Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute User Reviews and Ratings
Poor services...nobody cares
By anon, From Troy, NY
This college has the worst services. Nobody in the administration seems to care about students. When you sign up for a meal plan, it takes 4 days to activate, and they just expect you to starve until then. If you are sick, you get a zero on homework and attendance and are forced to take any missing exams without allowing adequate time to prepare. The academic advising is terrible after freshman year. There is not enough housing, and when you move off campus, the living conditions in rental housing are worse than a slum. Everyone is depressed, and there is nothing to do socially except to drink. Very few professors speak English well.
What best describes you? Current Student
Activities & Social Life
Score：1
City & Setting
Score：1
Classes & Teachers
Score：1
Dining & Food
Score：1
Dorms & Housing
Score：1
Health & Safety
Score：1
Run away from RPI
By 4.0, From Troy, N.Y,
Do not waste your time and money here. All they care about is how to make more money. RPI requires everyone student to participate an ARCH program. They will compress a semester long course into one and a half month and send some very bad professors to teach you nothing. And they force you to have an away semester in order to enroll more transfer students. The school is lack of faculties. Many professors were retired, and my young professors choose to run away if they can. The school still keep enrolling more and more new students. Run away from RPI if you can.
What best describes you? Current Student
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：3
Classes & Teachers
Score：3
Dining & Food
Score：1
Dorms & Housing
Score：1
Health & Safety
Score：2
Hard yet rewarding
By S class of 2021, From Boston, MA
I am a current engineering student at RPI. The work is strenuous, intensive, difficult, but, rewarding. It teaches us to be good, hardworking engineers. What we do impacts lives and therefore we can't be lazy on our approach to learning. The name gets a foot in the door, but our work ethics are what open endless possibilities. The dorms are alright, the food in the union is good, the campus is appealing however, Troy as a whole is less. Classes are challenging yet fantastic and the key to succeeding is involving yourself in the rest of the RPI community. Greek life is a great start.
What best describes you? Current Student
Activities & Social Life
Score：4
City & Setting
Score：4
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：4
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：4
An excellent school for engineering
By Class of 21, From NY
Although I understand Dr.Jackson's tenure is controversial and the admission has tangled with students and toppled RPI's reputation, I like to study at this school where I can learn challenging and real-world technologies. Students whom I have met want to cooperate with classmates and participate in class because course materials, exam, homework, and experiment require them to do so. RPI has a bad reputation in terms of social activities; however, in my experience, there are hundreds of students' clubs, so you can join them to share your hobbies. In addition, students can meet at the student union to chat, have fun with their friends eating food. I like the union's food, but I feel like dining halls' food has to be improved. Since I live in NYC, Troy seems not to be attractive; but, in Troy, there are good restaurants and it is close to Albany. Shuttle buses transport students to some places of Troy over the weekend. I have not used their services, but I saw some students went out to Troy. My concern in Troy is that I got some reports from the safety department saying that there were racial slurs, physical assault, etc. around Troy, so I don't recommend to go out during the midnight ( I always use the shuttle bus and it does not run after 10:40 p.m.). In terms of housing, I heard that there are no enough rooms. RPI has built some new houses for students, but I think it is not enough to accommodate students. When you are about to find a room, you will be asked to answer several questionnaire in terms of music preference, emotional preference, how much you clean a room, etc. so you could have similar types(?) of friends. I am writing my personal review for those who want to attend this school. Some students do not like courses and the infamous RPI's admission. Nevertheless, school life always depends on you. I don't know how much my review helps your decision to study at this school, but I hope you will have a fabulous school life wherever you attend.
What best describes you? Current Student
Activities & Social Life
Score：4
City & Setting
Score：3
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：3
Dorms & Housing
Score：3
Health & Safety
Score：3
A Good School
By Mo Class of 2020, From NY
There is an overwhelming campus consensus that RPI sucks. Yes there are faults in the administration but as an institution RPI is a good school. Unlike most people who are voicing negative opinions, I have been to another school as an undergrad (I transferred into RPI as a junior and as of writing this review, I have one year left before I graduate). This school has many academic and career opportunities. There is some very advanced research in various STEM fields, there are major tech and big industry companies that visit campus on a regular basis, and the classes are challenging and fulfilling. There is a lack of a social life compared to a liberal arts school (I transferred from one), but you can still make a good group of friends. The faults of the administration don't really affect your life outside of Summer Arch (you have to take summer classes before your junior year). There are only two reasons not to attend RPI, the first is if you get into a better school, the second is if you have to pay a lot. Other than that Troy is an improving city, it's not great but it's not bad at all. Good bars and restaurants. If you try to be successful at RPI both academically and socially, then you will enjoy your college experience and you will be setup to have a great career. In the end that's what really matters.
What best describes you? Current Student
Activities & Social Life
Score：3
City & Setting
Score：3
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：3
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：4
Excellent Education
By Class of '11, From Houston,TX
Unless you are an exceptional student you won't be able to hack it at RPI. Admission rates are higher simply because most people that apply here are dedicated intelligent people that will constantly seek success.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：4
City & Setting
Score：3
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：4
Dorms & Housing
Score：3
Health & Safety
Score：4
Challenging Classes
By Boston Bob, From MA
My son is completing his freshman year at RPI. So far he loves the academic rigor, but he's never been one to procrastinate. The other students that he's met in his dorm, and in classes, have turned into great friends. So he's happy with his choice of school, even if neither of us care for the current administration.
What best describes you? Parent
Activities & Social Life
Score：4
City & Setting
Score：4
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：3
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：4
Great school
By Jenny, From New York City
I am currently a freshman at RPI and I love it. It is really hard, but when you get that good grade on a test it makes it all worth it. I know a lot of people complain about this school and the truth is if you don't have a good work ethic you will hate it here because on most school nights you will be working until you go to sleep. there is no "getting by" at rpi. You either work hard and thrive or you fail because you don't care and just want to party. It's true sometimes this school can break people. I know I have cried over how hard my classes are, but at least I am challenging myself. The food is okay. You get used to it pretty fast. The students are generally really nice. A big problem I have noticed is the lack of dorms for upperclassmen. It's really hard to stay on campus for all 4 years, plus it can get really expensive.
What best describes you? Current Student
Activities & Social Life
Score：4
City & Setting
Score：2
Classes & Teachers
Score：4
Dining & Food
Score：3
Dorms & Housing
Score：3
Health & Safety
Score：4
Fantastic place
By Student, From Norfolk, VA
A lot of the negative things people have to say about this school are based in nonsense and the ongoing administration drama. Someone posted the link to review RPI somewhere and a group of people decided to brigade the reviews as some sort of leverage strategy against the administration. I apologize on behalf of my classmates for this behavior. Now, onto the review. I don't have much to say at the moment, but would like to reiterate what many have already said - Academics are fantastic, social life is not necessarily lacking, they give ludicrous amounts of financial aid (RPI is cheaper for me than my in state tuition would have been at UVA), and opportunities are abundant. Troy is nice, use common sense and you'll stay safe, campus amenities are kept well. That's pretty much all there is to it.
What best describes you? Current Student
Activities & Social Life
Score：5
City & Setting
Score：5
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：3
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：4
Mainly an engineering school, not a genuine university
By Michael, Class of 2016, From Brooklyn, NY
The hope that old fashioned RPI might become "Rensselaer," thus emerging as a well rounded university has been overshadowed by serious financial difficulties. While engineering and architecture remain very strong and the sciences OK, the humanities and social sciences no longer have much to offer if you're seeking a broadly based undergrad education. Most of the best profs have moved on to other campuses and been replaced by overworked "lecturers." Major fields in the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences -- e.g., history, sociology and political science -- have essentially no solid scholarly representation in the RPI faculty. Conversation on campus is about emerging technologies and little about and wider social trends or ideas. While much of student life on campus can be lively, the City of Troy has little to offer. Great job placement for engineering majors.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：3
City & Setting
Score：1
Classes & Teachers
Score：3
Dining & Food
Score：3
Dorms & Housing
Score：3
Health & Safety
Score：4
Pretty good school
By Student, Class of 2021, From Troy, NY
From my time here so far I've enjoyed almost every minute of it. The one thing that strikes me the most about RPI is the collaborative student body and (for the most part) decent professors. If you are struggling in any class, there is ALWAYS some form of help, from the professor's office hours to mentors to the ALAC (Advising and Learning Assistance Center). I cannot stress how much you must be proactive in deciding when you need help in a class and then utilizing your resources. It's easy to be social, but to be honest it's also easy to not be social. You need to make an effort to find out/pursue your interests. I guarantee there is at least one thing on campus that you can participate in (clubs, Greek life, volunteering, jobs, tutoring, etc.) and enjoy over your time here. Make sure you focus on academics, though, because that's what you're in college for! Social activities should be something that you explore in your free time or use for relaxation - they should not take over your life. I've been able to make such a diverse group of friends here that are some of the greatest people I've met. Collaborating on anything from academics to clubs strengthens these friendships so much. In essence, RPI is not a cutthroat environment but rather an environment that encourages you to keep pushing yourself to succeed. Yes, the dining hall food isn't the best (this is usually the case for most colleges) and the first year housing is a hit or miss (make sure you do your research and look at floor plans!), but you get used to it. There's also a great gym on campus called the Mueller Center that houses a variety of equipment and health programs. Overall, I would recommend this school, but everyone has different priorities so make sure you look into what you want specifically and go with that.
What best describes you? Current Student
Activities & Social Life
Score：4
City & Setting
Score：3
Classes & Teachers
Score：4
Dining & Food
Score：3
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：4
Good education
By idk '07, From New York
Classes are tough and relevant.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：3
City & Setting
Score：3
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：5
Dorms & Housing
Score：5
Health & Safety
Score：5
Great academics but fails in every other category
By Anonymous '17, '18G, From Troy, NY
I was at RPI for 5 years getting my bachelors and masters through the co-terminal program there and graduated May 2018. The positives of the school are that the students and professors I met in my time there were mostly amazing. Sadly, that is where the pros end. Anything offered outside of the academics there is a joke. The career fairs/services and placement rates are disappointing and the Summer Arch being advertised as a co-op opportunity is really just a glorified money grab by the Institute. Many poor decisions being made by a corrupt administration which negatively impact student life and failing finances of the school. The general summary I give kids who are interested in the school: doesn't have the benefits you would expect of an expensive private school (e.g. small classrooms, administration closely tied to students, high quality facilities) like Stevens Tech, Rose Hulman, Colorado School of Mines, Case Western but also doesn't have benefits of a large school (e.g. name recognition, broad opportunities, giant career fairs) like Purdue, Georgia Tech, U of M. My ultimate recommendation is that there are many schools which offer significantly more and cost a lot less. Sadly, many of my peers and I will absolutely refuse to send our future children to our alma mater. 5 years surrounded by amazing students and teachers has been soured by terribly run administration and sparse career opportunities, I recommend you attend somewhere else. p.s. Don't consider reviews from parents of students reviewing the school, just parents trying to justify their very expensive educational investment.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：2
City & Setting
Score：3
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：1
Dorms & Housing
Score：1
Health & Safety
Score：2
Challenging Classes
By Parent of a 2022, From Boston
RPI is a great place if you are up to the academic challenge. The facilities are excellent and the teaching is superb. Yes, it is 2/3 male, but that's the nature of schools of technology (though things are changing, albeit a bit too slowly). Food in the dorms is ok, but not great.
What best describes you? Parent
Activities & Social Life
Score：4
City & Setting
Score：4
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：4
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：4
Rigorous Academics
By A Troy Local, From Troy, NY
Great academics. If you are not ready to work, this is not the school for you. There are lots of freshman this year with 1500+ SATs in the STEM majors. I personally know 3 of them. I'm acquainted with some Profs and they work to make sure you learn as opposed to just being concerned with their own research. Parts of downtown Troy were rough, but around 10 years ago it flipped. There are a few blocks that are becoming like a mini-Brooklyn, which is nice. Best farmers market in the northeast on Saturdays. In the winter they move it indoors. Finally, check out the starting salaries of RPI grads (especially CS) on any survey.
What best describes you? Other
Activities & Social Life
Score：4
City & Setting
Score：4
Classes & Teachers
Score：5
Dining & Food
Score：4
Dorms & Housing
Score：4
Health & Safety
Score：5
Overworked for little reward
By SK, Class of 2018, From Monroe, MI
The school is going into large amounts of debt, and is taking it out on the students. Prices are going up, student rights are being taken away, and quality of life is declining. The coursework is overly intense, and as a result student GPAs are much lower than comparable schools, making the job search tougher. Go to another school, I know I would have given the chance again.
What best describes you? Alumni
Activities & Social Life
Score：3
City & Setting
Score：2
Classes & Teachers
Score：1
Dining & Food
Score：3
Dorms & Housing
Score：2
Health & Safety
Score：4
Engineering School Falling Appart
By JD, From Troy NY
The experienced and talented professors at RPI are leaving rapidly, the school is stagnant in educational methodology, the student body is constantly protesting poor administrative decisions, the price is sky rocketing as they struggle with debt, and the ratings are slowly catching up with them.
What best describes you? Faculty/administrator/employee
Activities & Social Life
Score：2
City & Setting
Score：2
Classes & Teachers
Score：2
Dining & Food
Score：1
Dorms & Housing
Score：2
Health & Safety
Score：2
