<p>I've narrowed my college choices down to the University of Dayton (UD) and the University of Pittsburgh (Pitt). I'm interested in molecular biology and got accepted into Pitt's molecular biology program and I got accepted into UD's biology program. I am very interested in the field of research and have worked for a year now in a molecular biology lab. I was hoping that you guys could help me make a list of pros and cons for both schools.
Here's mine:</p>
<p>Pitt
Pros:has a molecular biology program, internationally renown for biomedical research, city life, NROTC, my dad's side of the family lives in and around Pitt, away from home, lots of research opportunities</p>
<p>Cons: won't know anyone, I'm home schooled and worried I might find myself behind the 8 ball, not sure if I like the campus (I'm going on a campus visit on one of the admitted student days), not sure about amount of help you can get if you're struggling</p>
<p>Dayton
Pros:close to home (I live 20 min. away), I would room with my best friend that I've known for 16 years, that friend's mom is a professor at UD and she told me that her friend said she was willing to be my academic adviser, also I know that they have tutoring for students who fall behind, my friends older brother goes there and loves it, I've received a scholarship worth $30,000-45,000 over four years, AROTC</p>
<p>Cons: no molecular biology program, close to home, parents would make me watch after my sister who might transfer there, not as renowned as Pitt</p>
<p>Pitt is the stronger school and there are outstanding opportunities in Pittsburgh for researcha and internships as the hospitals are nationally recognized</p>
<p>Cam your family afford Pitt? You don’t specifically say. You also say you’ll be doing ROTC in either case but I don’t think you can get two ROTC scholarships in the same year.</p>
<p>You have to run the numbers. Will Dayton be affordable if you drop ROTC? Would you still be interested if you didn’t have that scholarship?</p>
<p>Every year some students change their minds about the ROTC commitment, and others develop unexpected health issues that disqualify them for military service. Make sure you have a back-up plan.</p>
<p>If money isn’t a factor, then you can follow your bliss. It is OK to stay close to home. It’s also OK to go far away. Either route will lead you to many adventures. </p>
<p>Most universities these days have all types of tutoring centers for students who are struggling. When you visit Pitt, find out what is available there. You also might want to post in the Pitt subforum, and in the Home Schooling forum, about your concerns. That way people who better know those situations can advise you. To find those two forums, go to the main page where all the forums are listed, and scroll down.</p>
<p>If money is not an issue, I vote for Pitt. It is just miles ahead of UD in the life sciences and you do have family in the area. In fact, it’s not all that far from where you live so it’s not as if you will be isolated on the other side of the country.</p>
<p>Time to stretch your wings just a little, IMO.</p>