Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Top Questions

Yes, there are some things about this school that suck. The weather, for example. It's always windy, and usually rainy. If it's not raining, it's snowing. If there's no precipitation, it's always cloudy. The only time we see sun is when there's a student tour, a parent tour, or the board of trustees is coming. Seriously. The myth is that Shirley Ann Jackson has a weather machine. I don't know if that's true, but sometimes it sure seems that way.

come to rpi, its awesome. The earth and environmental science department is the best on campus, you will love it.

RPI might not be a famous Ivy League constituent (anymore), but we're making a comeback. I have never met so many ambitious people. We've got serious drive.

I cannot in good faith recommend RPI to anyone for any reason. I had an idyllic view of my undergraduate career as somewhere where I would explore myself and my interests, intellectually stimulate myself, and constantly be around interesting people. I am sure it was too optimistic, but I have visited friends at other schools, and they do seem to have what RPI does not. Enjoying RPI is incompatible with having a soul.

You know. We live in our own microcosm. When we get out in the real world, chances are we will be prepared academically. But socially, god help you. If you have already signed your matriculation letter, do not worry. You can beat all the peer pressure and control yourself. If you can conquer that, you will be stronger and more mature than your competition. In the end, that is what it comes down to. I am not sure if any other school has this many problems. If they do not, then do not come here expecting a heaven. Come here expecting to overcome a lot. Peer pressure, adversity, competition, a lot of stuff that no one can teach you. That is the mind set that you must have to truly succeed here.

The men make up 3/4 of the campus, and this makes them depressed about lack of women. This depression then gets put onto the women, who are "not attractive" or "not smart" enough. As a result, the women stop trying, and the chain continues. The male/female dynamic here is very awkward.

RPI Rocks !!!

The weather in Troy is pretty unpredictable, and even overwhelming if you're not prepared for it. In my freshman year alone we experienced a tropical storm and a blizzard (which happened during our national quarterfinal football game) within 6 weeks of each other. We've had pretty much every kind of weather you can imagine, which makes things interesting during the year. One time it even slushed - that's right, slush was actually falling from the sky! Heat indices in September can occasionally reach 100 degrees, and in the winter months wind chills can dip to -50 on very windy cold nights. For the most part, Troy is comfortable in the fall and spring, and maybe a little cold in the winter. All in all I think it’s a good experience, and it at least makes you appreciate the summer that much more.

Only go here if you get a big scholarship.

RPI can be a "take it or leave it" kind of place for many people, especially those who applied to other top engineering or science schools, but for me, RPI was the only place I wanted to be. Not only is the Electronic Media, Arts, and Communication program one of only a few in the nation (and RPI's is very distinct), but I also have a very "at home" feeling here. Most people don't get it, so I just keep mum on it and go about enjoying my time here!