In my posts I often suggest checking out my priors as they speak to consistency of thought. Some object to that concept, basically, because, IMHO, if you check theirs you would discover some interesting patterns.
I will do my best to refrain from two topics here. 1-ARCH; 2-Shirley. Both are covered in depth on other threads and on REDDIT. We knew about ARCH going in. This RPI approach to a co-op type experience while not ideal was not a deal breaker. It’s new, not perfect, few things are in the beginning. It was on our plus / minus analysis. A minus when compared to some more mature co-op plans. In the end, every school we considered, visited, and accepted too, had something(s), and on balance, ARCH was not a deal breaker. Neither were the issues of Shirley’s leadership. I’m not going to deny there are valid things to consider, but again, on balance, not a deal breaker. Those drawn to this forum are likely considering a great group of colleges. Congratulations ! Select with care.
At any rate, RPI: my student is in their sophomore year, dual major computer systems engineering / computer science. Doing well and loving the place. The curriculum and classes are tough. You are with students at about the same level +/-. Almost everyone had a high SAT / ACT; AP scores of 4 & 5s; honor society; high CUM; extras; etc. This is not high school with a wide range of talent. The good news is, so far, while challenging and competitive, students do help each other, professors are available, and the tutoring center is a great resource (don’t wait until the last minute as it can be crowded at times). The TAs are hit or miss.
The campus is beautiful. A mix of old and new, spread out on a large campus with great update NY views. Downtown Troy is not the Troy of 20 years ago. Safe if like any urban area you are alert. Great restaurants and shops. Everyone is nice. Farmers Market a plus. Greater Albany and Lathem 10 minutes away. Dorms, on par with other schools. It’s a dorm. Food service also on par or better. Best eats are the union where you can use flex. Social, well, my student has a great circle of friends. Not involved with frat life, so maybe better there. It would be better if there maybe was more interaction between majors especially with the business and architecture students. The problem is the workload makes it hard. This is a serious place. If you look at the curriculum you will see limited classes where there is crossover, and some of those the students have AP’s out.
Please ask your questions and I will try to reply. I have made a few ‘friends’ here who may hate on and ■■■■■ me. I’m going to do my best to stay constructive and behave.