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<p>As an FYI, there is no such thing as a “pre-med” program or a “pre-med” major. All that means is that you take the required courses to help you prepare for medical school and sitting for the MCAT exam. </p>
<p>Pitt is an excellent Med school and that trickles down into its undergraduate program. The sciences here (Chem, Bio, Neuro) are particularly good, which is great for someone who wishes to pursue a medical degree. Plus, with all the UPMC hospitals nearby, there are tons of research or clinical opportunities for undergraduates at a very early time.</p>
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<p>In terms of research, Pitt is among the top 7 schools in the country, and the top 25 schools in the world (Wikipedia). Nationally in public universities we rank anywhere from 39 to 265. Internationally we rank from 58 to 98 (i.e. always in top 100). All these facts are on the Wiki page for Pitt.</p>
<p>In terms of environment, that’s something you have to visit to decide for. I thought I would hate the “urban” feel of the campus, but it’s something I actually really enjoy (hungry? Walk across the street and eat at one of the plethora of restaurants. Bored? Head downtown to watch a show or go into the park to admire the flowers and ice skate in the winter). Some people might require the traditional walled campus feel, and if so, Pitt is not for them. However, I found out I actually enjoy being part of the city more than NOT because it keeps Pitt from becoming too secluded and in its own little bubble.</p>
<p>As for all of the opportunities you listed, Pitt provides them all and actually ranks high (sorry I can’t remember numbers) in some of those. Research and Volunteering is the easiest since there are TONS of clinical labs or opportunities at the hospitals that are all either within walking distance or a short (and free!) bus ride. There’s a huge study abroad office that can help answer any questions you have about trips you want to do, and specific schools might have their own too (I know Engineering has their own advisor).</p>
<p>Clubs/Extracurrics: tons and if there isn’t something she sees that she wants to do, she can create her own. Check out the SORC List (<a href=“https://pitt-community.symplicity.com/index.php?s=student_group&au=&ck=[/url]”>https://pitt-community.symplicity.com/index.php?s=student_group&au=&ck=</a>) to see what Pitt already has in place.</p>
<p>Lastly. For popular majors: Anything. Literally ANYTHING. As long as she can finish those “pre-med” classes (Bio1/2, Chem 1/2, OChem 1/2, Physics 1/2, Calc 1/2 I think that’s everything) within her major she should be fine. I know people who did History, Psychology, Journalism, a hard science (i.e. bio or chem or Neuro), BioE/ChemE, etc. Some majors make it easier than others because the pre-med requirements are inherent major requirements, but really no major would deter from med school. In fact, I’m sure Med School would like to see more people who haven’t just done bio and then straight to med school (i.e. how law schools love non-poly sci majors) as a way of expanding their interests.</p>