StudentsReview :: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute - Extra Detail about the Comment
-or-
Search for Schools by Region
 

or within distance of city

Similar Schools
Rochester Institute of Technology -- Rochester, NY
Massachusetts Institute of Technology -- Cambridge, MA
Cornell University -- Ithaca, NY


  Who's got the Best?

Perceptual Rankings:
You Make 'Em.
We Post 'Em.
You Vote 'Em Up.
You Vote 'Em Down.
Aww yeah.


Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

How this student rated the school
Educational QualityD- Faculty AccessibilityA-
Useful SchoolworkC Excess CompetitionA
Academic SuccessA- Creativity/ InnovationB-
Individual ValueD+ University Resource UseB
Campus Aesthetics/ BeautyC+ FriendlinessC-
Campus MaintenanceD- Social LifeD+
Surrounding CityD- Extra CurricularsA-
SafetyA+
Describes the student body as:
Broken Spirit

Describes the faculty as:

Female
Super Brilliant
Lowest Rating
Educational Quality
D-
Highest Rating
Safety
A+
She cares more about Educational Quality than the average student.
Date: Jun 08 2008
Major: Other (This Major's Salary over time)
Before Reading this review, ask yourself 1) What you want out of college 2) Where you are in life 3) Where you want to work 4) How will the economy look in 4 years.

For most people the RPI environment will do more damage than good. When reading the review, try and find out if they are talking about the education or it's environment. For most people the analysis of RPI's environment results in a negative; positive when analyzing the school for it's education(not it's grading). Also look at when the reviews were written; was the review written after leaving the school in disgust, after a recent graduation, after getting a job or years latter.

If you are a positive individual who will stay in the northeast and is already well rounded then RPI will provide you with the technical knowledge & networking needed to succeed - Your type will adjust and make RPI work. If you are an "Other" then RPI is not for you.

Social life is very limited - The RPI version of the student union is very strong relative to other schools to make up for an isolated campus and the "ratio". At other schools, you are not forced to join the organizations or fraternities for a social life.

Those with geek-ish tendencies will have a hard time saying positive things about RPI, because the reality is it wasn't a positive experience for them. This is especially true after comparing the outside world to the isolated one at RPI. In the winter, this isolation is enhanced by the weather in upper-state NY, creating a very claustrophobic atmosphere. So, much so that needy social & outdoor types will transfer the next year due to the influence this has on their Psyche & grades.

Don't get me wrong, if did your own homework at RPI, you will come out with a lot of knowledge. But you wont have the social or political skills to cope in a downsizing economy. You need both knowledge and social skills. RPI does not provide a rounded education. For those individuals who came to RPI as rounded individuals, you will still be rounded when the come out and succeed. The "others" will only succeed when the economy is doing well.

RPI is an IVY school for technicians. But it is not an IVY school - If you got accepted, just look at the stats; even when I went, RPI accepted at least 50%. Don't look at RPI as a substitute IVY school - It's not. It's really very simple - If you didn't get into the IVY school of your dreams - and are not a well rounded person(you know who you are) and you don't have the money - don't think about RPI. You might end up with high payments for the next 20 years - go to a state school. However, if you are technically inclined and get a full ride - do it - it's worth it.

For those of you who are from a non-US high school and will return to your country, you will gain by attending RPI, because you will gain what you were seeking - Knowledge.

Veterans thrive at RPI. They can deal with the work load & isolation(physical & social). RPI combined with a military record makes for a very successful individual in business.

West-coasties, southerners & Midwestern types - should stay home. On a resume, RPI opens door in the Northeast and big companies. But for the rest of the country, it dosn't work ; it's not the same as an IVY, a SoCal or big 10.

Now you might think the last item on my list of questions is bizarre. But here are the facts, recruiters will always recruit from true IVY schools even in a down economy. When companies are expanding and they need technical people, RPI placement is busy place. For the last 12 years RPI placement made sure you had a starting salary. But prior to this recent expansion there was a long period of decline. I knew a few students who came to RPI as freshman, and already had a job lined up taking over the family business(they got what they needed from RPI).

College is supposed to round out your character, RPI just makes you arrogant in your knowledge. In some research & business organizations this works. If you have flaws in your character RPI will enhance them - But here's the problem - you probably don't know your own flaws in high school. However, you can probably say the same of any college in a small town - It's just the RPI environment is a little more intense in it's potential damage - you can't say its a kind or nurturing environment.

My Background: I am a techie in Texas - but not a geek, I am also an RPI legacy - I graduated with no loans - I also did not get a single need based scholarship.

Responses
commentPolytechnic institutes are working worldwide in which the technical education and skills given to students male and female both. The student in these institutes is good in bestessays review and achieves high goals in many fields of life.
Ask a Question or add a response!
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Compare RPISave RPI