Ah the infamous Pennsylvania rivalry… I’m sure there is already a forum for this, but I’m making a new one anyway.
I’m in-state with scholarships at both so cost is not an issue, and I really like many aspects of both:
I really enjoy the urban/city environment of Pittsburgh and all the culture and activities that go along with that (especially the free stuff with the ID). I am also honors eligible at Pitt but not PSU, which is a plus. Pitt also seemed a bit smaller and slightly more diverse which I definitely appreciate, and I think it is the ideal blend between small/large, city/campus, etc… The goldilocks of college if you will. I also think it might be a little more difficult to ‘break the bubble’ in State College than in Pittsburgh.
However, I feel that State may have more opportunities and/or resources (due to size) as well as better networking after graduation. Additionally, the athletics/school spirit is awesome up there, I like the more traditional campus and it’s also a little closer to home. I’m also the son of a penn stater and many of my former classmates now go there, so I’m quite familiar with PSU. Pitt is a bit more of a leap into the unknown.
In general, I am very excited about both and simply cannot decide! If anyone has advice or insight, I’d greatly appreciate it!
I plan on majoring in political science (subject to change), I’d like to live on campus as long as possible, and I am interested in continuing music as a hobby in college as well as maybe joining a few other clubs, so if anyone knows anything about that stuff, let me know!
Penn State’s inability to keep its fraternities in line makes it a complete non-starter for us. Pitt looks more and more attractive.
It sounds like you like Pitt’s campus better. I would let that inform your eventual decision. I had the opposite preference, so I went with PSU.
Penn State’s size doesn’t necessarily equate into more opportunities. I’m a parent and strongly believe college years is a perfect time to step out of your comfort zone.
You have two great choices. Neither is wrong, but your post gave me the feeling you like Pitt better.
What are the specific opportunities available to political science majors at Pitt vs. Penn State?
For anyone interested in an urban college, Pitt is a great choice. It sounds like it’s your preference. It’s a great school, especially with the honors college option. And if you want to get an internship or work, you might be better off in Oakland than State College.
Don’t get me wrong, PSU has its merits, but it sounds like you prefer Pitt.
@carachel2 Both have some unique opportunities for political science:
Penn state has a higher ranking for polisci as far as I know, and there is a program called the Paterno Fellows for liberal arts students that provides all kinds of cool opportunites. There are also more majors there available including some more specific to my interests than broad a political science degree such as International Politics and Social Data Analytics. Additionally, funding is available for research/internships/study abroad through the alumni funded Political Science Enrichment Program.
Pitt seems to have more opportunities for internships due its proximity to Pittsburgh, and you can essentially do a graduate thesis as an undergrad to get a special degree called a Bachelor of Philosophy in your field. There are also smaller class sizes, and I was already accepted to their graduate school for Public and International Affairs if I decide that grad school is the route I want to take.
Not debatable. Either you prefer rural or urban.
Honors gives the edge to Pitt - and you really seem to like it best in the first place.
Honestly, if costs are the same, it should be a city vs. rural decision; the opportunities will be very similar, but the experiences are vastly different.