Many have described floundering through the tough academics and the lacking social scene.  I cannot disagree for I did that myself until I realized that you can't fault Rensselaer.  Rensselaer teaches you to control your destiny.  Social life isn't handed to you—you create it.  There are plenty of small parties with friends, and then there's always the weekly frat parties flowing with free beer.  With the Adirondacks just north and plenty of neighboring colleges in the area, there actually is plenty to do if you have imagination and an engaging personality.

In regards to the education, there is no question I got a top-notch education.  Classes are very challenging.

Although I may have had more fun at another institution, I attribute my growth as a person and calm/confident personality in meeting each and every days problems to this very challenging school.

As for post-graduate success, the door is wide open to move on to great jobs or graduate positions.  Most of my friends have left there engineering degrees and moved into medicine or self-employment and are doing quite well.