What's Pitt's ranking like these days?

I'm considering the University of Pittsburgh for my college list and am interested in how it stands in the rankings. Are there specific programs that contribute to their reputation, and how do students generally feel about their experience there?

The University of Pittsburgh (aka "Pitt") is typically well-regarded in college rankings. That said, it's essential to remember that rankings fluctuate over time and vary between different publishers. More importantly, rankings should be just one factor in your decision-making process-- they provide a general gauge of a school's reputation but don't always account for the individual programs or elements that could make a school perfect for your personal academic needs.

That said, Pitt is often recognized for its strong programs in sciences, particularly its biomedical research. The School of Medicine is highly ranked nationally and it's known for its top-notch research programs. The School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences is also noted for its excellence, particularly in the Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy programs.

Outside the hard sciences, Pitt is also well-respected for programs including Philosophy and Business. Its Philosophy department is quite strong, especially in the areas of Philosophy of Science and Philosophy of Mind. The Business program, although its admitted students usually have high GPAs and SAT scores, would be considered for a motivated student interested in studying Business.

From a student experience perspective, feedback is generally positive. Many students highlight Pitt's urban campus environment (situated in the bustling Oakland neighborhood of Pittsburgh), strong sports culture, substantial research opportunities, and robust community service and engagement. The sense of community within Pitt is often touted as a strong point—there are a myriad of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in, and the school spirit is pretty strong, particularly during football season.