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Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

How this student rated the school
Educational QualityA Faculty AccessibilityB+
Useful SchoolworkB+ Excess CompetitionA-
Academic SuccessA- Creativity/ InnovationA
Individual ValueB- University Resource UseB
Campus Aesthetics/ BeautyB+ FriendlinessB+
Campus MaintenanceB+ Social LifeC-
Surrounding CityF Extra CurricularsB+
SafetyB
Describes the student body as:
Friendly, Afraid, Approachable, Broken Spirit

Describes the faculty as:
Friendly

Male
ACT:31
id='quarter' class='snapshot' style='color: #009704; line-height:80px';float:left;
SAT2100
Quite Bright
Lowest Rating
Surrounding City
F
Highest Rating
Educational Quality
A
He cares more about Surrounding City than the average student.
Date: Nov 15 2006
Major: Nuclear Engineering (This Major's Salary over time)
I applied to 10 colleges during my senior year in high school, but looking back on it, I probably only would have really fit in at RPI and one other school. Since that other school waitlisted me…here I am. Although RPI has its ups and downs, I do not reget my decision to come here one bit.

The quality of the faculty and facilities is excellent from my experience (which is limited to my department). You will get a good education here no matter what. That said, there are a lot of professors who have funny accents, and a lot more TA's who couldn't teach their way out of a paper bag, let alone speak proper english. A lot of indepentent and group work is required on the part of the student, and supplemental help is available if needed.

The campus is what I would deem "pretty nice." I didn't say it was stunningly beautiful, but it is more good than not. Buildings are well maintained from what I've seen, and any repair jobs I've needed were handled in a timely fashion. Dorm rooms are nice and are adequate for living, but aren't anything to write home about.

Troy sucks. RPI (and the other colleges) is its only saving grace. There is one little section with a few pizza places and bars that everyone goes to, but that's about it. Then there's the issue of crime. I feel safe when I'm on campus, but as soon as I set foot outside its boundaries, I find that I'm constantly looking over my shoulder. Many sections are run down and dreary, while others are obvious gang hangouts. Troy isn't Compton, Cypress Hill or Camden or anything, but it certainly leaves a lot to be desired. If you can find a place to park, BRING YOUR CAR! You and your friends will want to get out of this place and do stuff after the first month!

…Assuming you have any friends that is. When I came to RPI in August, I hung out with about 25 people from my dorm. Now I'm lucky if I even see 6 of them. A lot of people lock themselves in their rooms, never to be seen in person again (online in the form of computer game characters, that's a different story). There are plenty of campus events and sports games, but they are poorly attended. RPI's main salvation when it comes to the social scene is greek life.

RPI has 30-some fraternities and soroities, and while it may not be apparent right away, they are what keep this school from becoming an absolute hellhole. I came in thinking I would never join a fraternity, but my mind changed quickly when I discovered that the fraternities here break all the stereotypes we're used to and keep the school alive in many ways. I've made far more friends through my fraternity that I would have had I stayed independent.

Then there's the infamous male/female ratio. I have to admit, this was my main concern when I applied here. While it certainly does suck at times, most of the people who complain about the ratio are the same ones who sit in their rooms playing Warcraft rather than going out and meeting the very women they wish to meet. The ratio hasn't been much of a problem for me, and I doubt it will be for any confident, upstanding gentleman.

All in all though, RPI was the right decision. This school is getting better and better with each incoming freshman class. I do not doubt for one second that RPI will be among the elite someday. It has been, is, and will always be a well respected unversity. No employer or graduate school will turn their nose up at an RPI degree, and many people wind up landing awesome jobs and making huge salaries their first year out. If you come to RPI, come with an open mind and be ready to try new things.

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Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
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