<p>We were at RPI this past weekend. We really liked it. We couldn’t make it in time on Thursday for the official tours and walked around ourselves but we made it to an information session the next day. I think the message that students will not fall through cracks is clear. Sounds like all students get to know their professors. I went to a very very large university with good rankings but if you don’t make the connections then it’s tougher to move ahead. I think making connections is very possible at RPI. I got the impression that all students can do research starting in their freshman year - this is not possible at most other colleges until your junior year.</p>
<p>We will be visiting GT at the end of March and we will let you know what we thought.</p>
<p>As far as the finances go, yes RPI is expensive and funds will be influencing our decision too. My D did get a private scholarship specific for RPI (not affiliated with the school) for $30K/year and today we find out if she is a Finalist for the President’s Scholar at GT. So we will see. She was invited to an all expense paid few days at U of Michigan this weekend - pieces of the puzzle are falling into place.</p>
<p>However, she really really liked RPI and the potential that’s available to not just a few but to all its students. If you are into innovative reseasrch - RPI is great.</p>