College 101: The Insider's Guide
Put down the phony college rankings book and get the inside scoop straight from students' mouths.
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There are hundreds of important choices to make when searching for the right college. Stay close to home or venture out into the great wide open? Gear up for dormitory life or search for an apartment? In-state or out-of-state? Public or private?
One essential decision, though, is often on the minds of rising high-school students before the search even begins: the age-old debate between the small college town and the big urban center. For one reason or another, students tend to automatically gravitate toward a preference; some find themselves longing for all-encompassing academic hamlets like State College or Madison, and others yearn for an NYU or a Northwestern, wanting their campuses surrounded by city lights.
Pittsburgh has emerged as a leading force in higher education for many reasons—and in many ways. But to the teenager looking for the right fit and trapped in that debate—big city or small town?—Pittsburgh can ease the burden. It is, after all, a big city with a small-town heart.
Our friends at College Prowler give a crash course of vital info on local colleges and universities. College Prowler approaches the college search with a simple idea: Why not have the information come directly from current students? Hundreds of thousands of undergrads have weighed in at collegeprowler.com on all aspects of their higher education. For our College Issue, Prowler gave us a glimpse of campus life straight from the minds of students.
For more in-depth information, click "get the full scoop" after each school listing, or customize your college search based on your own criteria right now by visiting Pittsburgh magazine's College Search, powered by College Prowler.
—Sean Collier, PM Associate Editor
California University of Pennsylvania
250 University Avenue; California, PA 15419; calu.edu
In-State Tuition: $6,240
Out-of-State Tuition: $9,984
Room & Board: Varies; room rates range $3,071-$4,480 per semester; meal plans range $1,281-$6,223
Average Need-Based Financial Aid Package: $9,406 Financial Aid Website: calu.edu/financial-aid Full-Time Undergrads: 6,653
Part-Time Undergrads: 766
Average SAT Score: 1028 (out of 1600)
Average ACT Score: 22
2011-2012 Regular Decision Date: Rolling
Overall Acceptance Rate: 46.5%
Similar Schools: Penn State, Pitt, WVU
Best Things: New Facilities; Powerhouse in Division III Sports; Dating Scene
Worst Things: Food; Parking; Small-Town Blues
Quoted: “I decided to come to California University because of the strong business program and the very nice atmosphere. The campus is beautiful and the professors are incredible. This school really makes you feel welcome.”
Get the full scoop on Cal U
Carlow University
3333 Fifth Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213; carlow.edu
Tuition: $23,296
Room & Board: $9,256
Full-Time Undergrads: 1,067
Part-Time Undergrads: 773
Average SAT Range: 880-1070 (out of 1600)
Average ACT Range: 18-23
2011-2012 Regular Decision Date: Rolling
Overall Acceptance Rate: 65%
Similar Schools: Duquesne, Chatham, Pitt
Quoted: “I am a sophomore, and I have learned so much within the past two years. I have a clear understanding of
the expectations in my field of studies. I also have become a much better writer and thinker.”
Get the full scoop on Carlow
Carnegie Mellon University
5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213; cmu.edu
Tuition: $43,160
Room & Board: $11,110
Average Need-Based Financial Aid Package: $32,747
Full-Time Undergrads: 5,910
Part-Time Undergrads: 110
Average SAT Score: 1390 (out of 1600)
Average ACT Score: 31
2012-2013 Regular Decision Date: 1/1/12
Overall Acceptance Rate: 33%
Similar Schools: Brown, Cornell, Northwestern
Best Things: Carnival; Diversity; On-Campus Plays and Movies
Worst Things: Bagpipes; Parking; the Meal Plan
Quoted: “The professors are incredibly helpful and always available to meet with students to help them with assignments
and understanding course material. The workload is heavy, but incredibly helpful.”
Get the full scoop on Carnegie Mellon
Chatham University
Woodland Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15232; chatham.edu
Tuition: $29,212
Room & Board: $9,476
Average Need-Based Financial Aid Package: $24,487
Full-Time Undergrads: 672
Part-Time Undergrads: 40
Average SAT Score: 1070 (out of 1600)
Average ACT Score: 23
2011-2012 Regular Decision Date: Rolling through 4/1/11
Overall Acceptance Rate: 66%
Similar Schools: Drexel, Duquesne, Pitt
Best Things: Women’s College; Proximity to the City; Beautiful Dorms
Worst Things: Limited Class Offerings; Difficult Administration; Parking
Quoted: “Most professors know what they are doing and they really care about teaching students ... I feel all professors are willing to talk and work with you if you have any problems.”
Get the full scoop on Chatham
This article appears in the September 2011 issue of Pittsburgh Magazine
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