I don’t know if I’d classify Fairfield University as “similar vibe to Pitt or UMass,” but it’s private, offers good merit, meets your geographic parameters and also has engineering. Might be worth a look.
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Just wanted to thank everyone for their responses and to provide an update.
It was a rough admissions cycle. Waitlisted at almost half the schools he applied to, included UMass, which we all thought was going to be a target.
In the process of deciding between RPI and University of Rochester. He seems to be going back and forth daily. Very different schools it seems.
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But both great options. Congratulations on these fine acceptances!
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Target doesn’t = sure thing. Sorry to hear - there are schools still taking apps - not that you’re looking for that but I believe you are the one concerned about aid in years 2-4. So you do have that option to find an assured to hit your budget school - assuming it’s $20K + your budget.
Best of luck to your student at either of these two great schools.
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I agree those are very different, and also that there is no bad option!
My two cents is assuming the issue isn’t decided by practical issues like cost (which would be fine), RPI is a more specific sort of school, and makes sense for kids particularly excited about that sort of school. Rochester is a more generalist sort of school, maybe less exciting for those kids, but possibly a better choice for those unsure what sort of college experience they really want.
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Sorry for the disappointments, but congrats to him on having great options. I’d have to say that if he still wants a similar vibe to UMass and Pitt, URoch probably comes closer to that than RPI does. But what kids are drawn to can shift, and they’re both great schools!
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I am seeing a few pluses for RPI. A few months back, you said that U of Rochester dropped down on his list because there approach to engineering is not as “hands on” as some other schools. In contrast, RPI is all about project based learning. In addition the Arch program gets students out into a real world internship for a semester. They do this program exceptionally well, providing a course specifically focused on getting students into a placement which fits their needs and interests. (The one draw back of this program is that it normally means spending the summer after sophomore year on campus, which means that the opportunity to work and earn money that summer is curtailed.)
The second positive about RPI is that that it matches your son’s interest in aeronautics. They offer both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in aeronautical engineering. As a mechanical engineering major, he can also take courses in aeronautical engineering, which fits his interests. A positive side of finances at RPI is that they will normally continue the undergraduate financial aid award into a fifth year for students who elect to stay at RPI to pursue a master’s. If this is an important factor for you, you should confirm this with the financial aid office at RPI.
Given that your son likes the outdoors, RPI’s location offers access to several excellent outdoor locations. First is the Mohawk-Hudson Bike/Hike Trail. This paved trail runs along the Hudson & Mohawk Rivers in nearby Colonie & Watervliet. In fact, the entire 300 miles of the Erie Canal provides a bike/hike trail along the canal all the way to Buffalo. I’ve biked part of it myself and a friend of mine spent a week cycling the entire 300 miles with a group of friends. Less well known than the Erie Canal is the Champlain Canal, connecting the waterway to Lake Champlain. There is a 6-mile stonedust canalway trail in Waterford along this canal as well. RecWell at the Mueller Center hosts paddling trios on the canal and offers information on nearby trails. Komoot provides detailed maps for running and biking in the area. The Rensselaer Outing Club is one of the largest clubs on campus, providing year round activities for its members, including hiking, caving, kayaking, biking, rafting, climbing, and skiing. Finally there is the 6 million acre Adirondack Park, the largest public park in the lower 48 states and an amazing resource to anyone who likes the outdoors. Not immediately nearby campus but close enough to be accessible for weekend trips, it’s complex of mountains, forests, lakes, and rivers offers almost unlimited outdoor adventures including the best whitewater rafting in the Northeast.
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RPI is a great school w good ROI! Alum & parent here.
Which school did he choose?
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He decided on U of Rochester. We went to an admitted student day and based on conversations with professors, students and staff, it just felt right to him. He also really loved the campus itself.
He was really impressed with the Optics program and is interested in pursuing Optical engineering with a minor in MechE and Aerospace.
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I agree the outdoor aspects of RPI are pretty strong. He would have had some excellent snowboarding and hiking options. I hope he can connect with the Rochester Outing club and spend some time exploring western NY.
He is planning on joining the sailing club which will be a totally new experience for him.
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Congratulations on your decision! Rochester is a wonderful university, extremely well resourced and with excellent faculty. It is frankly comparable to colleges that are more selective.
Rochester is not without access to outdoor activities. Obviously Lake Ontario itself provides all kinds of water opportunities. Both the Genessee River and the Erie Canal with its bike/hike canalway trail running alongside are close to campus. In addition, the Finger Lakes are accessible for water sports. The Genessee River itself runs north out of Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Mountains, eventually emptying into Lake Ontario at Rochester. Along the way, there are 14,000+ acres preserved as Letchworth State Park, also known as the GrandCanyon of the East. Once described as the most beautiful public park in America, the Genessee tumbles through the park over 36 waterfalls, 3 of them 70-100 feet. It’s an hour by car south of campus and is a wonderful place for camping and hiking.
He really didn’t have a bad choice between Rochester and RPI.
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Congrats!
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