How to Write the University of Pittsburgh Essays 2024-2025

The University of Pittsburgh, or Pitt, is a public research university just a few miles east of downtown Pittsburgh. With a campus encompassing 132 acres, Pitt enrolls almost 20,000 undergraduates, and is composed of 17 different undergraduate and graduate schools. 

Pitt is moderately selective and is consistently ranked as one of the top public universities in the country. The most popular departments at Pitt are business, engineering, health, and the social sciences. 

There are no optional supplements applicable to all applicants, other than the main personal statement on the Common App, Coalition Application, or Pitt Application. Honors applicants must write a separate essay, however, and international applicants are asked to answer another prompt in lieu of the personal statement.

In this post, we’ll break down how to write these essays to improve your chances of acceptance.

Read this Pitt essay example to inspire your own writing.

Pitt Supplemental Essay Prompts

This personal statement is optional for those submitting the Common App Essay. While we typically encourage you to write all optional essays to demonstrate your interest, this is an exception since this prompt is presented as an alternative to another essay. If you aren’t submitting the Common App, however, then you should complete this personal statement. 

The goal of the personal statement is to share a story about what makes you unique. As we mention in our guide to the Common App Essays, a good personal statement should answer these four core questions:

1. “Who Am I?”
2. “Why Am I Here?”
3. “What is Unique About Me?”
4. “What Matters to Me?”

This essay should tell a story and use a narrative/creative writing format rather than your standard academic essay format. We recommend reading our Common App Essay guide for more advice on crafting a great personal statement.

Finally, keep in mind that while you have up to 750 words, you don’t need to use the full word count. While we typically recommend maximizing your allotted space, this essay is presented as an alternative to the Common App essay, which only goes up to 650 words. An essay of 550-650 words should be the sweet spot for saying what you want without dragging it on. 

Being an international student is a unique experience, and Pitt wants to know that you are prepared for the challenges of adapting to a new country, culture, and environment. 

For this prompt, you will want to share a story that illustrates your adaptability, awareness, and open-mindedness. Hone in on one experience and take a deep dive into your thoughts and emotions as you were going through this transition.

Try to steer clear of cliche storylines; many students will generally discuss how it was difficult at first to study abroad, move to a different location, or overcome homesickness at an overnight program. Instead, focus on a specific aspect of the experience you choose to write about. For instance, a student who loved their study abroad experience would tell an anecdote about how they got lost in a foreign city and had to piece together their knowledge of the language to talk to taxi drivers and random strangers. Describing a specific moment like this will showcase your mentality and emotions in the moment where you were adapting to a new environment, which is what admissions officers want to learn from this essay.

Don’t feel obligated to write about experiences that are obviously relevant to being an international student. The prompt also mentions new “situations” or “ways of thinking.” You could also write about joining a new club, trying a new sport, or learning about a different way to approach a problem. The key is to pick a topic that will allow you to be reflective and illustrative of how you will adapt as an international student on Pitt’s campus.

As you decide on a topic and write your essay, ask yourself:

• Which experience best allowed me to demonstrate my adaptability and openness?
• What did I learn from this experience?
• What were my thoughts and emotions as I was going through this experience?
• How will this experience help me thrive as an international student?

Your essay should answer all of these questions, while still being exciting and engaging. For example, you might want to write about how you switched from a public to a private school. Don’t give an overview of your experience. Instead, tell the story of your first homecoming game where you were surrounded by students with pride for their school. Even though it was a new environment you were still getting acquainted with, seeing the school spirit and cheering on your team helped you feel like you belong at your new school. Despite the fear you might have felt the first few weeks of school, you decided that if you could cheer alongside your peers, you could talk to them in class as well. You now know that despite the challenges that might arise the first few weeks of college, when you’re standing in the stadium cheering on the Panthers you will feel the same sense of camaraderie and you will be able to connect with your peers.  

There’s so many ways you can go about this essay, and the key is to begin by brainstorming what it is you’re passionate about, and why you’re passionate about it. Pitt Honors College is specifically looking for students who “want to advance research, better the community, and leave a global footprint.” They’re asking you to think big, and think altruistically—so don’t be afraid to write about lofty dreams. Just be sincere and specific. 

It would be even better if you have past experiences working towards implementing changes, which would give you more credibility and grounding. Even if it’s as small as being a member of a community service club, or volunteering, you could use these experiences as a jumping off point for your future goals. Also, if there’s a personal reason why you’ve chosen your topic, you should definitely talk about it, as it could lead to strong anecdotes that would make your essay come alive. 

At the end of the essay, you could even go into how you see Pitt Honors College fitting into your trajectory towards changing this proposed problem. You could talk about a Pitt Honors first year seminar, like “Power and Resistance,” mention how you would love to engage in meaningful conversations by living in Honors housing, and list an honors pod you would want to join—like the community engagement pod or the health sciences pod. 

Here are some examples to think about:

• Maybe you want to study education, and in particular, you want to make a dent in reforming public education. You can acknowledge that this is a huge, structural problem probably unsolvable by a single person, but that you nevertheless want to give it your best try. You want to start by participating in Pitt’s Combined Accelerated Studies in Education, granting you a bachelor’s and a master’s in five years. You could discuss how you want to start as a student teacher, then manage your own classroom to learn how best to help children learn. Maybe after a while, you can go into education policy, and specifically work on creating less segregated public schools, and bringing more funding into underserved areas. 

• Maybe your intended major is computer science, and the problem you’d like to address is a lack of rural connectivity to the internet, even in America. You want to take the normal slate of computer science classes, but also many classes in public policy, to know how the government plays a role in broadband access. After graduating, you’d want to both work as a programmer, but also advocate on behalf of rural communities, especially through granting local and state funding to develop better internet service in rural areas.

• Maybe you are really interested in racial justice since you have grown up feeling the effects of systemic racism and discrimination. You want to provide justice to Black Americans by becoming a death row lawyer and working with people who have been wrongly convicted. You plan to take law classes at Pitt that will teach you more about the complex workings of the justice system and how to perfect your public speaking skills. On campus, you want to join the Prisoner Legal Support Project to work with other like-minded students who care about these issues. After graduation, you plan to go to Louisiana, the state with the highest incarceration rate, to get some experience working with lawyers and inmates before law school.

This creative prompt from Pitt asks you to brainstorm about a topic that deeply interests you. Ideally, you should choose a timely topic that relates to your ongoing academic or extracurricular interests.

Additionally, because TED talks are meant to bring value to a broader audience, the topic should be influential for many people to hear. For example, you may want to avoid talking about building an interplanetary defense system to protect against asteroids from hitting Earth because it’s not a hugely current societal problem.

Before you begin writing, familiarize yourself with the format of a TED talk. Watch a few of the most popular ones, or search for some that align with your interests. If you’re having trouble thinking of a topic, ask yourself:

• What are the important lessons you’ve learned?
• What are you good at?
• What are you passionate about?
• What is an unusual experience you’ve had?
• What do you want to teach others?
• What can you talk about for a full 10 minutes?

A good TED talk will most likely be a strong response to more than one of these questions. For example, maybe you’re passionate about backyard gardening, and even started a local neighborhood gardening group. You might give a TED talk called “Your Friendly Neighborhood Gardner: A Lesson In Crop Rotation,” where you discuss your experience and how others can coordinate gardening groups and share ground with neighbors to make the most of their harvests. Or, maybe you love chemistry and cooking, and want to teach others how to use science to improve their dishes. Your speech might be called “Molecules and Meatballs: The Chemistry Behind Our Food.”

Make sure to include a few key details when putting together this essay about a TED talk. Include the following: 1) a catchy title that captures the reader and summarizes what you will talk about; 2) the message you want to get across to your audience and why it is meaningful to you; and 3) what the overall impact your talk could have on the community at large. By including all three of these key ideas you will better express your thoughts, interests and dreams to the admissions readers who are eagerly looking forward to reading your essay.

As long as you pick a topic you’re genuinely excited about, and frame it in a way that makes it applicable to others, your TED talk should be strong. Definitely have some fun with this one!

This prompt essentially has two parts: one, establishing what being educated means to you, and two, linking that definition to your life experiences.

For the first part, reflect on the times you’ve genuinely enjoyed learning, which could be in or outside the classroom.

For example, you could discuss how education to you means broadening your horizons beyond the classroom by attending independent film screenings or local art exhibits in your town. You could define education as exploring new ideas by connecting to those with different opinions and points of view. Education could mean learning new languages in order to be able to learn about new cultures and belief systems. Whatever position you decide to take, be sure to explicitly address what being educated means to you in your introduction.

As you begin to build on your essay beyond the introduction, think about what moments in your own life have provided you with experiences that have “educated” you in the way that you define it. Perhaps you define “education” as learning new languages in order to be able to learn about new cultures and belief systems. To better explain this definition, use the rest of the essay to write about the time when you traveled internationally to South America and lived in Brazil and it was only after learning some broken Portuguese that you fully embraced the culture there. You learned to speak with the locals, were taught how to Samba, danced to unique music like Pagode and Bossa Nova and tried all the delicious local street food delicacies.

Once again, this is a very open-ended prompt so feel free to make it your own and provide your own voice and background to make your definition of “education” unique to you.

Understanding the Prompt

This prompt aligns closely with the “Why This Major” essay where you detail your journey towards choosing medicine as a career. You’re expected to reflect on your motivations and any other paths you might have considered before committing to this one. The admissions committee wants to see not only your passion for medicine but also the thoughtful process behind your decision. Did you ever question your path? How did you work through those uncertainties and ultimately decide on medicine?

Given the 800-word limit, you have the opportunity to go deep into your experiences, motivations, and reflections. The essay should tell a compelling story of your journey while highlighting key moments, influences, and challenges that led you to medicine.

Brainstorming Questions

• When did you first become interested in medicine? Was there a specific moment that sparked this interest?
• What experiences (e.g., volunteering, shadowing, personal experiences with healthcare) solidified your decision to pursue medicine?
• Were there moments of doubt? Did you ever consider a different career path? What made you reconsider?
• Have you faced any challenges that made you question your commitment to medicine? How did you overcome them?
• What personal values align with your decision to pursue medicine?
• How do you see yourself contributing to the field of medicine in the future?

What Makes a Good Response

A strong essay will weave together personal stories, self-reflection, and clear reasoning for choosing medicine over other paths. Here’s what it should include:

• Personal Connection: Share an authentic story of what initially drew you to medicine. This could be a family member’s illness, a personal experience, or even an early academic interest in biology.
• Specific Experiences: Include concrete examples of medical-related experiences (e.g., shadowing, volunteering, research) that shaped your decision. Show rather than tell how these experiences impacted you.
• Genuine Doubts and Challenges: Demonstrate any points of uncertainty in your journey, such as considering another career, a challenging academic course, or a difficult medical encounter. What made you reconsider or reinforced your decision to pursue medicine?
• Growth and Reflection: Show how you’ve grown through these experiences. Your journey should demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and dedication to your chosen path.
• Long-Term Commitment: Paint a picture of your future in medicine. How do you hope to contribute? What excites you about the future of healthcare?
• Avoiding Clichés: Be cautious of overused themes such as “I’ve always wanted to be a doctor,” or generic statements like “I want to help people.” Focus on unique motivations and personal experiences.

Hypothetical Student Examples

1. Student 1: Childhood Illness Turned Passion
   Having been diagnosed with asthma as a child, Sarah spent countless hours in and out of hospitals. While the constant visits were stressful, the support from her healthcare team fascinated her. She initially thought about becoming a teacher, loving the idea of working with kids, but after shadowing a pediatrician in high school, she realized her passion for helping children could be best fulfilled as a pediatrician herself. This essay would focus on her personal experiences with illness, how they shaped her empathy and commitment, and why she found medicine more captivating than teaching.
2. Student 2: First-Generation Immigrant Torn Between Engineering and Medicine
   As a first-generation immigrant from Nigeria, David initially felt pressure from his family to pursue engineering because of its practicality and financial stability. However, after volunteering at a local hospital and witnessing the impact of compassionate care firsthand, he couldn’t shake his desire to help others on a more personal level. David’s essay would explore the internal conflict between pursuing engineering—a field he enjoyed but didn’t feel fully passionate about—and medicine, which deeply resonated with his personal values. He’d explain how shadowing surgeons helped him realize that medicine combined his love for problem-solving with his need to help others.
3. Student 3: Research Experience vs. Patient Care
   Leila has always loved science, particularly genetics, and initially planned to pursue a PhD in biomedical research. However, while working in a lab, she found herself longing for human interaction and the satisfaction of seeing her work directly impact others. After shadowing a genetic counselor and working in a clinic, she realized that she wanted to be a doctor who not only conducts research but also works directly with patients. Her essay would explore the transition from lab work to patient care, highlighting how her experiences confirmed that she couldn’t be satisfied solely working in a lab.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Being Vague: Avoid general statements like “I want to help people” or “I’ve always been interested in science.” Admissions officers want to see specific, personal reasons for your interest in medicine.
• Résumé-Like Listing: Don’t just list your medical experiences or achievements. Focus on storytelling and reflection to show why each experience mattered.
• Ignoring Doubts: The prompt specifically asks about contemplating other careers, so make sure to include any points where you questioned medicine. This makes your decision more thoughtful and grounded.
• Cliché Stories: Avoid overused topics like helping injured sports teammates or dealing with minor illnesses unless you can provide a unique and personal spin.
• No Future Focus: Failing to connect your past experiences to your future in medicine can leave your essay feeling incomplete. Admissions committees want to see how your experiences shape your future goals.

Good and Bad Examples

Good Example

“I remember the exact moment I realized I could change lives through medicine. I was sixteen, shadowing Dr. Nguyen in the pediatrics department, standing at the foot of a child’s bed as he calmly explained the diagnosis to her frightened parents. It wasn’t the medical jargon or the white coat that struck me, but the way he spoke—his words steady and clear, offering both knowledge and comfort in equal measure. I thought of my mother, who had fought breast cancer the year before, and how the nurses had been the glue that held us together during her treatment. Medicine, I realized, wasn’t just about diagnosing diseases. It was about healing people, in every sense of the word.”

Why it works: This example uses a personal story to show a clear turning point. It combines emotional connection (family’s experience with cancer) with specific, vivid imagery (shadowing the pediatrician) to build the writer’s passion for medicine.

Bad Example

“I have always wanted to be a doctor because I love helping people. When I was younger, I volunteered at a hospital, and it made me realize how rewarding it is to help others in need. Medicine is a challenging field, but I know I am ready for the challenge. I look forward to making a difference in the lives of patients.”

Why it doesn’t work: This example is vague and lacks specific personal details. Phrases like “helping people” and “making a difference” are overused, and there’s no depth or reflection on the writer’s journey. This essay feels generic and could apply to any applicant.

In conclusion, take full advantage of the word count to showcase your unique story and how you overcame doubts to choose medicine. Connect your experiences with future aspirations and demonstrate how deeply you’ve reflected on this career choice.

Understanding the Prompt

This prompt is half a “Why This College” essay and half a reflection of your character traits. The admissions committee wants to know how the University of Pittsburgh’s specific academic and extracurricular offerings will help you develop traits that are essential for becoming a successful physician. To answer this, you’ll need to identify both your positive and negative traits (yes, it’s okay to share some of your flaws), and show how your time at Pitt will help you build on your strengths and address your weaknesses. This response must be specific to Pitt, so it’s important to research the resources and opportunities available there.

Brainstorming Questions

• What are some positive traits you already have that are valuable for a future physician (e.g., empathy, perseverance, curiosity)?
• What are some traits you need to improve or develop to become a better doctor (e.g., time management, handling stress, communication)?
• What resources at Pitt—such as classes, student organizations, research opportunities, or mentorship programs—can help you refine these traits?
• How do you envision yourself growing during your time at Pitt, both academically and personally?
• What kind of physician do you hope to become, and how can Pitt help you get there?

What Makes a Good Response

A strong response will connect your personal growth with Pitt’s specific resources. You’ll need to demonstrate self-awareness of your strengths and weaknesses and articulate how Pitt’s environment will foster growth in both areas. Here’s what a good response should include:

• Personal Reflection: Highlight your key personality traits and why they are important for being a good physician.
• Specific Resources: Mention specific programs, organizations, or aspects of Pitt that will help you refine these traits (e.g., the Global Health Student Association, clinical shadowing, stress management workshops).
• Growth and Improvement: Show how you plan to grow during your time at Pitt and how it will prepare you for medical school and beyond.
• Avoiding Generalities: Don’t just say Pitt has a “good program.” Be specific about what makes it a fit for your personal development.

Hypothetical Student Examples

1. Student 1: Struggling with Communication and Leadership
   Sofia is a highly empathetic and compassionate person, but she sometimes struggles with assertiveness and clear communication in stressful situations. At Pitt, she hopes to take part in the Student Health Advisory Board, where she can practice patient advocacy and leadership. She’s also excited about the Interprofessional Education Program, where she will collaborate with students from other healthcare fields, improving her teamwork and communication skills in real-world scenarios.
2. Student 2: Building Confidence and Resilience
   Lucas is passionate about research and detail-oriented, but he tends to get overwhelmed in high-pressure situations. He sees Pitt’s course in Wellness and Resilience and Mindfulness and Meditation Resources as valuable tools for developing stress management techniques. By participating in clinical shadowing opportunities at UPMC hospitals, he hopes to gain confidence in making decisions under pressure, preparing him for the demands of being a physician.
3. Student 3: Improving Time Management and Work-Life Balance
   Priya has always been academically driven and hardworking, but she often neglects self-care due to poor time management. She’s excited about the Global Medical Brigades program, where she’ll need to balance time between clinical work and team responsibilities. Additionally, Priya plans to attend time management workshops at Pitt’s Counseling Center to help her establish better work-life balance before heading to medical school.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Being too vague: Avoid generic statements about Pitt being a good school for medicine. Instead, be specific about which programs will help you grow.
• Ignoring negative traits: The prompt specifically asks about both positive and negative traits. Don’t shy away from addressing areas where you need improvement.
• No connection to Pitt: Your response should be directly tied to Pitt’s offerings. Without specific examples, the essay will come off as generic.

Good and Bad Examples

Good Example

“I pride myself on being empathetic and hardworking, traits I believe are essential for a future physician. However, I struggle with time management, often taking on too much at once. At Pitt, I am excited to join the Global Medical Brigades, where I can not only practice hands-on medicine but also learn to prioritize and manage my time effectively. I’m also drawn to Pitt’s commitment to wellness and resilience – through mindfulness resources and courses, for example – which will help me develop stress management skills that I will need in the fast-paced world of medicine. These opportunities will allow me to refine both my strengths and weaknesses, preparing me to be a well-rounded and effective physician.”

Why it works: This example specifically mentions areas of growth (time management, stress management) and links them to Pitt’s unique programs (Global Medical Brigades, wellness and resilience initiatives). It also highlights the student’s self-awareness and desire to grow.

Bad Example

“I have always been a hardworking and caring person, and I know that Pitt will help me become an even better doctor. The medical programs are excellent, and I am excited to attend. I will work hard and use my time at Pitt to improve myself and help others.”

Why it doesn’t work: This example is too vague and doesn’t mention any specific programs or resources at Pitt. It doesn’t address any negative traits or show clear self-awareness, making it generic and unconvincing.

In summary, this essay should reflect your self-awareness, personal growth, and a clear connection to Pitt’s resources. By identifying specific traits you want to refine and linking them to Pitt’s unique opportunities, you can craft a compelling and thoughtful response.

Understanding the Prompt

This prompt is asking you to reflect on how your background, experiences, qualifications, and personal identities align with the mission of the University of Pittsburgh’s Physician Assistant (PA) Studies Program. Specifically, the program values collaborative leadership in patient care, professional service, and advocacy for all populations. The admissions committee wants to understand how your past experiences have prepared you to fulfill this mission. 

Brainstorming Questions

• What experiences (academic, extracurricular, or personal) have prepared you to work in collaborative healthcare environments?
• Have you taken on any leadership roles, either formal or informal, in healthcare settings or other environments?
• How have you demonstrated a commitment to professional service in your community or through volunteering?
• Have you had experiences with diverse populations? What did you learn about providing equitable care or advocating for underserved groups?
• How do your identities (cultural, racial, socioeconomic, gender, etc.) shape your understanding of healthcare disparities and the need for advocacy?
• How do your personal values and goals align with the mission of Pitt’s PA program?

What Makes a Good Response

A strong response will connect personal experiences and identities with the key values of the PA program—collaboration, leadership, service, and advocacy. The essay should demonstrate that you have not only thought about these values, but have lived experiences that prepare you to embody them in the future. Here’s what it should include:

• Concrete Experiences: Share specific, meaningful experiences that highlight your background and how it aligns with the program’s mission. Examples could include clinical work, leadership positions, or volunteer work with diverse populations.
• Connection to Mission: Clearly explain how each experience ties to the mission of the PA program—whether it’s through patient care, leadership, service, or advocacy.
• Self-Awareness: Show how your personal identities or values shape your understanding of healthcare and motivate you to be a leader and advocate for all populations.
• Future Goals: Demonstrate how your background will help you contribute to the PA field in the future, specifically in areas of collaboration, leadership, and advocacy.

Hypothetical Student Examples

1. Student 1: First-Generation Immigrant Advocating for Underserved Populations
   As a first-generation immigrant from Mexico, Ana grew up in a low-income community where access to healthcare was limited. Her family often relied on free clinics, which sparked her passion for serving underserved populations. Ana volunteered at a local health clinic during high school, where she not only shadowed PAs but also learned the importance of advocacy. Her essay would focus on her personal experience navigating healthcare disparities, her leadership role in organizing health outreach programs for low-income families, and how she plans to use her voice as a PA to advocate for equitable healthcare.
2. Student 2: EMT and Community Service Leader
   Jake has worked as an EMT for the past three years, during which he learned the importance of collaborative care in high-pressure situations. As a leader on his EMT team, he often coordinated with nurses, doctors, and paramedics to ensure patients received the best care. His essay would focus on how his EMT experience prepared him for the collaborative nature of PA work. He would also highlight his volunteer work leading a community health initiative focused on educating rural populations about heart disease, showcasing his commitment to professional service and advocacy.
3. Student 3: Advocacy Through Research and Clinical Work
   Katy grew up in a family of healthcare professionals, but her focus has always been on advocacy for mental health services. She worked as a research assistant in a psychiatric clinic and observed how healthcare providers could advocate for patients’ mental health needs. In her essay, Katy would discuss how her experiences shaped her desire to provide both compassionate care and advocacy for mental health policy reform. She would highlight her leadership in a mental health awareness group and explain how Pitt’s PA program can further refine her skills in patient advocacy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Being Vague About Qualifications: Avoid generic statements like “I have always been passionate about helping people.” Instead, focus on specific experiences that show how you’ve already demonstrated collaboration, leadership, or advocacy.
• Lack of Self-Reflection: The admissions committee wants to understand how your personal background informs your approach to patient care. Failing to reflect on how your experiences shape your goals in healthcare will make your essay less impactful.
• Ignoring Leadership or Advocacy: The prompt emphasizes leadership and advocacy, so make sure to include relevant examples, even if they’re informal. For instance, you might talk about leading a team project in a clinical setting or advocating for a cause that is important to you.
• No Connection to the Program: Your essay should explain not just why you are a fit for PA studies, but why you are a fit for Pitt’s PA program. Research the program to find specific resources or aspects that will help you grow as a collaborative leader and advocate.

Good and Bad Examples

Good Example

“Growing up as the child of a single mother in a low-income neighborhood, I witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by underserved populations in accessing quality healthcare. As a volunteer at a free clinic in my community, I not only helped coordinate health fairs but also observed the critical role PAs played in bridging gaps in care. I later became a leader of the clinic’s youth outreach program, where I advocated for preventive care among teens, many of whom were unaware of basic health services available to them. My background has instilled in me a strong commitment to advocacy, and I look forward to expanding on this through Pitt’s unique focus on patient-centered care and leadership development. With its proximity to the UPMC system and emphasis on professional service, Pitt’s PA program will allow me to build on my leadership skills and become a collaborative advocate for patients from all walks of life.”

Why it works: This essay connects the student’s background and qualifications (volunteering at a free clinic, leading an outreach program) to the specific mission of Pitt’s PA program. It highlights a commitment to advocacy and leadership, and explains how Pitt’s resources will support the student’s goals.

Bad Example

“I have always wanted to be a PA because I love helping people. I have volunteered in a few clinics and shadowed PAs, which showed me how rewarding it is to care for patients. I believe Pitt’s PA program is the right fit for me because it has a good reputation, and I am ready to become a leader in healthcare.”

Why it doesn’t work: This example is vague and lacks specific personal experiences or connections to the program’s mission. There’s no mention of advocacy, professional service, or collaboration. The essay also fails to explain why Pitt’s PA program is a good fit beyond its reputation

By focusing on specific experiences that demonstrate your leadership, collaboration, and advocacy, you can craft a compelling narrative that shows how you will contribute to the PA program and the healthcare field.

Where to Get Your University of Pittsburgh Essays Edited

Do you want feedback on your Pitt essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool, where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

If you want a college admissions expert to review your essay, advisors on CollegeVine have helped students refine their writing and submit successful applications to top schools. Find the right advisor for you to improve your chances of getting into your dream school!