Rina Zhang
Why you chose Pitt
When I was deciding where to go to college, I considered a wide range of schools. My options included small liberal arts colleges and large public universities, and different aspects of each school appealed to me. At Pitt, I felt that I could have the best of both worlds. While visiting and talking with Swanson students, I saw that I would be joining a close-knit but diverse community. In addition, there are so many opportunities and activities to explore on an urban campus that isn’t overly large. I knew that if I chose Pitt, I couldn’t go wrong.
Advice to First Year Engineering Student:
As a freshman, it’s easy to become overwhelmed during the transition to college. You’ll be meeting so many new people, taking challenging courses, figuring out the campus- I think it’s important to pace yourself. Don’t stress out if you have trouble keeping up, ask for help because Pitt’s staff and faculty are always willing to lend a helping hand or give advice. Remember that everyone around you is struggling with the same challenges; you are not alone.
Extracurricular involvement and or Future Goals:
My freshman year, I participated in undergraduate research and had the opportunity to design a cryogenic cooling system for treating steels. I also wrote for The Pitt News.
I plan to participate in co-op and study abroad. I’m working towards a Spanish minor, so I would love to study abroad in a Spanish-speaking country. After I graduate, I hope to attend law school.
Hometown: Worcester, PA
High School: Methacton High School