<p>"When you graduate and are looking for a job your degree will say Pittsburgh, not Pittsburgh Scholarship Full-Ride "</p>
<p>So what are you trying to say? Does it matter which school I got my undergrad degree from?</p>
<p>I'm a strong believer in "campus fit," and you've acknowledged that you absolutely adore the University of Chicago's campus; however, if the school doesn't provide you with enough aid, I would tell you to go to the University of Pittsburgh. Pitt may not be as "prestigious" as the University of Chicago, but you could always apply there again for graduate school.</p>
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When you graduate and are looking for a job...
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<p>Actually no, that is not the OP's intent. The OP does not want to be called for a job, s/he wants to be called "doctor."</p>
<p>Oh my, I had no idea there was so much to consider...</p>
<p>Like getting better research opportunities at Pitt because I'll be a more outstanding student there.</p>
<p>Right now, the med school thing seems likely, but it's not set in stone or anything. My career path is somewhat flexible. What I am most concerned about is receiving a solid undergrad education that will let me pursue whatever I want to 4 years from now, which could well be medical school or there's a slight possibility I want to do something else. I want to be happy, make friends, enjoy the campus and the experience. Med school isn't the single, most important factor, although I will consider it some.</p>
<p>Yes, I did read Cue7's thread on med school preparation at UC. He makes it sound absolutely brutal! Gah, I'm more scared than ever about being able to keep up my GPA at a school like UC.</p>
<p>OP, only you can decide how likely med school is--i.e. how set you are on pre-med. If you're pretty certain that you'll be applying to med schools in 4 years, Pitt is a good choice for minimizing debt and maximizing GPA. But if you change your mind and end up graduating as, say, a psychology major (or even if you decide to do bio grad school)?</p>
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What will his bank statement say? ;)</p>
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Don't be overly alarmed. Newmassdad did some calculations that showed around 2/3 of Chicago students graduate with 3.25+.</p>
<p>"When you graduate and are looking for a job your degree will say Pittsburgh, not Pittsburgh Scholarship Full-Ride "</p>
<p>Why the hell would you try to get a job and only bring your degree? Excuse my french but you're f***ing stupid. You can and SHOULD write whatever scholarships or programs you were a part of on your application to grad school/resume.</p>
<p>I would definitely say Pitt. They have a great medical program. It's free. It's becoming more prestigious by the second. Literally. They have DeJuan Blair.</p>
<p>What's not to like?</p>
<p>Generally in CC, the options emerge rather clearly after a while, but the process isn't coming through for the OP in this case, in my option. My wife went to undergrade at Pitt and I went to grad school there. I was one of those scrawny TAs that populate the place. I have lived in Pittsburgh ever since. Here is the scoop on Pitt. It is state related, which means that the state doesn't think it cuts costs well enough and doesn't give it a break on funding when things get tough. Since it is state related, contributiong to their endowment doesn't have the cache that it would for a private school. And it just came to light that their investment house swindled them out of millions. Their road to fame and fortune has been through promoting themselves as a top research university. And in consequence, their dorms look like giant coffee cans. You may not be able to differentiate yourself at Chicago in premed that much, but you will have a choice of some school. I have a colleague whose daughter just finished her anesthesia residence and has been offered $500,000 a year to start with a hospital system. My daughter just got back from a visit to Chicago with her boyfriend and she said it rocked. The 'Burgh has its moments, but it doesn't rock.</p>
<p>When I was on campus for the visit, the Pitt coordinator told me about the deal (I think Carnegie Mellon lost millions too). How will this exactly impact me and my opportunities at Pitt? I won't lose my scholarship or anything, will I?</p>
<p>Pitt is not the only school experiencing financial troubles. I think UChicago's endowment is down 25%, according to a friend who attends.</p>
<p>I guess it all depends on whether I get this scholarship or not. If I don't get it, I won't have to make this choice. </p>
<p>I'm still very uncertain, even after hearing back from all of you guys. Thanks for your advice though. Maybe this will become clear in the next couple of weeks.</p>
<p>cpenoi, yes! My case is quite a conundrum!</p>
<p>""When you graduate and are looking for a job your degree will say Pittsburgh, not Pittsburgh Scholarship Full-Ride"</p>
<p>It's your resume that employers see, and a good resume will mention merit scholarships. That doesn't necessarily mean that you'll be viewed the same way a Chicago grad is viewed, but it ain't peanuts.</p>
<p>Again, I've had a number of teachers and my counselor at my HS tell me that it's not very important which undergrad school I come from, as long as I have a solid GPA and MCATs. If I go to Pitt, will it lessen my chances of going to med school?</p>
<p>go to pitt!</p>
<p>i think itd be perfect for you because u seem very intent on going to med school
the pitt med school is one of the best in the country and you'll have awesome research and volunteering opportunities there and at the hospitals too</p>
<p>plus, you'll be able to get better grades at pitt and maintain a high gpa, at least more so than at uchicago i would think
and you will get excellent advising and opportunities through the honors college, which is a small segment of pitt w/ students similar to that of uchicago</p>
<p>additionally, the honors college will offer a plethora of classes arguably equivalent to the academic level of Uchicago classes</p>
<p>so y not, pitts cheaper, and the honors college there offers a similar experience to that of uchicago (not better in any means though of course =p)</p>
<p>The Pitt honors college, while excellent, is not at Chicago's caliber in either student body or composition. However, if you are that concerned about med school, Pitt would probably be your best choice.</p>
<p>If your family can afford it, I normally would suggest you attend the college/university of your heart's desire since you can only do college once (well, most people anyway).</p>
<p>But since you seem intent on going to med school, Pitt would be the wisest choice due to the financial factor (unless, of course, UoC gives you a decent financial aid package).</p>
<p>Hey! I'm in the same boat, I got full tuition at Pitt, and letting the offers come in. PM me if you want to talk</p>
<p>Anyone else have any words of wisdom? I feel like the more feedback, the better, since I'll get to hear a broader range of things to consider.</p>
<p>do u REALLY want to be a doctor tho? For what reasons? up to 70% of Pre-Meds go into Pre-MEd for all the WRONG reasons and end up doing something different, which might screw you over if you turn down UofC for that.</p>
<p>Make sure it's a wise and well thought choice.</p>
<p>Well, I have a knack for biology and am reasonably good at math, but have no passion for chemistry. I think I'd make an excellent doctor, if I can overcome some weaknesses. I think I'd enjoy the job reasonably. </p>
<p>It's possible I may change my mind and find an occupation I like better. But jobs have to be practical. I don't want to be a starving, flea-infested artist.</p>
<p>^^ yeah. The advantage with UChicago is that if you somehow decide to switch majors, there are always more doors open. Where as I get the feeling that at UPitt, you're pretty much on a lower playing field for anything beyond Pre-Med.</p>
<p>make sure you are 100% committed to Pre-Med. Otherwise, the safer bet is UChicago for its prestige, wealth of great majors, and plenty of open doors available.</p>