My Virginia college freshman is absolutely loving Pitt! Happy students, lots of school spirit.

I honestly think if he tours both campuses, he’ll know which is right for him.

If they prefer an urban campus, Blacksburg would not be the choice.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Campuses could not be more different. I think it will be an easy decision once you visit both.

+1. Your kid will have a preference. For me, no way would I go to VT OOS.

Funny! I feel the same way about Pitt.

+1
I’m sorry to see but many people from Virginia would never go to Pitt over VT! Like not even a close choice.

But this thread is talking about OOS.

My son chose UMD (we are IS) but VT and Pitt would have been a tough second choice. My son absolutely adored VT and it was definitely his number 2. It has a beautiful campus and the food is amazing. My biggest concern after driving there was how we would get him home in the future. It didn’t sound like the airport was very convenient and it’s not a major airport.

When we toured Pitt, I liked that it was in the middle of a major city. The administration said all the right things to us as parents regarding their flexibility and opportunities for coop. I honestly wasn’t a fan of Pittsburgh food, too greasy everywhere. Having a convenient airport is a big plus too.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Campuses could not be more different. I think it will be an easy decision once you visit both.

+1. Your kid will have a preference. For me, no way would I go to VT OOS.

Funny! I feel the same way about Pitt.

+1
I’m sorry to see but many people from Virginia would never go to Pitt over VT! Like not even a close choice.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Thanks to all have weighed in and shared your experiences.

Blacksburg being a further drive and not near an airport is a good point to consider. But good to hear kid will not run out of things to do.

Sounds like Pitt being near other colleges and universities could be a plus. Good to hear business friends have jobs lined up and I'm always up for a good documentary.

As many said, it will likely to come to feel. Will be doing another visit to Pitt and looking forward to our first visit to Blacksburg.

To be clear, Blacksburg is 45 minutes from the Roanoke airport. It’s just that Roanoke is not an international airport. Not sure why the PP is stuck on that.

+1
And as I previously mentioned, Roanoke flies direct to many major cities. My son's roommate is from NYC and always flies in and out of Roanoke.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Campuses could not be more different. I think it will be an easy decision once you visit both.

+1. Your kid will have a preference. For me, no way would I go to VT OOS.

Funny! I feel the same way about Pitt.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I grew up in DC but went to school at Virginia Tech. Yes true that the surrounding area is rural, but it is a true college town and does not feel rural at all unless you were in the environmental sciences program. I cannot imagine being bored at Virginia Tech! A million activities, clubs, intramurals, etc. I remember visiting busy “city” schools at that age and thinking gosh no way do I want that. It’s really a personal preference.

I can't imagine going to college 4 hours from an international airport.

DP. VT is 2.5 hours from Charlotte which last I checked is an international airport. Lots of kids head there to fly out, some fly out of Roanoke (which is direct to NYC, Chicago, Atlanta, etc.). Others just take the shuttle bus to Dulles.

Anonymous wrote:I grew up in DC but went to school at Virginia Tech. Yes true that the surrounding area is rural, but it is a true college town and does not feel rural at all unless you were in the environmental sciences program. I cannot imagine being bored at Virginia Tech! A million activities, clubs, intramurals, etc. I remember visiting busy “city” schools at that age and thinking gosh no way do I want that. It’s really a personal preference.

Totally agree. I never had any desire for an urban college - much preferred a traditional campus and college town. I did not attend VT, but two of my kids do and absolutely adore it. There is so much to do - Greek life is less than 20% (neither of mine were interested) so the vast majority are not Greek, yet it's available to those who want it. The beautiful mountains surrounding Blacksburg make for fabulous weekend hikes and explorations. Both my kids are interested in completely different fields, but both are liberal arts majors. They've raved about their professors, classmates, and opportunities, on and off-campus. Study abroad options are extensive and one of mine is abroad this semester - the other goes next year. All in all, a wonderful experience, highly recommend.

Anonymous wrote:Where are you from? PA?

Maryland suburbs of DC

Where are you from? PA?

Pitt all the way but wait until you all visit VT to let your child make the decision. VT is definitely rural as compared to Pitt, in the city. I loved the city vibe but will your child be able to be comfortable?

Anonymous wrote:Thanks to all have weighed in and shared your experiences.

Blacksburg being a further drive and not near an airport is a good point to consider. But good to hear kid will not run out of things to do.

Sounds like Pitt being near other colleges and universities could be a plus. Good to hear business friends have jobs lined up and I'm always up for a good documentary.

As many said, it will likely to come to feel. Will be doing another visit to Pitt and looking forward to our first visit to Blacksburg.

To be clear, Blacksburg is 45 minutes from the Roanoke airport. It’s just that Roanoke is not an international airport. Not sure why the PP is stuck on that.

Thanks to all have weighed in and shared your experiences.

Blacksburg being a further drive and not near an airport is a good point to consider. But good to hear kid will not run out of things to do.

Sounds like Pitt being near other colleges and universities could be a plus. Good to hear business friends have jobs lined up and I'm always up for a good documentary.

As many said, it will likely to come to feel. Will be doing another visit to Pitt and looking forward to our first visit to Blacksburg.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:they have the same male:female ratio

Degree seeking undergrads

VT
Men: 16,748; women: 12,775
https://aie.vt.edu/content/dam/aie_vt_edu/common-data-set/23-24/CDS_2023-2024.pdf

Pitt
Men: 8,438; women: 11,620
https://www.ir.pitt.edu/sites/default/files/assets/2023-2024%20Common%20Data%20Set%20Pgh%20Campus_10.pdf

almost the same ratio (one more men, one more women)