<p>I'm trying to choose between RPI and RIT, and I'm leaning more towards RPI at the moment since everything I've heard about the academics indicates that it's significantly better than RIT.</p>
<p>My main concern is that a significant percentage of the reviews I've seen on other sites indicate that it's not a very safe place to be, that the social situation is horrible, and/or that the teachers/administration don't care about students. Is this at all the case, or is it just a vocal minority writing these reviews? Should I be at all worried about these things? (Responses from current/former students would be greatly appreciated.)</p>
<p>I would say it is a vocal minority. My daughter attends RPI and has never feared for her safety at RPI, and in fact really likes the school. The majority of her teachers are quite caring and involved. She is a girl, so the male/female ratio works in her favor, but overall always has something to do on the weekends. The greek system is alive and well and provides a social outlet, if that is what you choose. College is what you make it, so if you want to be social, there are plenty of opportunities to do so.</p>
<p>^ Thanks. Out of curiosity, how essential would the greek system be if I wanted some sort of a decent social life?</p>
<p>Other unrelated question: I’ve heard that RPI’s programs are more high-level and theoretical (for grad school preparation?) while RIT’s are more practical and intended to get you ready for the workplace. How much truth is there in that, and are there any consequences of it that wouldn’t be obvious?</p>
<p>All the Greek parties are registered, so you either have you be Greek or know people in a lot of the fraternities.</p>
<p>Or you can find a social life outside of Greek parties. Either one.</p>
<p>A high-level approach helps you stay up-to-date through a career that may last for several decades. That’s one way of describing “better academics”. Sometimes, when students ask for practical material, it really means they want less math and less theory. However, you will have to learn new practical material throughout your career. </p>
<p>If you want preparation for industry, co-op assignments are a great idea and both schools have them.</p>
<p>My daughter joined a sorority, which basically gives her an invite to every frat party. She has several male friends, some of whom joined frats, and others that did not. Those that did not, still get invited to the frat parties as they are friends with the freshman brothers, So if you have a wide circle of friends, and choose not to go greek, there is still a social life.</p>
<p>Quote: If you want preparation for industry, co-op assignments are a great idea and both schools have them. </p>
<p>Are the coop opportunities better at RPI or at Stevens Institute of Technology? Would there be an advantage in doing more than one coop?</p>
<p>If you want to party, you have to
a) join a frat
b) make friends with people in frats, or
c) make friends with people who are friends with people in frats
honestly, it’s not that difficult. I’m a freshman girl here and I get my guy friends into parties all the time. If you want to party, you can.</p>
<p>About the safety thing: RPI is separated from downtown Troy, it’s up on the hill and I’ve never had any trouble on RPI campus. You might have some trouble if you decide to go into downtown Troy alone at 11pm, but…just don’t do that and you’ll be fine.</p>