<p>Yes, a lower acceptance rate with higher stats means it is harder to get into Pitt. The two schools attract many of the same applicants. </p>
<p>I’d be curious to know which programs at Penn State are more “top notch” than those at Pitt. Certainly not anything medical, engineering, business, philosophy or languages. However, I think Penn State’s Honors College as a separate entity is better than Pitt’s Honors College, which attempts to be integrated into the university. Actually, Pitt is a well regarded major research university, probably moreso than Penn State. There are tons of opportunities for undergrad research at Pitt. </p>
<p>Overall, Pitt and Penn State are probably on par with each other academically. There are differences, though. Pitt has about 23,000 students vs about 43,000 at Penn State. Penn State has more jumbo-size classes than Pitt, and it can be more difficult to get into the classes you want. Penn State is rural (although cars do run all through it): it is a small town that revolves around the university and there is basically nothing to do beyond PSU. Pitt is urban: it has a campus with city traffic but it has all the cultural, sports and shopping amenities of a city. It is just a matter of personal preference. You should really visit each to see what suits you best.</p>
<p>helpmeout, what area are you interested in? There may be a difference in quality at the department level.</p>