<p>doctorb said " A large percentage of the Pitt students are from the local county and the avg test scores are way below W&M."</p>
<p>16% of undergraduates are from Allegheny County (population 1.282 million) where Pitt is located. I don’t know if that is considered a large percentage or not. Combined middle SAT test scores at Pitt are lower by ~135 points on the SAT and 2 points on the ACT compared to W&M. Pitt honors college students would be in the top quarter of W&M students by test scores.</p>
<p>The “Pitt is the George Mason of Pennsylvania” is a pretty funny comment, considering George Mason is not ranked anywhere near Pitt in any national or international rankings (US News, THES, GUR, ARWU, The Center for Measuring University Performance, Washington Monthly, Forbes, etc) and the fact that Pitt is in the top 10 of US universities in terms of research expenditures. Seems like a lot of opinions, but little knowledge.</p>
<p>FWIW - I had a similar situation way back when. Had to pay my own way thorugh college; loved W&M since 4th grade visit but couldn’t afford to go (oos). Went to large state school and while I wasn’t unhappy, I wasn’t happy, either. Hated the large classes, lack of a “traditional” campus, etc. Wound up transferring to WM after three semesters and felt like it was home. Biology was one of their best majors then and still is now. D1 is a freshman and avoids the drinking and greek life (unlike me!) but has a blast while still maintaining honors grades in her chemistry major. I think the most important question is where does she see herself feeling the most comfortable.</p>
<p>Though I personally am a Pitt fan and DD decided pretty early in the process that she wanted a school in a city and not too small of a school, it seems odd that a student would be choosing between these two although I do understand the $$$. They are so different: one an LAC, the other a research university. No matter how much you pay–or don’t–Pitt will not become an LAC.</p>