<p>Hey guys so I got accepted to Pitt and I'm deciding whether or not to go there. Of course I'll be applying to other schools as well but can anyone tell me what the pre med track is like at Pitt? What are the classes like? How are the professors? How's a pre med students social life? Do you think Pitt prepares and advises undergrads well for med school admissions? And also is Pitt a prestigious university?</p>
<p>Let me answer it this way as someone that has spent a bit of time at various academic medical centers around the nation and has taught at a various types of universities, both research and liberal arts.</p>
<p>As far as top ranked academic medical centers that are right on an undergrad campus that will allow you to easily explore, volunteer, interact with, and observe what may be your future profession, there are only a handful of similar positioned universities. I’m talking about world class medical facilities literally being across the street from undergrad dorms and classrooms; a physical juxtaposition that is extremely conducive to fitting those opportunities around your undergrad schedules and social life. Really, by US News’ metrics, only four universities with undergraduate programs that have higher ranked medical centers right on an undergrad campus.</p>
<p>As far as the volume and breadth of health science and biomedical research to get involved with, there are only four universities with undergraduate components that do more (judged by NIH funding received, which is the gold standard). The bulk of Pitt’s research facilities, like its flagship hospitals, are right on campus and their doors are open for undergrads. And no university that I’ve observed does a better job facilitating research opportunities for their undergraduate students.</p>
<p>You combine the access to top clinical and research settings afforded by their location on the undergrad campus, and you are talking about a pretty scarce opportunity.</p>
<p>Do you see yourself doing well in an urban setting? In a medium sized research university which also means taking on some independent responsibility for your own academic progress compared to maybe a small liberal arts college? If so, then you should visit Pitt and see for yourself whether it would be right for you. I can state without hesitation there are other schools that are as good preparing undergrads for medical school, but there are really none better.</p>