OSU vs. Pitt

<p>Hey, I’m a junior right now considering OSU or Pitt (among others). From my understanding they’re both pretty comperable academically. I’m planning on studying political science, which I hear is great at OSU. Can anyone give me information about either or both school(s)? Thanks.</p>

<p>Those happen to be my top two picks. P</p>

<p>One benefit that OSU has to offer is that it happens to be located in Columbus, a State Capital, and therefore there are numerous opportunities to work for senators, congressmen, the governor and other state agencies. Both campuses have lots to offer and cost--in state vrs. out of state--might be a deciding factor. Also, check out the new John Glenn School of Public Affairs at OSU--it is an exciting place.</p>

<p>Pittsburgh is a great city - I grew up there and still return quite a bit. And Pitt is a fine school. Campus-wise I don't think there is much of a comparison. Pitt doesn't really have a campus - it's just mixed into the heart of Oakland. While that makes for a nice urban atmosphere, it lacks any kind of campus flavor and presents quite a few more security concerns. OSU is huge, but it has a nice campus flavor.</p>

<p>Programatically, I think OSU has the advantage, but not by much. If you are interested in the health sciences, there isn't much that compares to Pitt's medical establishment (and OSU's is pretty fine as well, but not quite comparable in my opinion).</p>

<p>Price-wise it depends upon where you live. Both schools put the major whack on you if you are out of state. For pennsylvania residents, Pitt is a great deal. OSU is more expensive in state for Ohio folks. If you are in neither Ohio of PA, I'm not sure how they compare, but my guess is that OSU might be a bit more generous with out of state aid.</p>

<p>Hello! These are the two schools I'm deciding between as well. I'm majoring in nursing, and I know Pitt has such an excellent reputation and great facilities for it, but I just can't seem to get excited about the campus and atmosphere. On the other hand, OSU has a beautiful campus and great school spirit, plus tons of opportunities for joining groups etc., but maybe not as great of a medical center. Any thoughts?</p>

<p>I'm pretty familiar with the medical centers at both Pitt and OSU. For nursing you can't really go wrong either way. Both are outstanding. I would suggest you let the other factors (cost, campus, atmosphere, intangibles, etc.) make your decision for you. You will get a wonderful nursing education at either school. If I had to pick one for you, I'd pick OSU. That mountain you would have to climb to navigate the medical center at Pitt every day is a killer. :)</p>

<p>By the way, if money isn't an issue and you want a beautiful campus a stone's throw from Pitt medical center, take a look at Chatham.</p>

<p>These actually ended up being the only two schools I applied to (didn't bother finishing the other apps), and I picked Pitt in the end. Among other deciding factors, Pitt gave me full tuition (w/ possibility for more), and Pittsburgh seems much nicer than Columbus (although yes, OSU does have the traditional campus going). Pitt's also got a very good honors college with many opportunities for qualified students, and the University Center for International Studies has been recognized by the State Department.</p>

<p>I'm also going to major in PoliSci (as part of a combo program w/ philosophy and also a Russian major), and I know that both schools have very well-reputed departments; same goes for Russian. Pitt's philosophy dep't is ranked #2 in the country; I'm pretty sure Russian is #1, and poliSci is also excellent. Given the circumstances, not attending Pitt would have been a rather foolish choice for me. </p>

<p>Given what you want to study, I think you could do very well going to either school. I loved both of these places, although Pitt wound up being a better match. Definitely read up extensively on both, make visits, etc. Good luck!</p>