RPI worth the debt?

worriedmom13
Thu, 26 Aug 2010 20:35:40 +0000

Thank you for all your comments. One last comment that jumps to mind after reading these posts, the kids there are amazing. I was so impressed with how NICE they are to each other - and parents. We were lost on many occasions (there really ought to be a law that no two buildings can look alike - the freshman 5 dorms are identical and confusing) yet every time we had to approach another student the response and effort to assist was impressive. One faculty member told me what a supportive environment it is - not just the instructors but the other kids. We stopped in to interrogate the public safety personnel about crime and safety and even THEY were great and could not help but comment how great the kids are to each other. RPI knows how to foster that environment/community. Students present as very supportive of each other and differences are tolerated/accepted/celebrated - not scorned and ridiculed. I was also impressed with the parents at the orientations. As with their kids, the parents are down to earth, serious, no frills, intelligent friendly people. RPI acts to foster that as well - as mentioned above - the orientation for the parents was impressive. Parents had to eat “family style” at tables with other out of towners and the conversations were facilitated.

Everyone from the admissions personnel to the residential staff, to the Freshman Year Experience staff, to the instructors, the RA, and virtually everyone I have met at RPI take the time to respond meaningfully, always seeking to help, and all issues are resolved promptly - in some cases within a couple of hours. They also are not hesitant to politely and appropriately provide valuable guidance and advice on knowing when to back off and let the kids handle it themselves. I find myself feeling very confident to rely on their sound judgment.

Again, a class act all the way. We may not be eating out as much and have to cut back, but my investment is well placed.