If you've looked into RPI as your prospective university you know of its academic merit but that merit is tied to the expectation of your academic dedication and excellence. The professors will expect a lot from you but if you put in the effort they will do the same. At times it may seem impossible but don't fall behind, master your studying habits, acknowledge what is the best way you learn and do it. The course work is intense, there is no denying it but it is possible. Make a friend in each class that way you have someone to talk to if you need help. Take advantage of all the resources RPI has to offer (ALAC, Office Hours, your TA's and LA's, if you don't get the abbreviations now you'll get them when you get here. We abbreviate almost everything.). The people here will help you but only if you do your part.
Do you enjoy the experience at your school?
I attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, Home of the Engineers and Puckman. I went to every one of our Division 1 Hockey team’s home games and several of our Division 3 Men’s Soccer Games, including the semifinals at Union College. I have learned the Alma Mater by heart and proudly sung it at every game’s halftime. I proudly wear my red and white and spent several afternoons studying out on different lawns on campus surrounded by the changing trees in the fall, the snow in the winter and the blooming flowers in the spring. But most of all I’ve made real connections with both my peers and my professors that will only continue to flourish fueled by mutual positive energy. And to think that when I completed my application I was just filling it out cause it only had one essay.
Do you feel you’re getting value for the money you’re spending on college?
I know RPI is expensive. It is a hard blow to your pockets but the name of this university is widespread in the engineering, architecture, and business fields. A degree from RPI is a great investment in your future. While you're here you have the full university at your disposal. Every resource available to the university is available to you. The entire campus is your study room. The connections available through RPI are your connections to utilize. There is so much to do once you get here since you made it here. Plus RPI is great with financial aid. The employees at the financial aid office really do try to do the best they can to help you and academic success is compensated.
Do you have any tips for prospective students?
What I didn't know the spring of my senior year was that I wasn't just picking a university to spend a decent-sized chunk of my life at. No, I was doing much more than that. I was picking an Alma Mater to make my own, a mascot to represent me, a color scheme to dictate my wardrobe, a group of peers to call friends, and a campus and staff to be my pride and my home. If you're looking to RPI as your prospective university, prepare yourself. The academics get more like an Olympic event with each semester, be prepared to learn and study. The workload seems to never end or even diminish, it actually piles on with every week, be prepared to master time management. The weather can get as severe as over a foot of snow, or a week of rain but it can also be a beautiful sunny day with everyone outdoors playing volleyball, barbecues, and study groups on the lawns, be prepared for all weather(believe me I'm from south Florida, the first winter was harsh). But also be prepared to be social, to put yourself out there a little even if it's a bit out of your comfort zone. There are a lot of great people here but some are just too shy to approach you, get involved with groups that share your interests, meet the people on your floor, go to the activities fair and you won't regret the fun people you'll meet. College is what you make it no matter where you go.
Which types of students will excel at your college?
RPI is great for the student who is ready to learn, is determined and self-motivated. For the student that doesn't settle for average and only strives for excellence. The student, who has his /her eyes on the prize, will not allow anything to veer them from that goal and that doesn’t need a sunny day to keep them out of a glum. The student, who is willing to put in the work to excel in the long-term. The student that is ready to achieve and to thrive. The student that is anxious to make a difference. The student who when faced with a problem confronts it with Why not change the world?
If you've looked into RPI as your prospective university you know of its academic merit but that merit is tied to the expectation of your academic dedication and excellence. The professors will expect a lot from you but if you put in the effort they will do the same. At times it may seem impossible but don't fall behind, master your studying habits, acknowledge what is the best way you learn and do it. The course work is intense, there is no denying it but it is possible. Make a friend in each class that way you have someone to talk to if you need help. Take advantage of all the resources RPI has to offer (ALAC, Office Hours, your TA's and LA's, if you don't get the abbreviations now you'll get them when you get here. We abbreviate almost everything.). The people here will help you but only if you do your part.
I attend Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, Home of the Engineers and Puckman. I went to every one of our Division 1 Hockey team’s home games and several of our Division 3 Men’s Soccer Games, including the semifinals at Union College. I have learned the Alma Mater by heart and proudly sung it at every game’s halftime. I proudly wear my red and white and spent several afternoons studying out on different lawns on campus surrounded by the changing trees in the fall, the snow in the winter and the blooming flowers in the spring. But most of all I’ve made real connections with both my peers and my professors that will only continue to flourish fueled by mutual positive energy. And to think that when I completed my application I was just filling it out cause it only had one essay.
I know RPI is expensive. It is a hard blow to your pockets but the name of this university is widespread in the engineering, architecture, and business fields. A degree from RPI is a great investment in your future. While you're here you have the full university at your disposal. Every resource available to the university is available to you. The entire campus is your study room. The connections available through RPI are your connections to utilize. There is so much to do once you get here since you made it here. Plus RPI is great with financial aid. The employees at the financial aid office really do try to do the best they can to help you and academic success is compensated.
What I didn't know the spring of my senior year was that I wasn't just picking a university to spend a decent-sized chunk of my life at. No, I was doing much more than that. I was picking an Alma Mater to make my own, a mascot to represent me, a color scheme to dictate my wardrobe, a group of peers to call friends, and a campus and staff to be my pride and my home. If you're looking to RPI as your prospective university, prepare yourself. The academics get more like an Olympic event with each semester, be prepared to learn and study. The workload seems to never end or even diminish, it actually piles on with every week, be prepared to master time management. The weather can get as severe as over a foot of snow, or a week of rain but it can also be a beautiful sunny day with everyone outdoors playing volleyball, barbecues, and study groups on the lawns, be prepared for all weather(believe me I'm from south Florida, the first winter was harsh). But also be prepared to be social, to put yourself out there a little even if it's a bit out of your comfort zone. There are a lot of great people here but some are just too shy to approach you, get involved with groups that share your interests, meet the people on your floor, go to the activities fair and you won't regret the fun people you'll meet. College is what you make it no matter where you go.
RPI is great for the student who is ready to learn, is determined and self-motivated. For the student that doesn't settle for average and only strives for excellence. The student, who has his /her eyes on the prize, will not allow anything to veer them from that goal and that doesn’t need a sunny day to keep them out of a glum. The student, who is willing to put in the work to excel in the long-term. The student that is ready to achieve and to thrive. The student that is anxious to make a difference. The student who when faced with a problem confronts it with Why not change the world?