RIT vs WPI?

College Search & Lists
21

@lilturtle123 By underwhelming I meant that the campus has a very institutional feel to me. Most of the buildings look the same (with the exception of the Magic building). I don’t see that they have a video tour on their website but perhaps they will send one out so that students who can’t visit can get a better feel. Also look at Google maps and see what is in the surrounding area: quite a bit of open space, then a couple of car dealers, an Olive Garden, a Panera, that sort of thing. Rochester does have character but is a drive away. My son is looking for a fun walkable area with character and RIT definitely is not that. That said, I went to Rice U in the late 80s/early 90s and at that time there really wasn’t much nearby either. We had a great time on campus nevertheless. I’m sure RIT has a thriving student culture with clubs and such and students do seem to really like it. It was actually their Spring Break when we were there and while there were several students around, we didn’t get as much of a sense of that as at WPI.

WPI to me just had a warmer more historic feel but also a contemporary engineering vibe. It’s in a more walkable area with independent rather than chain businesses and a park nearby. As with RIT I think there is a club for any interest and there are fraternities/sororities if you want that. I think the male female ratio is about 60/40 just fyi.

I would suggest looking at as many videos as you can on the websites and Youtube. Also check out Niche, Princeton Review, etc. if you haven’t already and see what sounds more like you. Whichever you choose, I’m sure you will love it once you get there and won’t look back. I chose Rice years ago without visiting first and it turned out fine.

22

Is it correct that student at WPI will have 12 courses a year vs. 8 (4 in each semester) in most of other schools. There will be 3 courses in each term so 12 in total. Would WPI students be at a disadvantage because of that?

23

@Hortenzija - Yes, WPI has a quarter system, where students typically take 3 courses in approx. 7 weeks. It’s an intense “deep dive”; however, it’s not necessarily an arduous grind. Indeed, it’s quite manageable. That being said, my freshmen D took chemistry classes in two successive terms and the requisite labs associated with them, and she felt at times that the labs warranted their own designation as a separate class (lots of time devoted in and outside of lab). Through March, she has accrued 9 full courses before the pivot to online learning in this 4th and final quarter of the year. If anything, IMHO the 12 courses per year put the WPI student at a competitive advantage for summer employment/research opportunities because of this depth and breath approach to the curriculum. The emphasis on experiential learning has been awesome.

24

Another vote for WPI. It has come a long way, and is now considered a competitor to Renssalaer by many. RIT is not in that league. RIT focuses less on the intellectual vibe, and is a large institution with little in the way of character or individualized attention. WPI is likely to open more doors in the years to come.