<p>Alright...I've been attempting to decide between the two for almost a good month by now and I'm getting nowhere. As some background: my interests lie in political science (political theory), economics, and philosophy, though I've recently taken a liking for Computer Science (teaching myself java and C++ and the like but I doubt that I'd major/minor in comp sci - who knows though). I'm fairly certain that I will major in philosophy and am not wholly sure of what I'll do with the others (I was going to go for a triple major, but ehh). </p>
<p>I'm honestly at a stand still. Both offer everything that I could desire in a university (though Pitt's Model UN club doesn't do much besides host a pretty crappy conference (at least, it's been crappy when I have participated in it) while BU's Model UN club actually is somewhat active - that's the impression I get from their respective web sites, at least. However, Pitt's debating club is more, I guess, 'comprehensive' than BU's). In terms of student organizations, from what I have derived (and that obviously is a lot more than what I've said here), BU slightly edges out Pitt, but not enough so that it could be a deciding factor in my decision. </p>
<p>Anyways, I could see myself at either institution, and I honestly don't know which one to pick...if anyone can give me any suggestions on how to pick between the two, that would be lovely.</p>
<p>I posted in your last thread, I don’t know if you saw. Sorry if I’m repeating myself. </p>
<p>I think that BU requires a 3.5 GPA in order to keep your scholarship. It also has institutional grade deflation. This seems like a volatile and unhealthy combination if you actually RELY on the scholarship. </p>
<p>Pitt is much more reasonable in that regard and will allow you to take greater academic risks. I think that’s especially important for someone who is unsure of their major and wants to experiment. </p>
<p>To me, this is the biggest and most significant drawback of BU that outweighs all others.</p>
<p>My scholarship letter only claims that I need to remain in good academic and disciplinary standing. I think you’re referring to the Trustee and MLK scholarship (those require 3.5’s); I received the Tuition Exchange Scholarship.</p>
<p>You’re right. Congrats, I stand corrected. It’s a much tougher decision then. I see that you are getting good feedback on the BU and Pitt boards. Good luck. Boston IS a great place to be a college student.</p>
<p>I know nothing about BU. DD is very happy at Pitt. It is fairly generous with AP credit, which is giving her great flexibility for dual majoring with perhaps a couple of minors. The faculty members she has had as teachers have been very approachable and I know that she has had conversations with all of them over her two semesters. </p>
<p>When we visited Pitt last spring, we were all shocked at how kind faculty members were to a potential student. She met with department heads in both Japanese and physics, and the physics prof set up appointments with another faculty member and a student.</p>
<p>Every single person I have run in to in Pittsburgh has been nice. I am originally from Iowa and Pittsburgh has much more of a Midwestern feel, which I love. That might be a difference from BU! </p>
<p>Many of the students at Pitt seem to be kids who had lots of options and chose Pitt over some more prestigious schools. True, money talks, but kids seem to be pretty happy there. </p>
<p>I think that the trimester schedule will have some advantages. You only have about two weeks off at Christmas, but next week is final week, so students will be done by May 1. This means that the summer is almost four months long, which is great for working, traveling, or other summer programs.</p>
<p>And this is my very favorite thing about Pitt. When the Panthers get within twenty yards of goal at Heinz Field, two HUGE ketchup bottles flip their lids and fill the Jumbotron with electronic ketchup. That’s AMERICA. Good luck with your decision. You will be happy no matter what you choose.</p>