Academics
Approximately 19,000 undergraduates attend the University of Pittsburgh (or “Pitt”), a “research powerhouse,” that offers a “great value” for students. Pitt “attracts highly-skilled faculty,” who are “incredibly accomplished,” “engaging,” and “bring real life experience to the classroom.” One student notes, “Even in classes of over 100 people, my professors frequently pause to answer questions and check to make sure students are following their lectures.” Outside of class, professors are “concerned with students’ personal career development” and will often “reach out for internship and job opportunities if you build a relationship with them.” One student recounts being able to “obtain a paid research position and present at a conference” as a firstyear. Pitt has an “outstanding relationship with employers both local and throughout the country,” a fact that is “reflected in the size of our school’s co-op program” and “the Internship Guarantee policy.” Pitt’s Medical Center offers pre-med students opportunities for research and internships as well. In terms of work-life balance, students note that course loads are often “rigorous, but not so much as to prevent engaging in extracurricular activities or research and having an active social life.” Students note that the University Chancellor and Dean of Students “are loved” for being “very visible on campus.” “Their presence reinforces how much they care” and “the quality of the education” Pitt students can count on.”
Student Body
“Diverse” and “hardworking” are the words University of Pittsburgh students consistently use to describe their peers. Pitt’s student body is made up from a “variety of cultural, socio-economic, and educational backgrounds.” “Diversity initiatives” are first rate at Pitt, especially the BRIDGES program designed to provide resources for diversity scholarship students.” Described as “motivated, accepting, empowering, and brilliant,” the “vast majority of students work hard,” but the atmosphere around campus is “definitely not cutthroat: everyone wants to see their peers succeed.” The diversity of the university is reflected in its more than 600 student organizations; each student has “unique interests and passions,” and students report that Pitt does a “great job accommodating them.” One student notes their pride in “efforts Pitt students take to volunteer in various neighborhoods of the city on a regular basis” and says: “Pittsburgh students truly make Pittsburgh a better place.” There is also a large contingent of international students. “There is no typical description of a Pitt student,” says one student. “Our common denominator is that we all love this university.”
Campus Life
With a home base in Pittsburgh’s Oakland neighborhood, students love that Pitt is “centrally located in one of the most growing cities in the country.” Pittsburgh offers a “strong economy, diversity, arts, and opportunity that is becoming unrivaled across the nation.” Students also find “plenty of entertainment in Oakland and on campus,” with tons of programs put on by “student groups, the Pitt Program Council, and the Residential Student Association.” Pitt has a “unique atmosphere”—it’s a “fairly large school, but nevertheless, has a tight-knit community.” The student body has “an abundance of pride” in its “twelve Division I varsity sports,” NFL-grade stadium, and a “host of other club sports.” Students can also get in some exercise at Tree Halls or the Baierl Fitness Center, “world class fitness facilities,” or play “Ultimate Frisbee on the Peterson Events Center or Cathedral of Learning lawn.” With the “free public transportation given to Pitt students,” traveling to races and festivals or “visiting local museums and landmarks” across the city is no problem.
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