I am a senior applying to Pitt as a safety school. My question is whether it is worth it to do the optional short answer questions; how much of a difference would it make in terms of likelihood of acceptance and likelihood of receiving merit based scholarships?
SAT: 1510 (770 M, 740 E)
SAT II: 800 on math 2. 760 on chem.
Unweighted GPA: 3.8 (Top 12%)
Weighted GPA: 4.6 (Top 8%)
I can include more information if needed.
If you want to be considered for merit, I think you should do them. Pitt might be a safety school but top 5% rank influences merit.
@amandakayak Would it still be safe in terms of admission, with or without the short response questions?
Admissions - you are safe I believe but merit, it would be important to do those short answers.
All the committee sees is your grades and scores, the short essay questions offer an opportunity to show them something about you as a person, what you do outside of school.
I know a spectacular student who had a 36 ACT, extremely high SAT, 4.5 GPA, 2nd in his class by a fluke, lots of APs with a 5, many extra-curriculars and many leadership positions and he did not get into any of the Ivy’s or second tier schools. Didn’t even get accepted! He is finally attending Oklahoma State on the NMS full ride scholarship. Happily. Be careful deciding what you think your safety school might be. Put in the effort so you have no regrets. The short answer questions are a good opportunity to let the committee know something about you, and if well written, can make a good impression. If you could have obtained a merit scholarship you will be much happier at Pitt knowing you are not paying more than you had to pay. 
Good luck to you!
To be considered for scholarships, you are required to complete the Short Answer Questions.
https://oafa.pitt.edu/financialaid/academic-scholarships/
Best of luck!
A Pitt Admissions Staffer