Virginia Tech vs. RPI

College Search & Selection
1

<p>Interested in biomedical engineering. Accepted at Virginia Tech and RPI. Virginia Tech only offers masters program. Could use some advice. Thanks.</p>

2

<p>Virginia Tech is a lot more fun so go there! (both have about the same reputation for engineering)</p>

3

<p>I’d go to RPI. Rensselaer’s BME department is supported by one of the world’s premiere Biotechnology research centers:</p>

<p>[Center</a> for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies at Rensselaer](<a href=“Office for Research | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute”>Office for Research | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute)</p>

<p>So if you plan to do research and get a leg up on grad school the facilities are top notch. You will also find RPI’s students to be brilliant (SAT 25 - 75th percentile is 1270 -1450).</p>

4

<p>I hope those scores are based out of 1600 and not 2400 :)</p>

5

<p>^^^^</p>

<p>lol. Yes, they are out of 1600.</p>

6

<p>“Virginia Tech is a lot more fun so go there! (both have about the same reputation for engineering)” </p>

<p>RPI is far more reputable than V-Tech in nearly all fields of engineering, including biomed. These two schools aren’t even close; if the high pricetag of RPI is of no objection, then by all means, go there. I know friends who have gotten into V-Tech with 3.4’s and 1200/1600 scores. Not terrible, but these scores would never get you into RPI. THat being said, V-Tech is far more fun than RPI, which tends to have a reputation of being a geek school</p>

7

<p>VT is near Washington Dc and tied into the DoD and the major conulting firms. Bottom line-in 2010 America, you will get an engineering job with a degree from VT.</p>

8

<p>Regardless of any (seemingly) minor differences in engineering education quality, they are two very different schools. VT is definitely a very large place with the party and sports scene everyone has mentioned, whereas RPI seems to be more of an intellectual and “quirky” place. You may want to examine where you feel is best.</p>

<p>And Tech isn’t really “near” DC. Its 5 hours away, but it does have a substantial alumni base there.</p>