<p>Helicopter mom trying to make sense of it all - DS offered great package EA from Northeastern- we are trying to decide, okay, DS is trying to decide whether to apply ED2 to RPI - which is obviously "binding". There are a few other apps out there but none are binding - this is the scary step.</p>
<p>Our initial instinct as a group is that while RPI MAY be a notch up academically with its resources so focused, it is in a PIT of a town vs amazing Boston, DS' to DD's are 3:1 (though improving), and the student body is clearly not as diverse. And while RPI offers co-op opps, no programs compare to Northeastern. All of us, including DS, understand the need for a life outside of the classroom, if an engineering curriculum even allows it. DS is very smart but also appreciates some social options. Yet, with RPI so focused - it seems we are trying to compare apples to oranges.</p>
<p>Insights appreciated - be gentle. Thanks for your help.</p>
<p>Hi helicopter mom; I understand exactly what you are saying. My son applied to RPI RD as he did not feel strongly enough about the school to get into a binding agreement. He also applied (and was accepted) EA into Northeastern"s Engineering program. He also was accepted into WPI's Engineering program but out of the 3 will most probably choose Northeastern because there are so many other things to do. He is used to being very active and involved in extracurriculars; did not feel there was enough other options at WPI or RPI . Boston is an amazing city(not sure where you are from) but your son will never be bored!! Good luck with your decision....</p>
<p>Thanks College - I also got a PM from someone who went through similar last year and decided on NEU. </p>
<p>We are doing (as a good engineering family) a decision matrix later to quantify what matters to him most and see who comes out on top - to see if it's enough for him to make that potential commitment to RPI. I am doing a great job of not letting him see how fretful I am feeling and he seems quite chill about this.</p>
<p>Of course, any questions we have cannot be answered before ED2 due date as everyone's on vaca. </p>
<p>DH and I are born and bred city people but DS is a combo - so both geographic locations have their appeals. I was just in Boston for a conference and didn't want to leave! But, I have to admit my college experience was on a big campus with a big quad and lots of frisbee. :)</p>
<p>I wish I could find the definitive engineering authority in charge of all hiring and salaries for engineers who could tell us what to do. </p>
<p>Interestingly someone told me that the amazing President of RPI (this is a rumor, okay?) might be offered a job in the Clinton admin if Hilary wins. Shirley Jackson has done incredible things for RPI. Too much info :)</p>
<p>Helimom, I certainly understand your points; I think the most important aspect is how well your son will fit into the college and how well the college will work for him. It has to be a good fit for everyone. We knew 5 minutes after stepping on NEU's campus that this would be a great place for our son. 5 minutes later he turned to us and said " I can see myself here"; it was then that we knew! From that moment it became his number 1 pick! He felt comfortable with the students that he saw on our tour and the Engineering curriculum(even though it is 5 years) was an instant draw!!
He has many friends who attend NEU and they all love it there; he doesn't know anyone personally who attends RPI to get the other perspective so he just had to go with what he knew! Good luck and Happy Holidays!</p>