<p>I don’t think you can really make a wrong decision. Both have very similar levels of NIH funding (which is a direct measure of the amount of high caliber bio and health science research going on) which speaks to the volume and variety of undergrad research opportunities. In fact they are usually ranked right next to each other (#5 & 6). Sometimes Pitt is ahead, sometimes Michigan. Pitt has a somewhat bigger medical center on its undergrad campus (UPMC) than Michigan, but the are both highly regarded clinically as medical centers (both are on US New’s honor roll of hospitals #12, & 14). This speaks to the quality and number of physician shadowing and volunteering opportunities. Their med schools are also ranked similarly (#10 & #14). </p>
<p>Pitt has about 10K less undergrads, so it may be easier to get the undergrad research and other opportunities that you want. Pitt is more of an urban campus, while Michigan has a more traditional campus. Michigan has a better overall reputation than Pitt, but for pre-med, that in my experience and opinion, that isn’t going to make any difference when applying to med schools. Look into their programs for facilitating undergrad research. But I think it really could come down to where you feel comfortable (which might also mean you could be more successful or productive) and cost differences, because both are great places to explore a medical career as an undergrad. Med school is obviously expensive, so if you are getting more help at one vs the other, that should probably factor in.</p>