Thoughts: BU vs. UPitt

[pryingdelilah]

Throwing my hat into this ring! 

 

I am super struggling with the decision between UPitt and BU. As many of you know, BU is not being at all accommodating with their deadline, so I would have to put in a deposit by Tuesday. Thoughts??

 

Boston University

Pros

-BU is in Boston, about an hour away from where my parents live, which has the added bonus of being able to stay on their MA centered health insurance

-They gave me a 3/4 tuition scholarship, meaning that I will be billed for ~$7k

-BU has a great reputation in Massachusetts and it is somewhat likely I would end up in MA when I start a career

 

Cons

-Cost of living in Boston is scary high

-They don't guarantee comparable funding year to year (I spoke to the financial aid counselor, this is mostly to cover their asses, but still...)

-It's possible that I am trying to stay in my comfort zone during a time when I maybe should be branching out

 

University of Pittsburgh

 

Pros

-Cost of living is lower and they give you a free transportation card

-They have a Center on Race and Social Problems

-They have guaranteed funding me ~2/3 of their tuition each semester, meaning I will be billed for ~$8k

 

Cons

-Distance

-It's doubtful that I would stay in Pittsburgh after receiving my degree

 

HELP!

[MissNatural]

When you cant decide...consider the money. Calculate everything and see where you would come out cheaper. Also visit the school so you can get a feel for the city and people.

 What are you concentrating in? ...I heard Pitt has a stronger Macro focus compared to Micro

Edited February 27, 2014 by MissNatural

[pryingdelilah]

I am interested in clinical work. I am visiting UPitt at the end of March, I just am so conflicted! I thought cost would be my deciding factor, but they are kind of equal. I suppose visiting will make all the difference. 

[Figaro]

I don't know anything about BU (except that it also seems to be an excellent school), but I'll vote for Pitt anyway because I know a little about Pittsburgh. What's your area of concentration?  Also - how did you get such generous aid?  I live in PA and they didn't offer me a penny. All I can get is loans. 

[guyinshortsallday]

I would say Pitt, think about the finances and they are a really good program. 

[pryingdelilah]

I don't know anything about BU (except that it also seems to be an excellent school), but I'll vote for Pitt anyway because I know a little about Pittsburgh. What's your area of concentration?  Also - how did you get such generous aid?  I live in PA and they didn't offer me a penny. All I can get is loans. 

 

I'm going into a direct practice concentration, and to be honest, I'm not really sure how they decide funding. I know I have a somewhat high GPA, but other than that I'm not sure what they based their aid on. I am definitely thankful, I just don't know how to decide between them when the funding is so comparable...