<p>Hey guys
So I got accepted to both RPI and UCSD, and now I'm basically trying to decide between these two colleges. The problem is, even after I appealed my financial aid status, the cost of going to RPI is still way bigger than the cost of going to UCSD. And UCSD didn't accept me for the engineering majors I wanted, which puts me in a tough position, since UCSD's engineering department is impacted this year, and I'll have to transfer into engineering, which is honestly going to be tough.
So is RPI worth it? My parents want me to go to RPI, but I like the environment of UCSD (although I can't really visit RPI, so I can't make any judgements). Not to mention that going to UCSD will save me a lot of money. It's just that I'm scared I won't be able to transfer into engineering for UCSD.
Also, on an unrelated note, does anyone know how low your second semester gpa can be before RPI rescinds you? I'm taking some really tough AP classes this year, and I'm afraid I'll get 2-3 C's this semester.</p>
<p>If you are accepted, you are accepted, short of killing someone, is the response I got when checking for my son when he was a senior. If you are seriously considering RPI you may want to write them a. Rey nice note asking if they can give you any more money. I have known them to be a little flexible, and every little bit helps. </p>
Hi Ewintu,
Is it true that a student can not change to Engineering if he/she did not apply Engineering in the college application? My son applied UCSD this year as undeclared major. So, do you think my son may not be able to transfer after admission?
RPI has no disclaimer in their acceptance letter about maintaining a GPA.
RPI was not flexible with award money for my son, even though it was based solely on his SAT score in the NPC, the FA office flat out said “oh, the NPC shows both merit and loans together” which is bull based on what it says.
But to be honest, my son’s award is that listed for the Rensselaer Medal, even though he did not win it, and I’ve never heard of them giving half- or full-tuition merit. Expecting more than $15,000 per year of merit aid from RPI would not make sense.
The big difference is probably that RPI has a huge ratio of guys to girls 70%/30%, I can’t imagine it would be the same thing at UCSD.
As for UCSD not letting people transfer, there are certainly colleges that do not allow that, or at least not easily (read: parents have to pay for another year). Call them on Monday and flat out ask about an undeclared major transferring.
And you say you are accepted to both? Either you are an athlete and got an RD decision early, or you were ED2 at RPI. In that case, you really can’t quibble over a small difference, you must take RPI’s offer.
RPI was a bit flexible with both of my children who attend RPI concerning merit awards-We drafted a letter explaining our financial status-merit letters from competitive colleges were sent and we waited for a response. BTW now you’ve heard of $15,000 or more of merit aid without the medal-Both my son and daughter received it-but RPI wants girls and will pay dearly for them-also different majors then engineering-RPI is trying to portray themselves as Rensselaer-not a tech school-they want to broaden their horizons and programs-Think they would leave it as is because they are well known for what they are good at -tech-
To answer whether RPI is worth it-depends on your major and future goals-Also we you be living/working on the east or west coast? Think about it-Class size is smaller once you’re thru the requirements but the professors are tough-be ready to study-I can’t speak for UCSD-but I wish you the best of luck in your college career!
The original post was from last year, but I can answer some questions from number 2 above, and provide other info., based on info from HS class of 2012. My son changed major from what his application said before school ever started, and it was no problem. He also received more than 15K merit money. I’ve heard of up to over 30K just merit, but not often. A good thing about RPI is there is no GPA requirement to keep your scholarship. My son has been very happy there. Good luck.