I’ve been accepted to all three of these schools - I’m still waiting on a few more, but if I don’t get into those, it’ll be one of these. I’m looking to double major in neuroscience and business/management. Which school is the best?
I’m not interested in joining a sorority and I’m very focused on academics, but still want to have fun (not partying though). Haven’t visited USciences yet, but have seen the others. Syracuse told me I can’t double major the way I want to though. I’ve done a lot of research and it’s looking like Pitt, but I’d just like to hear other opinions before deciding.
@mem200114 We researched and visited both Syracuse and Pitt for neuroscience, so I can give you feedback on these two schools. I dont know what school USciences is? Syracuse has a good interdisciplinary neuroscience major and we liked the new Life Science building with modern labs and equipment. And there were good research opportunities there with the Center for Autism research. There is also Upstate medical center complex right next to campus which would provide you with internship opportunities. Not as many med school applicants at Syracuse as compared to UPitt. I believe they only had 70 students apply to medical school in their graduating class. So you could be a big fish in smaller pond. I think Syracuse grading is easier than UPitt. I know a few premed at Pitt that got weeded out. IMO State flagships tend to grade tougher than private colleges. Perhaps because the private colleges realize they won’t get students paying $70,000 plus per year to get weeded out! Pitt does have the UPMC hospital complex right on campus and that will provide you with internship and research opportunities. The students I know who went to Pitt say the courses and profs were very good, just tough grading wise and competition wise. You can get an excellent education at both schools. But Pitt is in the City whereas Syracuse has more of a residential feel and greenery on campus. So you may prefer one environment over the other.
Academics aside. (Bias alert — I have never lived in Pittsburgh or Syracuse. I did not attend either school. I have spent time in each area. But tbh the Pittsburgh area much more. FIL has been a Pitt prof for 40 years. Harvard grad btw and I have grown to love going there whenever possible. )
Pitt is definitely a more urban school but not a downtown campus at all. It is in the Oakland area bordering on schenley park (including a golf course!) and the shadyside and squirrel hill neighborhood area. Really beautiful homes and sidewalks and shops etc. It’s really nice. And the city is as a walkable, friendly and upbeat a place as you can find. The people of Pittsburgh as a general rule are just nicer than most. Imho.
Beautiful parks and so many museums -like the world renowned Carnegie museum across from the “cathedral of learning” - PITT landmark building. And the park.
It’s half a mile from CMU. And the medical system and school is embedded into the ug campus.
Syracuse has a nice campus. But I don’t think the experience off campus is at all comparable or inviting as described above. But if you like snow and winter sports it’s a home run.
Both schools are really excellent and you should be proud of these acceptances.
trackmbe3 - I’m actually not looking to go into Pre-Med, I want to follow a cognitive neuroscience track. Thanks though!
privatebanker -Thank you, that helps a lot!
I don’t know much about USciences. I’m very familiar with pitt and Syracuse though since im from upstate ny. I applied to both. Pitt was my dream school, and it broke my heart because I couldn’t attend because of money.
What is the cost of all 3? You don’t want to go too far into debt for undergrad. I know Syracuse and Pitt are bad at giving scholarships, so can you afford all 3? Also, what size school do you want? U sciences is small, Pitt is medium sized, and Syracuse is large. You will get the sports and school spirit at both. What kind of setting do you want? Pitt and USciences are urban. Syracuse is a mix of urban ish but it’s in upstate ny (best place on earth).
Finances are big here. However, since Syracuse won’t let you double major, I think it’s safe to say you’re not going there. You need to think about which school is the best fit. Visit USciences and compare it to Pitt. I’m very similar to you because I am studious and not into partying but I want to have fun. You will get this at both USciences and Pitt. Pitt is larger and is a big bar school, but it’s large enough to find your niche. USciences has a small student body and doesn’t have a party scene really.
You need to pick the school that is affordable and you feel the most comfortable at to succeed. Personally, hail to Pitt. If you can afford it (god bless you, it is so hard to get a scholarship there) and it feels like home, then it’s the one. If you go, enjoy it since I cant? I wish I could have gone so bad. It’s amazing. Good luck!
@karlee2510 well for pitt I’m in-state, so it’ll be a little cheaper for me. I’m going to see USciences soon and I think I’m leaning away from Syracuse based on what I’ve read of people’s opinions between the two. Thank you!