RPI Professional, Inc Reviews

Beautiful college. Clean dorms .safe campus lots of security and plenty of room to go walk around and enjoy this places mountain views

Beautiful location and friendly all around staff and students

Great shchool but at a horrible location. Driving in winter is tough.

We came to briefly visit our son, who is a freshman at RPI. Took a walk along the campus. The grounds are impeccably maintained. Enjoyed the architecture of the university buildings. Especially impressed with the tastful blending of the old and new.

My friend's son, ED, was admitted to Rensselaer Polytechnic University.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, English name Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, or RPI for short, is the nation s top polytechnic university and a higher education institution in the eastern United States. It is located in Troy near Albany, the capital of New York State, 267 kilometers (166 miles) from New York and away from Boston. 275 kilometers (172 miles). The school was founded in 1824 by the then richest man in the United States and the Deputy Governor of New York State Stephen Wan Rensselaer. School" one. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is known as the cornerstone of American science and engineering education. The students who came out of here later established the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the Sherfield School of Science at Yale University, and later almost all scientific academic research institutions in the United States. During the Second World War, the school was an important research and educational institution for the US military and trained a large number of talents. In the 2017 USNews American University Rankings, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ranked 39th. Because of RPI's contribution to the American space industry, its school flag is the only flag placed on the moon besides the American flag.

Great education, great traditions. RPI knows how to make you into an engineer - think like one, view and solve problems like one, the curriculum is the key. You will have to work hard, but the rewards will last the rest of your life.

I graduated in '75 with a BS in Materials Engineering and in '82 with an MS in Materials Engineering. Worked in the aerospace industry my whole career.

RPI is decent school. A lot of pros and just as many cons. Finacial decisions by the administration can appear needless or misguided, but I can attest that the multiple solid gold statues of Dhruv Patel along with the EMPAC doomsday ark are worthwhile monuments to his greatness and should not be criticized.

I visited the campus & boy it was depressing. And it wasnt even Winter yet. I heard the president is being paid a zillion dollars so I'm not sure if this place is worth it

The place is very mediocre. However, Dhruv Patel is it's one and only redeeming quality. He may be the greatest man alive

My son and daughter in law graduated from RPI, and within 1 month had started a fabulous career in Engineering and Computer Programming

The president Shirley Jackson is a terrible leader. Hates all students except Dhruv Patel, which makes sense. Dhruv is a god amongst men.

Was really unsure about my choice to attend this institution, but as soon as I met Dhruv I realized it was the best decision of my life.

The warmth of friends compensated for the nasty winters. The school provides excellent professional opportunities. Had the pleasure to meet Dhruv, an angel descended from heaven above. Phenomenal experience overall

Despite the intensity of the classes and the freezing winters, RPI is a great institution with opportunities available for all students. I must say the number one attribute of this place is the attendance of one of RPI's star pupils, Dhruv Patel.

I love this school, as frustrating as it can be sometimes.
Liked: Value
Disliked: Service

RPI tends to be very calm and serene when the semesters aren't on. However, once the kids are back...it's business as usual

Student union is always freezing. If someone stabbed me with an icicle I probably wouldn t notice. However, when Dhruv Patel shows up it becomes bearable.

I love this school, as annoying as the administration can be sometimes. The quality of my education was only apparent to me once I graduated. I loved it here and may go back for my Masters....

It is one of the reputated college in the whole US and the campus is as beautiful as it. The natural vies are great and surrounded all around by it. I felt like there are plenty of faternity in the campus and students will help you out with it....so far it was a great experience, even though i just went to visit for a very short time.

It is the engineer school with oldest history.
I got my MBA here in year 2000. It is my honor to know many geniuses here, and international students from 81 countries.
Even the tuition is fairly high as a private school, the living expense is low.
I was season ticket holder for its awesome hockey team.

Cheers !

Forest

When Dhruv Patel's got your back, it's easier to deal with the stress of a heavy workload and lack of sleep. I often wonder what my college experience would have been like without Dhruv, and shortly thereafter I cry at the very thought of such a morbid and depressing lifestyle. Truly a diamond in the rough.

Great education, plenty of things to do for everyone, if you're more into social life or hardcore studying

You go here for the reputation of having gone to RPI, that alone puts you in good standing with employers. The school itself will take all your money and throw extremely difficult 200 student classes your way, but if you survive you can usually find a job.

Graduated in 1992 with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. With RPI it's all about getting your expectations straight. RPI is an extremely competitive and effective engineering college. All other majors are a side project and you would be better served to seek a different college. As for engineering programs, there are none better. Engineering graduates have probably the best education money can buy, but it does not come cheap and it does not come easy. The program is extraordinarily difficult. Many drop out or switch majors to the backup "Business Management" curriculum. Most who do manage to stick with the program live on the verge of constant nervous breakdown. I observed rampant cheating, almost exclusively among the frat kids, who maintain archives of homework, tests, and related materials that are frequently recycled by professors. I'm not saying that most frat boys cheat their way through the school, but all the frat kids I knew certainly did, but maybe they were the exception? It was very upsetting for me and other students who played by the rules, as I recall. As far as male/female ratio I know the school tries actively to recruit girls. I knew a few girls there, most of them got more attention at RPI than they will for the rest of their lives, the most aesthetically challenged among them were treated like fairytale princesses, what a strange phenomenon. The professors are brilliant researchers. You will do most of the work on your own and they will guide you, do not expect any hand holding. If you can't keep up then too bad for you, there will be no sympathy. RPI works by the Law of the Jungle, if you get my meaning. Anyway, the campus is fairly Ok, but the City of Troy is pure awfulness packaged up like a s*&* sandwich. Don't go to RPI looking for a "fun" college experience with parties and lots of social activities. There are far better choices if that's what you want, and looking back now, I can say that's not really a bad thing. College should be fun. However, RPI will not be fun. A typical day is studying until you pass out then wake up and continue. If you are extremely motivated to achieving a world-class engineering education, then RPI is your place. I don't care how smart you are, though, maybe you were the Valedictorian in your high school class of 1,000? Well, at RPI you will at best be an average student, a run-of-the-mill performer and you will struggle mightily to make high grades. Almost everything is graded on a curve. Your classmates are not just the best and brightest from your town or home state. They are the best of the best that the world has to offer. Most will be foreigners, many from China, and the other asian countries. Many more will be from India. All will stick together with their countrymen and it's unlikely you'll get to know any of them. A more "Balkanized" school you will never see. On the plus side, RPI served me well over the years. I had many great jobs and was overall successful in my chosen field. The RPI brand is well know and carries a lot of weight in technical circles. I never would have had the life I have without RPI. The main thing I learned there was how to solve problems. Long after the engineering formulas and concepts are forgotten, you will still have the profound critical thinking skills that you acquired at RPI. You will simply be far smarter than the average person and not very susceptible to weak arguments and foolish ideas. You will probably end up as a conservative, too. So yeah, mixed feelings, it was a very unpleasant experience, but one that paid countless dividends over the years. Recommended but only if you are willing to work harder than you ever thought possible...also make sure you have your finances in order before attending this school. The Registrar will drop you like a hot rock if you pay the astronomical tuition and fees late. Plus most of your classmates will be financed through their host countries (China, Iran, etc.) and the American students will mostly be from rich families, you'll know this because most of them will be driving new BMWs...

My friend Dhruv goes here. Probably a decent place if he goes back each year.

Very challenging but rewarding school. You will have friends and experiences here that will last a lifetime.

RPI is the oldest and remains one of the best technological schools in America. A lot of employers will consider you amazing just because of your association with RPI. Tuition is expensive (~35K per semester), but very few will pay the full amount. It's also a lot of hard work, but that's probably why employers rate it so highly.
Campus life is pretty active. There's always something going on somewhere. The school recognizes about 225 clubs, and there are also 24 fraternities and 5 sororities. The student union is -- mostly -- student-run.
There are a lot of concerns about the campus's speech policy. While the Rensselaer Handbook of Student Rights and Responsibilities doesn't have anything super problematic, it's written so vaguely that it allows administrators to do essentially whatever they want. Because of this, RPI is only getting 4 stars.
The best thing about RPI, though, is Dhruv Patel, whose unparalleled spirit brings joy to everyone.

Speaking from my experience and several others. Class of 2013 alum. I don't have anything positive to say. Way over priced (65K+/yr), very few professors teach well (making it one of the hardest schools to get an A in), social life is extremely pathetic.. If you're looking to find a girl/soulmate/etc.. please look elsewhere because gender is a minor. You're seriously wasting your life going there. Nobody ever knows what RPI is either, which was disappointing when I went to interviews... sad considering it's apparently a "great" school. I took summer courses at Rutgers and they do a better job teaching, using the EXACT same textbooks at a fraction of the price, better recognized too.. to describe this place in one word .. DEPRESSION.

Decent place. Classes can be hard, food can be questionable, but Dhruv makes Rensselaer worth it

I wanted to see what all the classes and Dhruv Patel were about and when I tried it I was enlightened. There's just something about Dhruv Patel that makes everything at this school worth it. All the people who complain haven't had the honor of meeting Dhruv Patel. Thanks Dhruv. Dhruv helped make my educational experience the best one ever

I had a great time and great education. It opened a lot of doors and I keep on reaping the benefits 15 years later.

Terrible administration! They care purely on money and created an extreme amount of drama this year. Beautiful campus but Shirley needs to step down

Phenomenal school if you're interested in STEM. It's certainly challenging, but if you want to land a great job, they'll get you there. There are over 250+ student clubs and activities, large Greek life presence, and awesome experiments always going on.

Horrible institution where the professors will literally tell you their job is not to teach you, that's what the book is for. This of course leaves you wondering why tuition is over $40k. Highly discourage anyone from attending RPI for education.
In one class, I literally skipped class and self-taught myself in order to get an A because of the ineffective teaching.
This might be a good place in terms of research, it certainly is not for learning.

My nephew goes to the collage as his aunt im proud of him

Difficult school. Teaches you to be an adult and to succeed after failure.
Dhruv Patel is an added bonus.

This is an okay school. I wouldn't recommend majoring in chemical engineering because I have no idea what's going on most of the time. But I would recommend getting to know Dhruv Patel. He's a great guy and makes all the pain of RPI go away.

A very impressive campus and such Beautiful architecture all around you.

Shirley saved my life. One day I shall repay her by eating the hearts of a thousand lions. Praise be!

very beautiful campus,and engineering institute....Rensselaer institute

University attempted to gut the environmental program during my undergraduate years. The President of the university dissolved the faculty senate and stamps out any dissent from her policies among students.

Please be aware that you will have no voice at this school. The administration controls the university's image with an iron fist, and what you read online is likely well crafted marketing. Talk to students and get the truth!

Also be aware that social life on campus ends sometime in November and only restarted in late March. Everyone is huddled alone in their rooms avoiding the poor weather. Nightlife is almost nonexistent.

Class sizes are steadily increasing year over year. The administration does not hire more faculty: they only hire more deans and VPs.

You have been warned!

RPI is a wonderful which serves many people. It's only computers and their owners after all. Instead of a degree I recommend getting your own business.

Helped me with my career. Class of 96 alum and proud of it.

Strong engineering school. High-quality and tough education.
High reputation with long history.
Life is not good there.
No fun, no sports, only study for undergrads.
Shockingly old and boring city, Troy.
Bad weather during winter.
Study or life, it's your choice.

Very challenging but rewarding school. The students are among top-tier engineering students but collaborate, create, and lead like top-tier young professionals.

RPI is a fine school, everything is just fine, fine, fine.. but everything changes until I met him, the love of my college life, Dhruv Patel. When I first saw him, I instantly felt
You're an awesome friend.
You're a gift to those around you.
You're a smart cookie.
You are awesome!
You have impeccable manners.
I like your style.
You have the best laugh.
I appreciate you.
You are the most perfect you there is.
You are enough.
You're strong.
Your perspective is refreshing.
I'm grateful to know you.
You light up the room.
You deserve a hug right now.
You should be proud of yourself.
You're more helpful than you realize.
You have a great sense of humor.
You've got an awesome sense of humor!
You are really courageous.
Your kindness is a balm to all who encounter it.
You're all that and a super-size bag of chips.
On a scale from 1 to 10, you're an 11.
You are strong.
You're even more beautiful on the inside than you are on the outside.
You have the courage of your convictions.
I'm inspired by you.
You're like a ray of sunshine on a really dreary day.
You are making a difference.
Thank you for being there for me.
You bring out the best in other people.

Visited as a perspective student, then got accepted. However, their financial aid situation isn't great- they won't give you very much. I received approximately 30K out of 70K for merit and financial. Needless to say, their student tours were great and campus was beautiful.

Best times of my life were had here while also giving me the opportunities to get into my dream job and more right after college. RPI is what you make of it.

Pretty cool place. My friend Dhruv Patel gave me a good learning experience.

If a challenge is what you seek....then cease looking because you've found your niche...

RPI for the most part is difficult, and poses many challenges as well as obstacles to it's students, but it prepares those students that are very "SERIOUS" about entering fields of Engineering, & Medicine, and many others which are too numerous to name. The reputation of the Institute has a long standing foothold within the community and prides itself on "giving back" to the small town of Troy, NY.

Although the winter season is brutal at best (because of the enormous amounts of snowfall), this despite the odds of finishing all of the coursework will be your guide is the benchmark for success when you're ready for graduation.

My husband graduated from this pristine Institute in "1995" and was very fortunate to land a job with a recruiter that led us out of our comfort zone to "Massachusetts".. So anything is possible if hard work, tenacity, perseverance, and a strong work ethic is applied...Bear in mind that the winter season is horrible but manageable, and swimming indoors might be one of your options to escape the mundane tasks of life.

I wouldn't have traded my lifetime experience of living on the "married student housing campus" back in 1993 through 1995, because it strengthened my ability to myself as a "winner"...

At that time going back 25+ years the campus had undergone major and necessary renovations + upgrades that have increased enrollment by 25% enabling the Institute to corner the market with it's graduates.

I can't thank them enough for strengthing my belief that this Institute is "top-notch quality" for shaping graduates into professionals entering the tough workforce!!

It's worth all the hard work and sacrifice just to hold that "diploma" in your hands (upon completion), and be able to get that "ideal career" notched on your belt...

Kudos to all the students that held on to completion!!! I congratulate you... Each and every student that makes it through the grueling semester's deserves a medal of honor!!! Onward and upward people!!

I go here so I'm obligated to give it a 5 star review

The workload can, at times, be overbearing but I find doing work in the Student Union provides the perfect atmosphere of studious and social. On really great days, I sometimes see Dhruv in the McNeil Room and he gives me the strength to study for hours more.

This school destroyed my self esteem and my willingness to smile. Day by day at this school, life seemed ever so more pointless and punishing. But alas one day, when I thought my heart could not take it anymore, I met Dhruv Patel. The shine in his eyes and the warmth of his heart lifted me and gave me the strength to continue.

Graduation ceremony~
I love RPI.

The landscaping is perfect and the trees smell beautiful

Attending Rensselaer has been the best decision I have ever made.

Great engineering education, especially Transportation

I thoroughly enjoyed my four years as an undergraduate student at RPI, from 1960 - 1964. Started with a major in Management Engineering but switched to Psychology in 1962. Minored in Biology and Chemistry. The drinking age in New York State at the time was 18. Ergo, we had some great fraternity parties on weekends. Hockey was the number one sport at RPI. Nearly all the players were Canadian. Saw some great hockey games at the arena. I sang in the RPI Glee Club for all four years. We performed at the arena at Christmas time and participated in tours to high schools in the Northeast. One advantage of attending classes at RPI , living in Troy, dining out occasionally, etc. was that most things were within walking distance. The best part about RPI was the estimated cost of attendance: tuition, shared apartments (off-campus), food, books, medical fees, and misc. spending money was about $2,800 per year !!! Of this, a typical annual scholarship was $1,000 and a National Defense Student Loan (3% Interest after graduation) was also $1,000 per year. If a student had a car, he could purchase gasolene in Troy, NY for $ .11 -$.14 per gallon. This sale price continued for all four years. A fill-up for a VW cost at most $ 1.40, less than a car wash !!! Of course, that was about 50 years ago, but why have college undergraduate expenses grown to the astronomical levels of today ??? Who can afford them ??? Bring back the old days when an average middle-income family could afford to send a son or daughter to RPI.

PS: I graduated from RPI in 1964, which was the perfect time for starting a career in computerized financial systems development. I learned COBOL at the recommendation of an IBM Systems Engineer, developed several financial and marketing systems, advanced to a Manager of Systems position with a private company, and then converted to a consulting career in Management Information Systems. Today RPI offers a major in Computer Science which makes it easier to develop into an MIS career.

Didn't like RPI too much until I met Dhruv last semester. Meeting him made my college experience 42069x better! Thanks Dhruv!