<p>Hello everyone,
I got let off the wait list for NYU, but I got put into the Liberal Studies Program with Freshman year in London. I'm not put off by that, but I also got into UPitt, and I'm in-state. </p>
<p>I know that both schools have really good neuroscience programs, which is what I'm interested in. My mom keeps making me question my decision to go to Pitt, and since I was notified of my acceptance I have a few days to make a decision. </p>
<p>Could anyone let me know what they think about each school, or what my chances of getting into med school are after going to both schools? I'm just afraid of making a decision that could ruin my future. </p>
<p>Pitt is a really good school with a really good atmosphere. UPMC is a great research hospital, and undergrad research is probably a great way to get into med school.</p>
<p>If you’re serious about Neuroscience, choose Pitt. My understanding is that in NYU Liberal Studies, you take core courses the first 2 years. You’ll have limited ability to take coursework in Neuroscience the first 2 years. At Pitt, you could start your Neuroscience studies right away (and Pitt has a well-regarded Neuroscience program). There are also many opportunities at Pitt for undergrads to do research early on.</p>
<p>I’d pick Pitt (in your situation) for three reasons. </p>
<p>First, you want neuro, but didn’t get that at NYU. Pitt allows you to study what you want (and they are VERY good in that field). </p>
<p>Second, you got in NYU off the Waitlist. This means your stats, etc, were quite good, but quite good should be “better” at Pitt than at NYU. The best options tend to come to those who do very well (at college - not stats getting into college). From experience watching seniors go off from our high school (for 14 years), those comfortably in the upper percentile stats-wise have the better chances to do well where they go. For pre-med, this really makes a difference. You will still have to do the work - work ethic/effort in college is not part of the stats that get you in. Don’t slouch in college - esp that first year.</p>
<p>Third is the cost difference. I know you said you can afford both, but since reasons #1 and 2 both scream Pitt, you’re better off banking the difference for med school (or starting life after med school) or using it for some great “other” experiences.</p>
<p>Look carefully at the NYU Liberal Studies Program and how it enables you to fulfill pre-med requirements. It is not the same as the College of Arts and Sciences there.</p>
<p>As Creekland stated, getting good grades will be important for med school admissions. Look at possible grade deflation in NYU Liberal Studies. Also see how Liberal Studies students fare in med school admissions. There might be a stigma (though unfair) among NYU students viewing Liberal Studies as a back door to NYU. Be sure that does not apply to med school admissions.</p>
<p>I would pick Pitt in your situation for a number of reasons given on this thread, even if cost is no issue. You are with the mainstream at Pitt, on equal fitting. Not so at NYU in the lIberal Studies Program,and having to start out in London It’s not going to be easy to get the courses you want there, whereas at Pitt they wiil be handed to you on a plate.</p>