Has anyone ever used the Coalition App? Anything different that we should know about? Do you still need to submit separate essays for each school or is it one essay that gets sent to all schools?
D18 is using the Coalition App for several schools she’s applying to (including Pitt). It’s very similar to the Common App. You enter your basic profile information once, and then each school has other unique sections. For example, Pitt’s “Question” section includes their 3 optional short-answer questions.
Pitt doesn’t have an “Upload” section, which other schools use for uploading essay responses to the Coalition App prompts. Since the “Upload” section for each school is unique, you could upload separate essays for each one, or upload the same essay.
@hailtopitt1787 One thing that I just noticed on the Coalition App is that the 3 short-answer questions have changed somewhat. There was a 1,500 character limit for each question before. Now the limit is 750 words with no character limit. Was the 1,500 character limit a mistake that Pitt corrected? It makes a really big difference with respect to an applicant’s ability to provide specific details within their responses. D’s drafts are all less than 250 words, and while I don’t see value in making them much longer, an extra sentence or two in each response could add a bit more substance to her topics.
Hello!
We usually just ask applicants to aim for the recommended 200-300 words when discussing the Short Answer Questions. I am not sure what the word count/character limit has been on the Coalition Application in the past. But it sounds like your daughter’s drafts are right about where we recommend!
You are welcome to submit the short answer questions through our website if you prefer to use that web form rather than the Coalition platform: https://oafa.pitt.edu/apply/admissions-process/short-answer-questions/
If you have more questions about the Short Answer Question portion of the application, you can contact our office and we’ll be happy to assist: oafa@pitt.edu
Best,
A Pitt Admissions Staffer
@hailtopitt1787 Do you mean S can submit application on Coalition, but then switch to Pitt online form to answer those short answer questions?
I also am very confused about the change in word limit to those short questions. Up until a couple of days ago, the limit was 1500 characters (~ 250 words more or less), now it is 750 words. The limit has more than doubled. Is this limit imposed by Pitt or Coalition? I notice Pitt website has no mention of a 750 word limit (http://oafa.pitt.edu/apply/admissions-process/short-answer-questions/). S has already spent a lot of time writing the 3 essays using the 1500 char limit.
Thanks.
@MomtoAndrew2018, I will have to ask around the office and investigate and get back to you with more information on the word count change.
The 200-300 words is the recommendation we really stress in our directions. I will find more information for you on the Coalition application.
Best,
A Pitt Admissions Staffer
@MomtoAndrew2018, I spoke to our team and the choice was made to change the word count. It shouldn’t negatively impact the work your son has already done. We do recommend that applicants aim for the 200-300 word range that your son has already carefully crafted. We look forward to reading his responses when he submits them.
Again, you are welcome to submit the questions through the form on our website if you prefer not to use the Coalition platform for that portion of the application.
If you have any further questions about the Short Answer Questions, you are welcome to call our office: 412-624-7488. We will be happy to assist you.
Best,
A Pitt Admissions Staffer
Question - Would you put if you were captain or MVP of a port team in Honors and Distinction section or a part of the extra currlicula activities section?
sport team
@hailtopitt1787 Thank you so much!