<p>I'm a current high school student who was accepted into both of these schools. I'm struggling to make a final decision between these two schools. I plan on studying either Computer Science, Computer Engineering or Finance at whichever school I attend. There will be a less than $5000 yearly cost difference between the two, so money isn't really a concern. I would know whoever I room with at Pitt (since a huge # of my friends are going there), but would know noone at Ohio State. Are either of the schools significantly more well regarded in either of the majors I am interested in? Would there be any huge differences in opportunities for graduates of either school to get a job after graduation, other than obvious ones (Pitt would probably be better in Pittsburgh, etc)? Are there any other factors I should be considering? Any responses would be appreciated.</p>
<p>$5K this year, and more than that each year following. do you have a plan to pay for that increase? The total will still be more than 23K, but if you stick to your major you shouldn’t find that loan repayment onerous. Unless of course there are more loans you’re not telling us about. </p>
<p>My family has enough $ saved to pay tuition/fees + room and board at either school (I’ll have to pay for books and some other assorted fees so that I have some skin in the game, but I should be able to cover that with a summer job). I’m basically asking if either school is a way better value for the money, or if there are any significant cultural differences between the two schools or the locations of the schools. </p>
<p>in my opinion, UPitt and OSU are almost equals in your fields of interest, with Pitt getting the slight overall edge. Pitt is a nicer town than Columbus, with several pro sports teams of some quality, many college sports venues, a good nightlife, great museums, and a thriving business center. Students get to ride the buses for free. The city has some lovely vistas and three huge rivers flow thru it. Columbus is a college city, by and large, that is slightly more midwestern than Pittsburgh, a bit more conservative politically. I think Pitt has more to offer for the money. I have no horse in this field.</p>
<p>If your entire Fall focuses on football, choose OSU. If not, and you have lots of different interests, choose Pitt. 
Do CS + computational math or bioinformatics: it’ll serve you better than a finance major… and is much more likely to actually lead to a job in finance as well as offer more career opportunities.</p>
<p>Pittsburgh has great football too… The STEELERS!</p>
<p>Pittsburgh is a far more interesting city, unless you want to stay on campus almost all the time. Actually, even the area close to campus is nicer at Pitt than at OSU. No comparison regarding quality of life.</p>
<p>I was admitted into the Mount Leadership Scholars program at Ohio State, but wasn’t admitted into any special programs at Pitt. Should that have a significant influence on my decision? Also, what exactly would the CS + computational math route entail? I can only find a computational math seminar offered, with no minor available. Would I just get a CS degree with a minor in math, or am I missing something? Also, thanks to everyone to responded. I’m finding all of this information pretty beneficial. </p>
<p>Yes, CS + math, or applied math. Mount Leadership Scholars will indeed help make Ohio State smaller, with good opportunities (leadership, volunteering, special registration rights, trip to DC, retreats).
You should visit: I prefer Pittsburgh over Columbus, but Mount Leadership Scholars may make a difference. It’s going to be a gut feeling, you’ll have to visit, attend a class, eat in the cafeteria (listen to conversations, would those be conversations you’d want to join in), read the campus paper (what are people debating? how so?) etc…</p>
<p>I’ve been to OSU multiple times so I really just need to tour Pitt (which is only about 45 minutes away). Would it be a bad idea to tour Pitt with my girlfriend (who is also deciding between Pitt and another school) on a Friday night, where we could hopefully check out the campus and grab something to eat downtown, or would I be better off taking a day off school and going down with my parents (Since I won’t be able to tour it on a Saturday or Sunday due to prior commitments)?</p>
<p>email them to see when Admitted Students Day(s) is/are. It’s important for you to sit on a class, etc - not just walk around, but actually spend a “day as a student” there. Even better if you can do an overnight so that you can see the full spectrum. Your school should give you a day off for that.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, the only admitted students day left at Pitt is on April 12, when I’ll be out of town. I won’t be able to do an overnight tour since I only have 1 more college visitation day left and don’t have many more sick days left due to some major health complications earlier this school year. I should be able to go down at some point next week to tour the campus and sit in on a class though, which will hopefully help me make my final decision.</p>
<p>How about you email Admissions, say you can’t come April 12 but you’re hesitating between Pitt and another university, so you’d like to come and visit, attend a few classes, meet with students, before you make your decision, and you’re free Friday … and Friday …,. You’d be hoping to depart on Saturday.
You come in the morning, spend a day there (class, etc), and you don’t use another school day since Saturday is off, plus you get to see a Friday evening at Pitt…</p>
<p>One way or another you need to visit Pitt… and do so with at least as much depth as you did OSU. One evening probably is not enough. A full day in Pittsburgh, yes. </p>
<p>Maybe you can catch a Pirates game too. B-) </p>