<p>My D is trying to decide between a small LAC in a very rural settting and Pitt. What she likes about small LAC - friendly student body, personal attention and lots of outdoor activities - what she doesn't like - lack of majors and very isolated location with lack of nightlife, sports, cultural events, etc. She visited Pitt twice and really liked it, likes being in a city with lots of different things to do and have a park nearby for outdoor pursuits - but worries as an undecided student she will have to try to figure out on her own what to major in and also worries that in larger classrooms she may not get personal one on one attention that she may get at a smaller school. There is a significant price difference between the LAC and Pitt - but it is within the limit of what we said we would spend/afford and ultimately I want her to be happy with her choice. I'd love to hear feedback.</p>
<p>"as an undecided student she will have to try to figure out on her own what to major in and also worries that in larger classrooms she may not get personal one on one attention"</p>
<p>The question is, how big a problem is this going to be? Is there any reason to think that she won't be able to figure out what to major in without intensive help? Is she the kind of person who will be shy about asking for advice, going to professors' office hours, etc.? If you've got a fairly self-assured kid, she'll probably handle the university just fine.</p>
<p>She is panic striken over finding a major. She knows she wants to pursue music in college but probably not major in it. She likes science - (bio/chemistry) but feels that may be too challenging. Likes Spanish, Psychology. Is really scared since she hasn't even narrowed down to anything closely related that she will be unable to settle on a major. Frankly, I am not concerned - I think she'll find something before second semester of sophmore year. </p>
<p>She's bright but a bit of a day dreamer and doesn't always test as well as she should therefore her grades are a bit erratic - B+/A and then will choke and fail a test. It's more a matter of better study skills/time mgmt/organization. Those times that she does need help, she's been hesitant to ask.</p>
<p>The small LAC would be a more supportive environment for your D. She'll find a major, or create one, and some professor will inspire her. The individual attention possible at a small LAC will help improve her study skills, time management and organization, and when she appears to need help it will be offered, she won't have to ask.</p>
<p>St. Mary's College of Maryland and the University of Pittsburgh are both top producers of 2007 Peace Corps volunteers: <a href="http://www.peacecorps.gov/news/resources/stats/pdf/schools2008.pdf%5B/url%5D">http://www.peacecorps.gov/news/resources/stats/pdf/schools2008.pdf</a></p>