<p>I was born in Pittsburgh and now live in Texas. My dream school has always been Pitt but PSU has all the majors I want, whereas Pitt has just a few. I am a non-partier as alcoholism runs in the family and many family members have advised me to stay away from PSU and WVU (another consideration due to relative closeness to Pittsburgh) because I would struggle to fit in with the party mentality. I do not have a problem with people who drink, smoke or whatever it is their choice but I just don't want to feel pressured and as if drinking and parties are all that's going on. I have never been to Happy Valley so I only know horror stories from my family. Are they exaggerating heavily? </p>
<p>Welcome to state universities. Well, pretty much all universities, but state universities especially. Alcohol and parties run rampant at any school - but at every school theres kids who don’t. </p>
<p>I’m very indifferent towards alcohol - I dont mind it nor do i go actively seeking it out, and i’m doing fine. not to mention, if you’re wanting to do a major like engineering or business (and actually get into those majors) you won’t have as much time to party as you think.</p>
<p>So, you had me at letsgobucs :)</p>
<p>Just a parent’s perspective. Your statement that:
is really one of the most critical variables in your decision making. That and visiting.</p>
<p>For your purposes, I think there is negligible difference in the “party-mentality” between Pitt and PSU. While Penn State is known for a robust party culture, many small LACs and larger universities, Pitt included, certainly can share that characterization. Small sample, but my daughter’s friends attended the University of Pittsburgh and from what I gathered, there were ample opportunities to party there. Moreover, if you’ve read these message boards, there is a lot of partying going on in school. From the maturity of your post, I think you will choose wisely.</p>
<p>As an aside, two years ago, we considered the University of Pittsburgh, analyzing the rigor of academics, cost/merit money and urban vs rural; we were extremely impressed. Moreover, we were very intrigued with Pitt’s Honor College option (Dean Stricker was a unique character) and also the marked opportunity for scholarship awards. Pitt is a great option.</p>
<p>Son is a ChE major, doesn’t party and is very engaged at Penn State. He is involved in a number of on-campus groups and is able to pursue his music. Both Universities sponsor so many clubs and events that you can enjoy tremendous opportunities. I was just reading about the Bass Fishing Club at Penn State. All in all, you may have to work a tad harder to find your niche, but the occasions to do that abound. </p>
<p>Good luck with your decision. </p>
<p>@pilot2012: My S is currently deciding between pitt and psu for ChE. Do you have any insight into pros and cons of each Dept? What does your son think of his choice now? Thanks.</p>
<p>@dab3. I don’t know if I’m going to help. My son ended up in the Schreyer program at Penn State. As parents, quite frankly, the advantages associated with that program (more scholarship money, early scheduling, honors housing, etc.) were the deciding factors. </p>
<p>My observations so far:</p>
<p>-Son had an outstanding opportunity to participate in research as a freshman, continuing into sophomore year. Very unique.
-Difficulty in Honors Organic Chem as freshman – Professors provided exceptional assistance with office hour availability, one-on-one guidance.
-Engineering Department (as well as Penn State) provides tremendous opportunities for mentoring and career resources.
-Faculty competencies/proficiencies - most outstanding/good, but definitely some mediocre/poor. </p>
<p>Bottom line, I think an ambitious/motivated student would succeed at either school with great employment opportunities. HTH – good luck with your decision.</p>
<p>ETA: Son just emailed:</p>
<p>“What do I think of my choice now?”
Penn State was the right choice for me, both from an academic and scholarship perspective. In my opinion, Penn State has a stronger ChE department than Pitt–also lots of opportunities for career development and research. The honors college has some very nice perks as well, maybe the biggest being (essentially) guaranteed seats in any classes you want/need to take. Of course, like anything in life, you’ll get out what you put into a college education. If your son is driven and dedicated (and I’m sure he is), he’ll succeed wherever he decides to go. I’d be happy to give my opinion on ChE and Penn State if he has any further questions.</p>
<p>I went to PSU a long time ago, but it was a party school then as well. I liked to go out and have a good time but was always good at balancing things - my school work was my priority. Most people were like that - just because you like to go to parties or football games or whatever doesn’t mean you’re not also getting an education.</p>
<p>You’ll find all kinds of people with all kinds of interests at Penn State. Very few people will pressure you to party - it’s up to you. One piece of advice - if you decide to go, avoid East Halls as a dorm choice. It’s pretty much all freshmen and Party Central. Even there I’m sure you could make the choices you want to make - but Pollock Halls (lots of freshmen but not as crazy) might be a better choice.</p>