The University of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus

I absolutely love this school and I would simply not think to go anywhere else. I was originally rejected to my top choice so I applied here very last minute. I committed without actually seeing any of the campus (including the amazing Cathedral of Learning) and I am so glad that I did, because I really think I bargained right.

The academics here (at least in my major) are challenging, but definitely manageable. This school has taught me that you NEED to study AHEAD OF TIME, and that there is simply no easy way out when it comes to a good education. I was easily able to find multiple tutors for my most difficult classes and I have learned so much more in this first semester of being here than I have during any other time in my life. The exams were hard, but the professor will curve if the class average is below a 75. Most professors are helpful for the most part, and if you happen to have one that isn't much so, form a study group and take your studies into your own hands. YOU'RE here to learn, and definitely shouldn't let one bad professor turn you off from a class.

If you love to party/like a big social scene, Pitt is the place to go. I know countless students from other universities (like CMU and Duquesne) that come to Pitt on the weekends to party. I have never really had any trouble finding a party, especially if you explore South Oakland. I haven't been to the Frats, so I really can't speak for them, but the house parties that take place are pretty good and consistent. Most of the time, you won't have to pay to get in. I personally have never had any trouble finding parties on the weekends, but that's because I am on a sports team. If you aren't a partier, there are probably more things for you to do around campus and the city. Since students get Port Authority bus access for free (and they're clean, safe, and reliable), anyone can take a short ride to downtown or to Southside, where there's a TON of shopping. I have NEVER been bored at Pitt.

Dorms for the most part are pretty standard, you have your shambly dorms (specifically Holland) and your nice ones (Nordenburg, Sutherland). Freshmen are placed in a lottery and will randomly get their dorm assignments, and although you can fill out a preference, some students may not get what they want (a TON of girls specifically get placed in the all-girls dorm Holland even though it wasn't in their top three at all) but all of the dorms are completely sufficient and most students end up liking where they end up. Overall, I am so glad I came to Pitt and it's a wonderful school to learn lots, make friends, and grow as an individual. H2P!

1st Year Female -- Class 2017

Innovation: A+, Individual Value: B-

Coming from out-of-state, I turned down several more "prestigious" schools, but that was absolutely the best decision. Having been interested in medical and biomedical research fields, there simply isn't a better place to be with all of the resources at your fingertips. The vast majority of the professors take their teaching quite seriously, and are approachable and helpful, but they are also involved in great research so they are on top of their field. Of course, every school has one or two bad professors, but those can usually be scheduled around. It does take some self-determination to take advantage of what is here, it isn't spoon-fed to you, but I don't know how or where you would get a better preparation for med/graduate school. I just had a great time at Pitt, and feel it certainly lived up to, and well beyond, my expectations. The combination of the city, social scenes, academics, sports, research opportunities...it just all came together for me perfectly at Pitt.

4th Year Male -- Class 2011

Education Quality: A+, Useful Schoolwork: B+

I was pleasantly surprised when I transferred to the University of Pittsburgh. My aunt had always urged me to go but I had received a full scholarship to a lesser large public university. I had hated it there. It was deja vu high school, so I transferred. It was the BEST decision I have ever made. I have learned that Pitt has many distinguished scholars in educational research, linguistics and language acquisition/education. Consequently, I have been already admitted into a great graduate program in linguistics at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York.Also, Pitt is an AMAZING value! I am getting all the advantages of both public and private universities. Plus, I could cross register at Carnegie Mellon and other local universities. Many ivy leagues are overrated and many of them rest on their laurels but students don't learn nearly as much. [Trust me, I have coworkers who have graduated from some ivy leagues and don't know squat]. Go visit the university, see for yourself. It seems to be getting better every day! A degree from Pitt will be one of the best investments of your life.

4th Year Male -- Class 2010

University Resource Use/ spending: A+, Friendliness: B+