<p>My daughter was accepted to both RPI and Syracuse, so going over pros and cons. Looking for some opinions.....</p>
<p>RPI overall and for engineering is ranked much better than Syracuse. But if you're looking for an all around university experience, the student body that makes up the 13 colleges at Syracuse is potentially a better place to be. Sports - Syracuse tops RPI as well (unless the definition of "sports" is "hockey"!... GO RPI!!!).</p>
<p>With "facts" (trying to be objective - really) stated so far, RPI has the edge. After all, if you want to be a Civil Engineer, makes more sense to go to RPI, right? Here's the last "factoid" that is in play - RPI has 72% male and 28% female undergrad student body. How does that come in to play?</p>
<p>Any and all opinions or comments welcomed. Looking for various points of view. Appreciate your time and "the debate".</p>
<p>RPI over Syracuse for engineering without question. However, I am a big believer in our kids being happy where they land. If they are happy, they will be engaged in every aspect of college life-academic and social. If your daughter wants the “typical” well-rounded college experience, than Syracuse it is. Has she visited RPI? Did it feel like a fit to her?Sometimes what we parents think our kids should have isn’t exactly what they want.</p>
<p>Yes, Kitty, we visited for 2 days in April. It was a cold and windy visit, and she didn’t get a good takeaway on school spirit and student activity. But she’s open minded, and is very happy to get the RPI acceptance. We’re all visiting again for 2 days end of March for the “senior” day to look at RPI with the viewpoint of an admitted student.</p>
<p>When we were there the first time, she arranged a meeting with a Civil Engineering prof. He met with us for about an hour, and went over a lot of what RPI has to offer. That was a great visit. She wants to minor in architecture, so we spent a good amount of time in that area too.</p>
<p>Decisions decisons. Another 2 weeks and all responses will be in hand.</p>
<p>She should be very proud of her great choices!Congratulations!! These are good problems to have. </p>
<p>Great idea to arrange to meet with the Civil Engineering professor on your last visit. On your next visit to RPI, make sure to ask random students about their experiences there-food, frats, clubs and organizations, weekend activities, etc. If they allow an overnight visit, that can really bring the final decision into focus. </p>
<p>Finally, if your daughter feels more comfortable in a more nerdy fun “Big Bang Theory” environment, than an engineering school will provide that in a big way.</p>
<p>Kitty,</p>
<p>Good idea - one of our son’s good HS friends has a sister who’s a freshman at RPI. He’s arranging for her to have an overnight with that student when we visit. Same goes for SU - she’ll stay with a student. Only Mom & Dad at the hotel. She has a few more schools to hear from. This will be an interesting couple of months!</p>