<p>I have attended both schools (attended Pitt and transferred to UMD where I currently attend UMD), and from what people are saying, for the most part, is accurate. But let me give you some things that you may want to think about. And yes, I realized I posted this on the UMD thread, but I would rather do my fuller analysis on the Pitt thread so I won't end up getting slammed or harassed by "Terps" for voicing my opinion - I'll explain the reason for my apprehensions later. </p>
<p>UMD's Business school is higher ranked than Pitt's, but it's very competitive to get into if you aren't accepted in initially as a freshmen. The best chances to get admitted in after freshmen year is to get at least a 3.5 GPA and join some business-related clubs and organizations. If you can do that or better, you should have a decent chance.</p>
<p>UMD's other academic programs such as engineering, criminal justice, and government and politics fields are for the most part great, while Pitt would be a better fit for Pre-Med students. </p>
<p>As for the aesthetics, Maryland would look nicer in the eyes of most, especially compared to Pitt's more grungy environment and constant dreary weather. However, walking to and form classes in Pitt is much less of a hassle while UMD is more sprawled out between classes, dorms (esp. freshmen ones), and other places of interest. Although there are buses that run within the campus, it's only reliable during certain times of the day. </p>
<p>Sports wise, UMD has a LOT of pride, compared to Pitt. You'll see at least a third of students wear UMD gear or some sort. And UMD's teams are pretty good, except for the ones that receive the most broadcast, the football and men's college teams. But some take it too far, especially with how these individuals act towards fans of the other team (and in some cases, to each other).</p>
<p>As for the social scene, UMD really fails big time compared to Pitt, which is probably the #1 reason why you should observe both schools for yourself before choosing. While UMD may be close to DC, it isn't some 10 minute trip (even if you have a car). As for the activities on campus, even though they say they have it, you will have to look hard for it after the first few weeks of school. And if you're not a partier, drinker, pothead, or druggie (and I don't mean just casual, but a hardcore one), you won't like this school at all, especially on the weekends. And to add the icing on the cake, people aren't that welcoming to individuals who are even weekend partiers. In fact, many of the individuals you'll meet around here tend to clique into their own groups very fast. So unless you're coming here during as a freshmen, don't even consider coming here as a transfer student as they will treat you even worse than the incoming freshmen who don't think partying and sports are the epitome of college. Mean looks and arrogant vibes are very common here, despite how the weather is or if the teams are doing good. As for the "ethnic diversity" UMD raves about, it's a farce. We may have a higher amount of different multicultural students on this campus, but they stay to themselves. And if they do integrate and are liked, it usually involves whites/Asians, or almost any other combination that doesn't include any Latinos nor Blacks (unless they're athletes or they knew them from high school or earlier). So if you're an underrepresented minority, I'd really be careful about choosing UMD</p>
<p>As for Pitt's social scene, it's located in an urban setting, Oakland. It's not that far from downtown and buses are constantly running to and forward that and other places of interest (Shadyside, Squirrel Hill, Southside, etc). There might not be as much things to do in the city compared to Washington, but you'll find stuff if you're committed. As for the social scene within the school, Pitt isn't as big of a party school as UMD and the bars aren't the highlight of the weekends, although there are people who care for that type of stuff. However, there are people who value a good education and with time, you'll be able to find and befriend those individuals. Although if you live in a freshmen door (Particularly Litchfield Towers A and B), you're better off. As for the general attitude, it isn't the south where everyone will say "hi" to you, but you won't come across many rude or arrogant individuals neither, just people who have their own lives. And while the school is less diverse, it is a lot more integrated between social, personality, and racial groups. </p>
<p>There's my analysis. Take it or leave it. And as for my personal choice, I would definitely be at Pitt if the out-of-state finances weren't as high.</p>