My son is having a difficult time choosing between RIT and RPI for Game Design. Initially, he thought he would go to
WPI since it’s close to home, but he ended up being waitlisted. RIT is consistently high on lists as one of the best schools for that major and of course RPI has its amazing reputation as a draw. RPI academics seem daunting though and he already obsesses about studying. I’m concerned that he won’t have a healthy college experience. RIT seems a little bit more fun and I kind of want that for him. Any opinions about either of the schools for Game Design?
My son was accepted to all three schools two years ago (also USC where he is now). I loved both the RIT and WPI game design programs although they are very different. RIT requires co-ops which may or may not be your sons cup of tea. RIT has strong relationships with Microsoft and other publishers and build a new Game design buildings recently. I liked the project centric nature of WPI and thought my son would fit better at WPI. RIT is currently ranked higher than WPI for Game Design.
Is your son more interested in Game Design or Game programming? I had concerns about RPIs program just because it felt like it wasn’t as complete as the other two schools.
Most sites rank RIT a few spots higher than RPI for Game Design, but they’re quite close.
If I was more interested in the art side of Game Design, I’d probably choose RIT - RPI isn’t very art oriented. For Game Programming (engine development, etc.) I’d choose RPI as its strong in CS. Yes, the academics are tough (my D is a freshman there), but there is still time and opportunity to enjoy things besides studying (lots of clubs). But overall, RIT might be a bit more relaxed.
He’s very artistic, but I think he wants to learn all aspects of it, the programming, art and design. I agree about WPI, the project focus is great. He was disappointed to not get in. This was after he applied EA. He was rolled into RD and then waitlisted. Ultimately, I just want him to be happy. From reviews, it seems like the kids at RIT are little happier than RPI, but I’m not sure.
RPI is a small version of MIT. The workload is very heavy, and it is a science nerd culture big time. As to the art thing, recently RPI initiated a program that links the arts to computer science stuff…the details elude me at the moment, but it deserves research. Perhaps visiting during admit students weekend would help. In terms of overall reputation/formidability, RPI hands down.