<p>I have applied to both Penn State and Pitt for next year. I want to do biomedical engineering. My initial choice was Pitt because of its higher biomed ranking, but in the case that I find that biomed just isn't for me, then Penn State's general engineering or business programs may be a better choice. I LOVE both campuses, although if I were to choose one based solely on general preference, I would take Pitt. If you go to wither school, are your chances for grad school and a career different? Which one do YOU think I should go to?</p>
<p>Alumni connections are definitely better at Penn State, but Pitt’s aren’t too shabby. I’d personally choose Pitt because I love the city of Pittsburgh – and I can’t see myself living in a rural area for 4 years (although Penn State has a nice campus). </p>
<p>As for grad school and career prospects, I can safely say that there isn’t going to be a big difference, if any. </p>
<p>And you said you’d go to Pitt based solely on general preference, so go with your gut. Who knows, you may want to do biology and go do health sciences (where Pitt is better), etc. You get the point. Don’t let the “what ifs” about a major dictate where you go to school if you prefer one over the other (especially if it’s between Pitt and Penn State). I just don’t think the differences are large enough. </p>
<p>If you were looking for a good football/basketball school, that’d be a different story.</p>
<p>Newuser gives very good advice.</p>
<p>Something else to consider is the opportunities in undergrad research. This is an area that can help you in applying to grad schools and on the resume, particularly for research-oriented fields like bioengineering. In the biosciences, including bioengineering, Pitt is way out in front of PSU in this in regard as far as the scope, variety, and proximity (to where undergrads live) in terms of the research going on in the health and biosciences.</p>
<p>It is important to consider your happiness as well over the next four years. If you are happier, you’ll likely do better and be more productive. And really, when it comes down to it, how well you do in school has one of the greatest impacts on your future.</p>
<p>Thank you both for your input. Yes, I thought that Pitt might be a better place for research, what with UPMC and the Cathedral of Learning. Still a toss-up between the two though. What if I were to throw Purdue in the mix? Purdue’s my third choice and boasts the best overall engineering program of the three. What are your opinions?</p>
<p>I’m currently a freshman at Penn State, and I just want to say that although the campus is “in the middle of nowhere”, especially compared to Pitt, I would never call it rural. One of the reasons I chose PSU is the campus life. The difference is that PSU is its own city, not just set in one. Also, I would not worry about a lack of research at Penn State. I’ve already been introduced to a research opportunity in my very first semester.</p>
<p>Even with Purdue, I’d say go with either Pitt or Penn State.</p>
<p>Yeah, I feel the exact same. Either way, Pitt or PSU, I know that I can’t go wrong. Ah crap, gonna be a real tough decision.</p>