Pitt in a Nut Shell

Introduction
I think that a student would enjoy the sheer volume of academic opportunities that Pitt offers. From high-ranking science programs to award-winning philosophy departments, Pitt pretty much has it covered in the academic realm. As far as the social scene goes, Pitt is a division one school, and it's hard to find more hardcore sports fans (we are the home of the Pittsburgh Steelers, after all!). The best advice I can give to perspective students is to have a clear picture of exactly what they want to do coming into Pitt. Review the courses, talk to counselors and students and professors, make your plan early, and see it to fruition. There are just too many opportunities and too many things to do to go in indecisive.

Campus Life and Social Life
The best part of the social life is that everyone is pretty friendly. There seems to be a niche for just about everyone, from the jocks to the nerds to the average, everyday people, and yet everyone seems to get along well. It's not very clique-y, even with the girls, perhaps because it's such a large campus. There are a lot of parties if that is your thing, and there is also a large amount of sports fans and events. Clubs are excellent -- there's a club for just about everything, so good luck starting something original, lol. The weekends are good...like I've said before, it's all in what you make it at Pitt; it's almost like a small city of college students: whoever you are, whatever you want to do, you can. Academics
I love the chemistry department at Pitt, but then again, I am a science freak. I've heard great things about the philosophy, history and philosophy of science departments as well. The Honors College is amazing; there are national scholarship winners every year. I just recommend, though, finding what you love, finding what you want to do, making a plan and making it happen. The professors are usually very cool, responding to e-mails promptly and holding weekly (or many times daily) office hours. TAs are fine, depending on the department, and some are better than others. The workload depends on the courses that you take. I find that Pitt's science courses are rather rigorous and demanding, so please be careful in your courseload.

Student Body
I've read that 70% of us are from Allegheny County (outside Pittsburgh). The average student at Pitt has something like a 1250 SAT, is from Pittsburgh, is generally a person looking for something fun and innovative and rewarding to do with his or her life eventually, and someone who likes to have fun and relax on the weekends. Of course, there are also the super-smart people who do nothing but study (primarily the pre-medical students and the science majors), and then there are also the people who think college was meant to party. But I would say, no matter what you want to do, Pitt has it.

In Closing...
Look into the double majors and the design your own major. Apply early and apply for scholarships; they are everywhere, and the money will surely help you later. Make a plan early, discuss it with your advisor. Try to take half courses that are challenging and rewarding and half courses that will solely help you graduate with a degree that enables you to do something rewarding with your life. Make a lot of friends; they're easy to find in Pittsburgh, and especially during living arrangements freshman year. By and large, Pitt's a great school; just make sure you have a good head on your shoulders and follow the right path...Pitt's got everything.