Ah. Yes, we know RPI and it absolutely would have been on the list if it weren’t for the mandatory Arch program. D23 is actually interested in co-op - several schools on her list feature it - but we’ve honestly heard pretty universally negative things about the way Arch has been implemented, I’m reluctant to have my D commit to it. Ultimately we decided that WPI and RIT occupied a similar niche and went that direction instead. Thank you though - those types of programs are definitely along the lines of things she’s interested in!
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My daughter is in her first year at WPI (double majoring in computer science and interactive media game design). On paper (and virtual info sessions since we’re in California), U of Rochester seemed like the perfect school for her. She’d gotten in EA to WPI but wasn’t planning to visit until we decided to visit Rochester and a couple other east coast schools she got into.
After visiting, Rochester (and Wesleyan) dropped completely off her list (thankfully since they gave very little or no merit), while WPI shot to the top (Pitt stayed up on the list and was one of my favorites). In the end, it was the vibe of students and campus that really made the difference for her. She felt she found her people at WPI (and happily still feels that way).
Your daughter sounds like an amazing kid and looks like she has a great list. Good luck!
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Baldwin Wallace? Xavier has some quirky majors. Ohio State?
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I think her list is solid. RIT offers so many unique opportunities for someone interested in tech and the arts. And WPI just has a special vibe that seems to resonate with some kids. The energy at both schools is very positive and there is a general collective feeling of wanting everyone to succeed.
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Hi, thanks for the suggestions - I’m not really familiar with Baldwin Wallace or Xavier’s offerings so I’ll have D23 check them out! Unfortunately, as @aquapt mentioned in an earlier comment, Ohio State only gives merit in the EA period and we’re too late for that, but otherwise they have some programs that look really great.
Thank you so much for weighing in with your daughter’s experience! I’m glad to hear WPI is living up to her initial impression. Her majors align what my D23 is interested in too, so it’s extra great to hear her positive feelings. We’ll see how everything shakes out over the next few months, but unless something surprising happens admissions-wise, I have a feeling WPI is going to be on the very short list. 
Thank you so much for the vote of confidence on D23’s list! What you’re saying matches up pretty much exactly with how my daughter and I both have felt about WPI and RIT in particular in terms of having positive and collaborative vibes - it’s great to hear that impression confirmed. 
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I believe WPI students can also take classes at Clark, where there is an excellent music dept.
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