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The Rochester Institute of Technology

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Academics:Quite BrightComputer Science
Academics: RIT offers a challenging and fast paced education. Although RIT is run on 10 week quarters, most courses cover more than semester school courses would cover in 10 weeks. That means if you fall behind in your work, you are in big trouble. The positive aspect of the quarter system is that you can take 1/3rd more courses than at a semester school. If you don't like a particular course, it's over in 10 weeks.

In general, computer science courses are more down to earth than theoretical, although I think the balance is just right. This does not apply to some of the upper level courses though, which may be nearly completely theoretical. The upshot of this is that you spend your 4-5 years here gaining skills that are useful in the real world. And you will have the right background in abstract CS concepts to quickly adapt to new changes in the field.

Co-op: This should be made very clear: Although some programs have mandatory co-ops (Computer Science has 4 quarters), RIT DOES NOT FIND YOU A CO-OP. You are on your own, although RIT has a co-op and career services office with a lot of nice people who can give you a hand. Although finding a co-op takes some work, I don't know of anyone who has been seriously snagged by the co-op requirements.

Social life: Be warned, you will NOT get the normal college experience at RIT. Although I thought RIT was a diverse place when I arrived, it was mostly due to my small town background, and at this point I can clearly see that RIT's population is very homogeneous (despite NTID). What this means is that, if you like doing nerdy things with nerdy people, you'll love this place. Otherwise you'll find yourself up at 3:00am trying to figure out if Penn State will accept all your transfer credits.

Campus: Honestly, a pretty campus is a plus. But an ugly campus is not a negative. If it takes a campus full of buildings that look like old churches to keep you inspired, RIT is not your kind of place.Final note: Although my rating is positive for RIT, I still would go to another school if given the opportunity. The reason is because I feel like I'm missing out on the real college experience. I got a lot out of the good academics here, sure. But I'm just not convinced that I had as good of a time as I could have over these last four years.

4th Year Male -- Class 2006
Campus Maintenance: A+, Campus Aesthetics: D
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I am really a software engineering major, notBrightComputer Science
I am really a software engineering major, not CS. As you have probably already read, RIT is an academic school, period. If you come to RIT, it is to get a good education and a good job when you leave. As far as "the best years of your life" goes, don't count on it.

I don't agree with the people who say the school's academics stink, they are very good and will challenge you everyday. But these profs are not found until after freshman year. If you can make it through the boring and mundane classes your freshman year, you should be alright. After that the classes become very instresting and challenging. RIT's academics are the ONLY and I mean ONLY good thing about RIT.

As far as the administration goes, your are just a number and they only want your money. As many have said before, RIT is a business, not a university. They could really care less that so many freshman dropout/transfer every year, because they got their money and there will be a whole new batch of them next year. Why do so many leave RIT? Because at RIT the non-existent social life and lack of girls will drive you to the brink of insanity.

There are many reasons RIT's social life SUCKS. One reason is that there are SO many geeks that cannot communicate outside of "3.0 ghz processor with a 256 MB..." and never leave there room because they would rather fire off some knuckle children, watch anime, and play counterstrike. Another reason for the lack of social life is because RIT treats you like you are five years old. The campus is a dry-campus, I don't care if you drink or not, it kills the atomsphere). And finally the number one reason for shitty social life, for every 6 guys there is one girl that is one of the following: a) ugly b) shy c) deaf d) a slut. So if by chance you do get through the sworm of guys hitting on one girl, then you can be disapointed when you finally get there. Don't believe me, check it out:

http://www.collegehumor.com/pictures/1662750/So basically it comes down to this, if you really want a high paying job and a good education and can get by with no girls, drinking, or social life: go to RIT. But if you do, get in there, get that $100,000 piece of paper, and get the hell out.

3rd Year Male -- Class 2008
Useful Schoolwork: A-, Individual Value: F
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Urban Planning
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Alumnus Male -- Class 2000
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The Rochester Institute of Technology
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