JMoroney222

I am interested in a career in biological research (possibly stem cell or pharmaceutical research) and I am planning on majoring in Biology. I hope to go on to get my doctorate. I was accepted to Penn State, the University of Pittsburgh (Honors) and the University of Maryland (Honors). I am deliberating between these three schools. I would like a school with significant research and internship opportunities as well as a good overall program. I understand Penn State is highly rated in this regard. Can anyone here compare these schools and give me their opinions of these schools? Any help you can give would be appreciated!

desilu

However, you are looking at choosing between 3 great schools. I'm sure you will find all that you are looking for in your academic pursuits. There will be many recruiters at all 3 campuses. My advice would be to decide which environment you feel comfortable in and where you would enjoy yourself the most. It's not all about academic achievement. Pittsburgh and Penn State are very different. The students are very different. I have never been to Maryland. Does one school offer a situation where you would fit in socially?
Consider the costs once they are defined for you.

MD Mom

Pitt has great opportunities for undergraduate research and many medical facilities are within walking distance of campus. I do not think either UMCP or Penn State have the medical facilities nearby. Pitt also has a pharmacy school. I think Maryland's is in Baltimore. I do not know about Penn State.

cr2012

Just curious, how are students from PSU different from Pitt?

pamom59

I would pick Pitt honors or UMD honors over Penn State non-honors.

I think Pitt would likely have the best opportunities for research and internships because of UPMC.

charlieschm

I'd pick Pitt. Penn State's medical and most medical research facilities are an hour away in Hershey. There is only one small hospital in State College, which is why they send their nursing students away for a year at Hershey.

islandgal

I agree Pitt and UMd over non honors program at Penn State.

KINGSPORT

University of Maryland is not close to Baltimore. It is actually located in the DC suburbs. That being said...you are close but definitely not walking distance to Georgetown University, George Washington University and Howard University by subway. There are other universities in the area as well like Catholic University, American University and Trinity College. John Hopkins University in Baltimore is about 50 minutes away. By the way University of Maryland also has another, smaller campus in Baltimore.