Another year, another group of schools joining the Common Application. Notable for many of our students are the additions of Pitt and Penn State. Students who apply to either of these schools will now save time in their application process, not needing to re-enter information into these schools’ own individual applications.

This will change Pitt and Penn State’s application essay requirements as well. Pitt used to require three short answer questions, but no personal statement. Per a conversation with Pitt’s Office of Admissions, they will now receive students’ Common App personal statement, but they will again have short answer questions, though now as supplemental essays. No word yet on what these questions will be for the high school class of 2019.

Penn State used to require only a personal statement, though with a word limit 150 words shorter than the Common Application personal statement. They will now accept the Common App personal statement from students who apply using the Common App.

Congratulations to all future Pitt and Penn State applicants on saving some time this summer and fall!