So, I attend Pitt and therefore cannot give a completely unbiased opinion...that out of the way:
You would be missing out if you didnt come see the school for yourself. I applied here almost on a whim (long story), but after my interview I was so impressed that Pitt became one of my top choices. Now that I attend here, Im extremely glad I took the time to check it out - I couldnt be happier with my decision to come here.
The students here are amazing they are extremely intelligent and still know how to have a really good time (perhaps too much at times
.) There is no competitiveness; my classmates are always sharing notes and knowledge gained from previous courses/experiences that help everyone do better in their classes. We are a VERY tight class
best of friends.
The administration is simply amazing. They go out of their way to ensure that the students are happy and that we have access to the opportunities we want to participate in while in school. For instance: study abroad programs, the formation of special interest groups (complete with faculty advisors that are excited to be with students), research opportunities, etc. The school is VERY student/teaching oriented. (The admissions office was/is behind on interview invites
but give em a break, they just started a new method for admissions.)
As far as impressive points: If you are into research, the school gets a ridiculous amount of funding from NIH (ranked 7 in the nation I think
putting it above some top-ten schools as far as funding goes.) I see the results of this every day and have a myriad of research opportunities to choose from when I start my summer research in a few months. Pitt is home of the Starzl Transplant Institute Dr. Starzl was the first to perform a human liver transplantation and in the 80s set up the Institute here. Pittsburgh was the world-wide mecca of transplantation during that decade and still has one of the best (if not the best) transplantation programs in the world. Many of the residency programs here are considered top 20 if not top ten. Excellent peds program, 5 hospitals within walking distance (useful during rotations,) an awesome simulation lab, emergency medicine, orthopedics, etc. etc. etc.
The city, while not New York, has a lot to offer. The idea that it is a dirty steel-mill city is a reputation it carries from what life was like here over a decade ago. In my opinion, the city has more to offer than med students can take advantage of. Not that we dont have time to go out
but were also not hitting the streets every night of the week. There are plenty of clubs, bars, museums, concerts, sport games, etc. to attend. If you are looking for a place to see a Broadway show every night
dont come here
but you may also want to consider your decision to go into medicine (or hope that you learn everything that you need to know without studying at all.) Ive heard no complaints about the city from my classmates
and I love the place.
Ok
Im done. I think I wrote more here than I did for my personal statement back in the day.
Bottom line: if you already know what school you are going to attend next year and are dead-set on it, dont come out for the interview. Otherwise, I think you will be pleasantly surprised during your visit
and afterwards will hope you get in.
