Pitt was my first thought too. When my kid and I visited Pitt/CMU, the neighborhood reminded me of how Boston felt back when I was in college. (CMU has a civil/environmental department with undergrad programs in both, as well - perhaps both schools are worth a look!)
Pitt’s application opens on August 1st, and decisions are rolling. There’s no better safety than an early acceptance!
(Big yarn-craft club at Pitt too, fwiw. And lots of thrift stores in Pittsburgh.)
Funny - a few years ago there were four optional essays - and in my daughter’s why Pitt she spoke about the Jewish life with CMU and thrifting - and named a store !!
Great school !! And an early admission if you apply early. The Pitt name is very well respected.