Ok . my kids financial award also doesn’t mention college of engineering or major… i guess i need to reach out to clarify. Portal only says it.
What about the financial award email? Maybe it’s coming tonight.
Thanks… had to ask my kid to check his email. The email financial award letter does mention planned major of Mechanical engineering. Planning a visit soon …
1 Like
In for MechE w/ $39K “Leadership Award.” Fun fact: first cousin got exact same letter/same deal!
4 Likes
Accepted to CS with $40k award.
4 Likes
Congrats. My son is in his third year, and he has never had a problem renewing the scholarship. I think the only problem comes when kids aren’t passing classes and progressing. RPI is one of the best schools for scholarships because generally they don’t have a minimum GPA requirement (at least they didn’t when my son started). Many, many kids lose scholarships AT OTHER SCHOOLS because of 3.0 or 3.5GPA requirements. Congrats.
1 Like
Thanks… it seems RPI grading is hard and well known for it in the past. Is it still the same and the drop out rate if you are aware. Trying to decide between RPI and a couple of schools.
It’s a very rigorous school! Kids work hard, and the first year can be very eye-opening for kids who aren’t used to it (these are all smart kids who are used to getting As in STEM classes). When that happens, RPI swoops in with support. It has an 84% graduation rate, but my son doesn’t know anyone who dropped out. My son is often relieved when he’s struggling with a class – often, the profs will curve the grades at the end to give everyone a boost. When my son compares his knowledge of topics in his majors with friends who went to our state school, he’s SHOCKED at what his friends can’t do. He’d do it all again, but it has been a real academic challenge. That said, he still has time for clubs and hobbies. Good luck with your decision.
2 Likes
If any of your kids end up enrolling, there are a few really helpful FB groups for parents. I learned so much more from the parents than from the RPI website or from communication from RPI. This is true for my daughter’s school too – the FB parents group is the place to really communicate and to ask questions. You can always reach out the campus departments directly with questions…at any school.
1 Like
Thank you for the feedback.
1 Like
I should add that something like 1/3 of students make the Dean’s Honor List each semester. That means about 1/3 of the students have a 3.5GPA or better. That’s amazing. Dean's List | RPI INFO
3 Likes
DS Accepted Aerospace Engineering- I need to finish the CSS… and I just woke him from a nap to check on his phone, not sure if there is any merit in there- he has also applied for ROTC scholarships
2 Likes
Just checked and he was awarded a $34,500 leadership award and 8k grant
5 Likes
Yay. Congrats. It’s a very generous school.
1 Like
Yes… we will be visiting soon in March. Narrowed down between RPI and Pitt for my kid for Mech Eng so far. Letting go Rutgers, RIT, Penn State and a couple more safeties. It is going to be my kids comfort and liking after visiting both schools. Waitlisted on a couple and awaiting a couple more!
1 Like
My son is a sophomore and he loves it at RPI. He also sometimes hates it due to its academic rigor. We are from Texas, and he was a bit of a high school jock (and a nerd), so I was a little worried about RPI’s social scene and lack of big time college sports.
A couple of weeks ago he attended RPI’s Big Red Freakout. He said he had the best time ever at the game. Needless to say there is not much hockey where we live, but for a kid who grew attending Spurs games and traveling to UT and Texas A&M football games this was high praise for a sporting event. He has a couple of high schools friends attending Ivy League schools, and I think he loves it when RPI beats them in hockey.
At RPI he’s he’s matured both socially and intellectually. A big bonus is that he also is able to take frequent inexpensive weekend day trips to go hiking and skiing. For him, RPI has been awesome providing a platform with great academics and a great social life. He made a great choice. I’m sure you and your child will make the right choice.
We pay a little more than we would have paid for him to attend a state flagship, but not much. As Paleochick said RPI is very generous! I believe we are getting more than our money’s worth at RPI.
5 Likes
Thanks for your feedback. My kid is a bit worried about the rigor/ online negative comments for sure but RPI is his top2 out of 6 acceptances. RPI is also closer to us than PITT. Kid is a big fan of hockey being from MA so would be happy on that for sure. Hopefully we will be able to make a decision after culmination of campus visits in March. Cheers to your kid!
RPI and Pitt are my daughters top 2 right now too. Though we are still waiting for most of her RD schools. Interesting to see the same top choices. She is planning on Math/physics double, i think.
1 Like
My son’s top regular colleges are RPI, Pitt and VT. However, he received an appointment to the US Merchant Marine Academy so 99.9% sure that is where he will end up.
Congratulations on his appointment! My oldest is an EMN in the Navy and has been the best decision for him. Not the same life as his friends who went to college, but definitely a better fit for him.
1 Like