-650 words), explain how you will use the m&t program to explore your interest in business, engineering, and the intersection of the two. (400-650 words), describe a problem that you solved that showed leadership and creativity. (250 words), describe your interests in modern networked information systems and technologies, such as the internet, and their impact on society, whether in terms of economics, communication, or the creation of beneficial content for society. feel free to draw on examples from your own experiences as a user, developer, or student of technology. (400-650 words), discuss your interest in nursing and health care management. how might penn’s coordinated dual-degree program in nursing and business help you meet your goals (400-650 words), describe your interests in energy science and technology drawing on your previous academic, research, and extracurricular experiences that allow you to appreciate the scientific or engineering challenges related to energy and sustainability. if you have previous experience with research, describe your research project (outlining the goals, hypotheses, approach, results, and conclusions). describe how your experiences have shaped your research and interests, and identify how the viper program will help you achieve your goals. also, please indicate which viper majors in both science and engineering are most interesting to you at this time. (400-650 words), related collegevine blog posts.