<p>It is generally accepted that Villanova is a great school. Pitt, although and excellent school itself, it generally considered by some to not be as good as a school. Can anybody explain the long term career implications going to one over the other would have. Also, do you think that potential employers place/are placing to much emphasis on where someone went to college rather than the merit of the individual?</p>
<p>Honestly, there are probably little career implications to choosing one over the other. However, this could be better answered by knowing what you are planning to study and what types of programs each offers for that particular field.</p>
<p>Villanova and Pitt are very different schools. 'Nova is suburban, small, and Catholic, and only has masters level programs so it isn’t really known for cutting edge science or research. It is known for providing excellent undergrad institution, albeit very pricey. Pitt of course is much larger in its student body, has massive graduate education and research programs, is much more urban (although adjacent to and providing plenty of green space), and has international reputations in the medical, health and biosciences. It is also well known in things like philosophy, creative writing, international studies, and information science (not to dismiss other programs where it is good, but these are some of its best). </p>
<p>Honestly, I think outside of going to the very top of the line schools (like HPYS), the school isn’t going to make much of a difference especially compared to your grades, experience, scores, recommendations or whatever a grad school or employer is going to look for. Some schools may provide better opportunities to gain experience and network in a particular field (this would be true for Pitt over 'Nova in the medical/bio sciences, but it is not like 'Nova would be bad for these things). Really, I think there will be no difference between having Pitt and Nova on a resume. No matter what, I would advise trying to figure out which school you are more comfortable, which one makes the most financial sense, and how their programs stack up with what you desire for your potential field(s) of study. This is going to be your only shot at the undergraduate experience, so make sure you are comfortable and happy with where you decide to end up.</p>