Clemson vs. University of Pittsburgh

<p>Im pretty much deciding between the two right now. </p>

<p>Both schools are ranked the same (according to US News). However, their social scene and location are important factors. I get the feeling that Clemson is more of a "party school" when compared to PITT. And the location isnt that great. On the other hand PITT is located in a much more research-oriented area/large city environment.</p>

<p>If anyone has any info/personal thoughts to add to this feel free</p>

<p>Thanks!!</p>

<p>I applied and got accepted to both schools. What’s your major? In my opinion, both are great schools academically but the real difference is the location of the schools. Do you want to be in a city or would you mind being in rural upstate South Carolina? I grew up in Boston and while I thought Clemson was the better fit for me academically for my major, I did keep Pitt in mind since it was in a city and I thought I would miss that. I personally turned out ok but it’s really up to your decision. I don’t think either of those schools are “party schools”. Neither Clemson or PItt has that reputation and both are probably going to have their fair share of parties.</p>

<p>From what you said though it sounds like you are leaning towards Pitt, and I’d go there if that’s what you’re thinking!</p>

<p>I have heard some people label Clemson as a party school, but my mom always told me that every school is a party school so I shouldn’t let that sway my decision. Yeah there are parties and yeah Greek life is big, but it’s still full of academically driven individuals. The city of Clemson doesn’t have much in it, but it’s not too far from Anderson, where there’s a mall and stuff, and Greenville. Football is huge at Clemson so that is where a lot of the drinking and partying comes from, and downtown is mostly places where you can drink and watch the game.</p>

<p>In terms of research opportunities, that depends on your major. Clemson’s rural setting is perfect if you want to major in agriculture, forestry, or anything science-y, really, because you’re close to the pastures, greenhouses, the experimental forest, and the South Carolina Botanical Gardens, among other things. </p>

<p>Its honestly more of the research/internships im worried about. I plan on majoring in business administration while fulfilling the pre-med requirements. Ive heard Clemson had a pretty good pre-med program. </p>

<p>Anyway I plan on visiting both campuses soon. Im not sure if I would fit in with the big-city environment or a smaller rural setting.</p>

<p>Pittsburgh probably has an excellent pre-med program due to the great medical school that they have there but Clemson is very solid for business/sciences as well. I’m an engineering major but it sounds like most people end up doing internships (and don’t have problems finding them either). Definitely visit both places and you’ll figure out which place is for you. Let us know if you have any more questions!</p>

<p>For research opportunities in engineering, which school would offer more? same question regarding coops and internships…any advice would help! Thx.</p>

<p>Ontocollegegal, I believe both schools as medium to large state universities would offer great research opportunities if you look in the right places. I do not have experience with Pitt but at Clemson we have a program called Creative Inquiry where faculty members are encouraged to let undergraduates participate in their ongoing research. If you want to learn more about the program and see some of the projects that are currently going on in your major - check out the website here: <a href=“Creative Inquiry + Undergraduate Research | Clemson University, South Carolina”>Creative Inquiry + Undergraduate Research | Clemson University, South Carolina; (all you have to do is email the professor and if you’re eligible - some require a certain number of credits or major etc… - you can find out how to get involved!)</p>

<p>As for co-ops and internships, many of my classmates have done both. I personally have had 3 internships, 2 of them which turned into my current full-time position. In the Princeton Review, Clemson is consistently ranked in the top 10 for best career center services (Pitt is also ranked this year). I don’t think you would have a problem at either schools. It’s been my experience that most of my fellow Clemson graduates have been pretty successful post-graduate at either getting into graduate school or finding a full-time position right away (compared to other colleges out there - I guess that somewhat depends on your major and what experience you have through college).</p>

<p>So to summarize, both schools have excellent research opportunities and co-ops/internships so there is no answer to “which school would offer more?”</p>