<p>I realize I'm posting this on a Pitt thread, so of course I'll receive pro-Pitt responses. I'm also going to post this on the Penn State thread.</p>
<p>Here's my question. I'm not a sports fan. I have nothing against sports, but it's just not my thing. Although I'm not opposed to drinking, I'm not a partier. My interests and hobbies are more into cultural things - such as art, theater and dance.</p>
<p>I was accepted to UP and Pitt. What does Pitt offer that Penn State doesn't with respect to my interests.</p>
<p>Keep in mind - Pitt is in my backyard. That's the biggest drawback. Although my parents have insisted they want me to stay on campus, I'm not crazy about going to school in the area in which I grew up. I feel like I'm not really spreading my wings. So keep that in mind with your responses. </p>
<p>There’s a good chance I’ll be heading off to pitt this coming year and I’ve visited Pitt and PSU several times, and I know a few people at both schools so take this for what its worth. From what you say, Pitt hands down sounds like the better fit.</p>
<p>-sports(mainly football) are HUGE at Penn State. Tailgaiting and going to the games is basically a ritual. Sure some people don’t attend, but keep in mind that the fall season will be football galore. Pitt has some real good sports teams, but the sports don’t have as big an impact as they do @ PSU.
-Penn State is in the middle of nowhere. Some people will tell you that it doesn’t feel that way (the campus is gigantic) but, its in the middle of nowhere. That doesn’t mean that all there is to do is drink, but from what my friends tell me it has a big big drinking/partying scene, its a work hard/party hard school with a capital PARTY. Pitt is in an urban city so there’s plenty more cultural things that you seek…look up the PittArts program, good stuff.</p>
<p>It sounds cliche but its true, you’ll know which one is right for you after you visit both…they’re pretty different schools. Penn State is a really good school (especially the honors college) but keep in mind that all the things you’re NOT looking for, PSU is known for.</p>
<p>You present an interesting dilemma. If getting out of your backyard is important to you, then you should seriously consider PSU. There will be students there who don’t care about football and many more who are into the arts. I’ve known many art/art history majors from PSU and they felt the school had lots to offer. Keep in mind that if you disdain those who ARE into sports, then Penn State may not be for you. Clearly, visiting in a must. I am a PSU alumnus and brought my d there for her first college visit. She hated it and loved Pitt. The PSU sports rah rah/partying thing was excessive to her. And Pitt felt like a cool city. Since you live in Pitt, multiple visits to PSU are possible. You may change your mind 7 times before making a decision.</p>
<p>This IS an interesting dilemma. I am a big Pitt booster, as my daughter is a junior there. She grew up in NYC, and I encouraged her to leave the city for college. It’s such a great way to experience another locale for four years. So, going by that, I would encourage you toward Penn State. PSU does have a wonderful theater program, so I’m sure there is an artsy atmosphere there. You just may have to look underneath the rah rah!</p>