<p>I was recently admitted to the University of Pittsburgh in the Swanson School of Engineering in the Honors College. However, I was also admitted to the College of Engineering at both Penn State and Syracuse.</p>
<p>I am hoping some current or alumni from the Swanson School can help me with my question. I visited Pittsburgh a few days ago and the program seemed extremely competitive and hard. I feel like i would just be studying and freaking out about how hard the classes were if i went to Pitt. Is this true? How is the work load?</p>
<p>I know that Penn State and Syracuse are a little easier, by means of Engineering, and i know i would have more time to enjoy the college life.</p>
<p>Do you guys have any thoughts? Should i pick academics over social life?</p>
<p>I can’t comment on the differences in difficulty level of the engineering curriculums at Pitt, Penn State and Syracuse, but may I suggest you repost your question on the Pitt forum? There are a few active participants on that forum who are generous with their advice and who may have insight regards your question.
Good luck to you.</p>
<p>I’d be very curious to hear why you think engineering at Penn State is easier than at Pitt. Not that it necessarily means much, but Penn State undergraduate engineering’s USN&WR ranking (not to mention the university’s overall public university ranking) is significantly higher than Pitt’s. #19 vs. #49 and #8 vs. #21, respectively.</p>
<p>I believe PSU is more rigorous. I personal like Pitt better because they provide more “built in” support for the Engineering students. Penn State has help centers, but it is up to the student to seek it out. Pitt also has Engineering only dorms. Both do a good job at alerting students of internship opportunities. Because ABET programs have a very strict standard, I would chose the school for social fit and cost. All in all, the academic content will be similar among those three.</p>
<p>When looking at cost, be sure to read the fine print and include the cost for Engineering major, which is higher than the standard tuition.</p>
<p><<<<
SAT Combined: 1470 out of 1600 or 2150 out of 2400
GPA: 94.7
<<<<<<</p>
<p>In previous threads, you mention that you’re a NY resident and you’re concerned about affording these OOS schools. What, if any, aid offers have you received from these schools? Have you received any merit awards?</p>
<p>You also speculated that your parents may pay up to $20k per year. do you have any further info about how much they will pay? How will the rest get covered?</p>
<p>Neither PSU nor Pitt give much in need-based aid. </p>
<p>Did you apply to any financial safety schools? </p>
<p>“include the cost for Engineering major, which is higher than the standard tuition.”</p>