The Rochester Institute of Technology

Yes, it's cold, not many things to do, and food is "so-so." Academics were great. Training was great. Education was what you make of it. The education received for the price paid was great. This school is a deal for a private school, and has very good quality academics.

Alumnus Male -- Class 2000

RIT is an amazing school.My daughter goes there and loves it. It has a fabulous number of updated computers, and the campus is very wireless friendly. Professors are very accessible. The curriculum is very real world friendly. They really focus on current software and real world job skills.

Interestingly, although RIT does have grad programs, its main focus is undergraduate study. Lots of opportunities for undergraduates that aren't available in other schools to do top level work and participate in top level research.

The school also really listens to their students and parent suggestions, which is usually rare for schools. For example, in response to complaints about being too little to do, they built a whole new gym and work out/ running facility. They are also building a college town with stores and homes and other student friendly facilities on campus. They have a great coffee/pastry shop in the library ( I almost felt that I was in Border's Books).

Although RIT is a technical school, it's art and design program is outstanding. My daughter loves the quality of instruction. She can't wait to participate in the internship programs, which is a great way to both learn real world job skills, learn more about her field of interest, and perhaps lead to some full time great job. Moreover, these are paid internships.

I will admit that as a parent, I wasn't happy about either the weather or the fact that all architecture consists of homogeneous red brick. I guess they don't want stylish, differing buildings.

My daughter noted that there are about 2 guys for every girl,which is good. However, as she also noted," Although the odds are good, the goods are odd." Too many folks lack social skills.

RIt is also cheaper than their counter parts at Carnegie Melon, Syracus etc, and in my opinion, it is better too.

Bottom line: Good place to check out if you are interested in engineering, science or art/ design.If they keep up the good work and grow financially, they could well equal or even exceed the reputations of schools like Carnegie Melon, Syracuse etc.

1st Year Female -- Class 2008

Education Quality: A+, Campus Aesthetics: C+

Like everyone has said, RIT has it's ups and downs. I am a film major and I have to say that the people I have met here are some of the most bright, interesting, intelligent, passionate people I've ever known. The teachers are generally knowledgable and try to help you out as much as they can. Nothing can be done about the weather...but when its sunny in Rochester (it does happen) it's really amazing. There's so much to do - the indie movie theater downtown, the Geva theater, the Rochester Philharmonic, SPOT coffee and Java's to hang out at...really cool restaurants and bars all around as well. Sure the dorms suck, but after your first year everything changes. Don't like the dry campus rule? Quit yer whining and get an apartment off campus where you can drink yourself into a stupor every damn night of the week. RIT has plenty of diversity, and it's ridiculous that people are complaining about the number of homosexuals on campus. I have never had a problem with that; learn to live with other people and the way they are. Apart from all the campus stuff I think RIT can be a great education, but a lot of it depends on how much you are willing to put in yourself. Nobody is going to lead you by the hand here, but that better suits you for the real world.

2nd Year Male -- Class 2006

Scholastic Success: A, Useful Schoolwork: C