Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute may be 200 years old, but RPI always focuses on new technologies and tools to address large-scale global issues across an entire range of disciplines and perspectives. Enrollees note how this is integrated into their education, with engineering programs all including "mandatory project-based courses in each program [so students can] practice working on their teamwork and communication," and Humanities, Arts, and Social Science classes having "a STEM component intertwined." Other celebrated mainstays at RPI are its "rigorous classes and fair expectations" and "comfortable learning environment," as well as the ways in which classes are scheduled in timeand location-based clusters, so as to create smaller communities and frameworks for support and leadership. There are "some truly great resources" available to undergrads, including more than 30 research centers and over 700 labs, studios, and technology spaces on campus, as well as "plenty of opportunities for tutoring and meeting new students." In accordance with its "outstanding return on investment" and placement rate in grad schools, there is also a post-graduate development series that "helps students work toward achieving their desired career through interview preparation and other general professional skills."

Professors at RPI "are constantly looking for applications and real examples of the concepts we learn, such as companies or inventions," and "present the material in clear and convincing ways." They are "beyond accessible and willing to sit with you for hours to help in their office" and "devoted to giving the best education they can and [facilitating] meaningful discussions in the classroom." Hands-on experience is highly valued, such that "a lot of professors will encourage mini field trips to see engineering principles in action" and "very few 'lecture' classes are truly lecture classes."

Despite the workload, there is a kind of united front and "fun camaraderie that comes from everyone having really hard classes," with everyone here "constantly collaborating and helping each other study." RPI is a STEM school, so "most students are mathand science-oriented, but pretty much everyone has interests outside of their major," and there is "a good mix of overachievers...and relaxed students just trying to graduate with a decent GPA." Students know what they're getting into at RPI-"There is a general understanding that this school is very hard and everyone is just a little worn down all of the time." But it's a decision most make with a clear and eager heart, for the environment is known to be "nerdy with the best of people," so much so that it has a distinct culture and vocabulary.

RPI has more than 200 clubs and organizations, including affiliations for the careerminded as well as "niche clubs for various interests [like] a Cheese Club." Though studying takes up most of the time, the school is an hour or less "from any imaginable outdoor activity possible, [including] rock climbing, kayaking, hiking, skiing, [and] mountain biking." There is also an "extremely big gaming community at RPI," and "Greek life is very strong" as well. Intramural sports are common ways to blow off steam, and "hockey and football games are highly attended."

First-years live with each other on campus, while juniors and seniors have the option of living off-campus. Clubs "are always hosting social events, from ice-cream socials to winter carnivals to musical performances and competitions," and while most students "would rather stay on campus and support one another than leave to find something to do elsewhere," many do pop over to Troy or Albany to explore bars, restaurants, and larger cultural institutions. The campus has plenty of spaces for study and hanging out, and "people can be found in every nook and cranny of campus from dawn to sunset."

RPI is all about ensuring every student gets legitimate experience in his or her field of study as soon as possible, and looks to “equip each student with the skills needed to be a valuable member of any research team or company.” The focus on problem-solving and “opportunities to be involved in hands-on research” are just two of the ways the school accomplishes this, and “the research buildings are amazing.” The RPI name has a great reputation with science and tech employers, and many take part in co-ops throughout the academic year. The Center for Career and Professional Development maintains JobLink, an online job recruiting and posting system, offers career programming tailored to your class year, and hosts a Spring Career Fair. Fifty-one percent of the RPI graduates who visited PayScale.com reported feeling that their jobs had a high level of meaningful impact on the world, and brought in a median starting salary of $72,600.