I’ve been accepted to both Penn state and U Pitt. I selected toxicology as my major at penn state and prepharmacy at U Pitt. U pitt is cheaper by 12,000 with the financial aid but I know im not an urban type of girl. I am visiting the campuses this weekend, but i dont know how to convince my parents to let me go to penn state. (they are in favor of u pitt) I also am not completely sure what I want to do but I know that I want to be in the health sciences field.
I think you should wait till you visit the campuses and then see how you like it… It kind of stinks that they are both on far ends of the spectrum(complete college town vs live city). Also don’t pay attention to my username as it’s just where I live not where I’m going to school. Good luck they’re both great schools!
I’ve had a kid graduate from both schools so I like to think I’m fairly objective. They’re both good schools, but if you’re serious about the health sciences, Pitt is the way to go. The opportunities you have on campus or within walking distance for research, jobs, internships, etc are phenomenal at Pitt. D1 is the Pitt pharmacy grad, She had two paid medical research jobs, paid internships, published in peer-reviewed journals, presented in national conferences, traveled to Central America on a medical mission, was a named Fellow in two national medical programs. She worked directly with medical doctors, dentists, nurses, psychiatrists, and other medical professionals in an interdisciplinary environment. All of which happened because she was at Pitt, and, for the vast majority, all her opportunities took place there in Oakland.
Penn State has very good academics, but their health science opportunities outside the classroom don’t come close to what Pitt can offer.
^^^This. Took the words right out of my mouth, and besides, Pittsburgh is a pretty cool city. Yeah, it’s a little grungy, but a fairly young demographic and lots to do. You will appreciate the lower pricetag, as well!
Both good schools…TOTALLY different campuses. Pitt is in Oakland, which is the heart of the medical system of Pittsburgh ( so good if you want health care), but it’s also a VERY urban area with no definitive ‘campus’ feel. Business people, medical professionals, general public and students will all mix and mash together. I don’t think the campus compares to Penn State’s in any way. That being said, PSU doesn’t offer a lot of health programs. Their Toxicology program is a good one and if you are going on for grad school it will likely be just fine for you. I know several toxicology majors from PSU who went to medical school. But for sure, Pitt has more opportunities for health careers.
The difference in cost is a consideration also.
Thank you everyone! I’ve just visited both campuses and considering I’m from Cali, I want to be in a place where I feel at home. I didn’t get this feeling at U pitt since I’m not used to the urban life, but at psu it was completely different. My parents also fell in love with PSU more than U Pitt, so price is not that big of a deal now to them.
Also, I just wanted to make sure I’d be able to get into med school or pharm school, depending on what I feel like what is right for me, with a major in toxicology.
One of D2’s (the Penn Stater) roommates is in medical school, having graduated with a toxicology major. It really doesn’t matter what your major is for either med school or pharmacy school - as long as you successfully complete the required prerequisite courses. I know a couple of music majors and one dance major who got into med school.
Have a daughter currently in Immunology & Infectious Disease at Penn State, she loves it. The classes are challenging, the research opportunities are plentiful, and her advisor is easy to meet with and always has great advice. We live in a semi-metropolitan area, and the idyllic location of Penn State was a huge factor in her decision. She loves seeing the mountains every day and the people in State College are so nice. She loves that even though it is a small town, she has access to anything she could ever want, and so many diverse restaurants. Another nice thing is that even though it is a huge school, it never feels crowded, and there is easy access to clubs, sports, and organizations…there is something for everyone.
A great education can be found at any school, but for us, Penn State felt like the perfect place to spend four years!