Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

RPI is an overall great experience if you make it one. RPI has a reputation for being one of the unhappiest schools in the country, but a big reason for this is that the people who go there are unhappy to begin with. A lot of people stress out too much over work, so they don't enjoy themselves. Architecture is one of the most time consuming, if not the most, and I still had plenty of time to hang out with friends, and I didn't just barely get by in classes either, right now I have a 3.5 GPA. Ok, getting off topic, the point is, is that RPI can be an awesome experience if you are willing to keep an open mind, and if you let yourself take a break from work. A lot of people *hate* Greek life, but at RPI Greek like is very different from most other schools. There are the occasional frat parties, but most of the time, it's just like a bunch of friends are hanging out together. I love being at RPI, and I wouldn't go to any other school if I was given the chance. On really great thing about the students is that none of them are really egotistical. Most people are down to earth, and the social people are really friendly. I don't really think the girls are super bitchy, that hasn't been my experience. I don't really know too many girls outside of the archie program, but all the archie girls I know are nice. I am sure there are some snotty girls at RPI, but it's all relative, I'd imagine that in most other schools there would be a higher percent of overall girls that were bitchy. Well, I guess my final thing to say, is that RPI gives presents the students with the opportunity to be social and have fun when not working, but a lot of students don't take advantage of it. The ones that do are really fun and friendly people that are eager to get others to join them.

1st Year Female -- Class 2007

Innovation: A+, Campus Aesthetics: B-

Despite what everyone might say about RPI, I like it... at least as a computer science - bioinformatics major. My primary major is computer science, so I'll talk about that. The comp-sci program here is good... if I'm not mistaken, it's the largest single major here, so that should say that. The reason why I like the comp sci program at RPI so much is because it's so flexible. You don't have to be worried about having to take a class one term because it's only offered in the spring or fall terms; almost all cs courses are offered in both the fall and spring terms. I like the environment; it's really competitive. There are programmers here (and I mean freshman) with like 5 years comp-sci background before coming to RPI.. I personally only had two. It's a great environment... I'm usually awed by my peers. The fact that RPI CS majors also make a good salary was another factor too... not to mention the number of job offers/ internships you can get as an undergrad. The school is REALLY expensive though... sometimes I can't help but feel that I'm being overcharged. I guess if I weren't a comp-sci major here, I'd hate it just as much as anyone else. And about RIBS... it DOES exist (read Aeronautical Engineering's comment). I've met girls here that freak me out becuase they are really stuck up, and treat the guys here like dirt. These girls give the other girls a bad name at RPI. Guys encountering a member of this species is usually left with a bitter taste (or at least an aftertaste) in their mouths. The social life here is pretty much moot unless you go out and look for it. There are plenty of clubs to join, but with heavy course-loads, it kinda makes it hard to get involved. Also, if you can, go to the gym. All the food here is rich (and sometimes greasy), though I will admit that we have it better than a lot of colleges. I give RPI an overall A-, but you can argue that's only because I'm a female comp sci major :-)

1st Year Female -- Class 2006

Collaboration/Competitive: A, Social Life: D+

I think RPI is a good university for the fact that they really challenge you in the classroom and you are solving 'real world' problems, not some simple, made up examples that would never apply to real life. The social life could be better because I am always so busy with homework but my overall rating is a good one. This is the first school I have gone to that has really challenged me and I thrive in challenging situations. I think the reputation of RPI speaks for itself and I would recommend it to any of my friends.

3rd Year Male -- Class 2004

Education Quality: A+, Surrounding City: F