So I was accepted to University of Pittsburgh’s nursing program this fall and am waiting to hear back from Temple but I am almost certain I will be admitted. I really really like both of the schools but Temple has always had a special place in my heart. If I wasn’t going into nursing I would almost definitely go to Temple but its hospital is in a bad part of town, it has a lesser nursing program, and doesn’t have the graduate program I want. Also I have heard that out of the 3 good nursing schools in Philly, (Temple, Drexel, UPenn) Temple is the least preferred. I’m not sure what to do! Any help or insight into either of the programs would be very helpful!
I think you do know what to do, you are just having a hard time facing the many good facts you wrote down.
@rollout can you tell me what I know I should do? because I’m really not sure
@katiestutzman6 here are the points you listed:
- Temple’s hospital is in a bad part of town
- It has a lesser nursing program
- It doesn’t have the graduate program I want
- Temple is the least preferred program in town
Then why would you go there? The part about it having a special place in your heart is not logical - you need to consider your career first. OK?
@Rollout a school could have the best program in the world but if I’m not happy at a school/am in debt for a long time it may not be worth it. (Temple would give me a lot more merit aid) However, I hear what you’re saying and I really appreciate it!
Well now, Katie, I don’t know anything about Temple really haha. You didn’t mention the merit aid part!! That was a big one. I don’t like that the hospital is in a bad part of town, but I’m sure they have good security there. I do think you should trust your gut. What is your gut telling you to do? Which school gives you a stomach ache thinking about it (go to the other one)?
Have you visited Pitt and what would the difference in COA? Pitt has multiple hospitals ON campus and nursing program is very well regarded. Seems issue is $?
@rollout thank you so much for all your advice! now i just have to put it into action which is the hardest part
@amandakayak I’m not exactly sure how much Temple would give me. The difference would be anywhere from 10k to 20k. Money is definitely a big factor but Im willing to overlook it. Do you go to Pitt?
I have 3 who chose Pitt - but in engineering, not nursing. Two have graduated and my daughter is a jr. All 3 have had really great experiences at Pitt - lots of opportunities for research (all bioEs). Son now works as a scientist at a pharma and other grad, my dd, is at Berkeley/UCSF joint bioE phd program. Pitt reputation is very strong in bio-med areas - the resources are there for you. Take a look at NIH funding for research - Pitt is I think #5 nationally in total $ awarded.
There is such a critical shortage of nurses in this country that you can’t go wrong with either school. Pass the exam and you’ll get a job. Get top grades at either school and you should have a great chance of getting into grad school (any grad school, it doesn’t need to be the same school where you got your BSN).
As a student who goes to temple and hates it, I would highly recommend going to Pitt. I am actually trying to transfer there myself. What is special to you about Temple? Just curious.
@templetopitt It’s close to my home, I’ll receive more financial aid, I connected with the campus more, I love Philly, and I don’t know there was just something about it that I liked more. Can I ask why you hate it??
Well, the only thing I really like about Temple is my Major/School. FOX school of Business is awesome. And while I understand that academics is the most important factor while looking at and attending a University, there are many other variables that make me want to leave. To start, I do not feel similar to the students here–at all. Almost all of the students I am friends with here are either in a Sorority or a Frat and, to be completely honest, I have found that I cannot stand Greek life (I’m not talking about professional frats, I mean ALL the other ones) and I do not understand how students can drink every single night here and still make it to class/get decent grades/love themselves. It baffles my mind. Maybe I just haven’t found the right group of people here? I’d much rather take the subway to Center City on a Friday night instead of getting waisted in a Frat House-- but that’s hard to do when you don’t have anyone willing to go with you. Pitt has such a nice atmosphere when it comes to its students and from the time I have spent there, I know its not big in Greek Life (thank the gods). I just need a fresh start. Also people are much nicer in Pittsburgh than in Philly 
But if you’re from Philly, like most people from Temple are, I’m sure you’re in love with the city. To me it sounds like Temple is the place for you to be. I hope you find a nice group of people to help you enjoy your time there!
*wasted … please excuse my typos I wrote that rather quickly hahaha
@templetopitt I can definitely understand where you’re coming from with a lot of those things! Thanks so much for your input!!
@templetopitt —just make sure you have the mindset of forcing yourself to find your people at Pitt. You will have to go out of your way to join clubs, hit people up in class who seem like minded, etc.
Trust me, I DO hear stories from my freshman who lives in Honors housing that there is a bit of drinking going on. She is taking her time and slowly finding her people, but she was a little surprised at how much is going on and yes, even some goes on in the dorm.