The Rochester Institute of Technology
“Game Design and Development MajorBrightOther
Game Design and Development Major
I'm in their Game Design and Development program and I am incredibly disappointed. I am surprised they managed to make it on the top ten list honestly. The classes you learn code don't go into the depth you need to know for your career and you're told to "learn that on your own time", when these are the topics that are brought up in interviews. On top of that, you aren't properly taught 3D programming in the major unless you take extra classes because they felt it "wasn't important to learn." You aren't really taught much on the design side of games either, like level design or game play. Most classes, even the coding ones, are taught with textbooks that aren't very helpful and when you take these coding tests, you are tested on your knowledge from the book, not what was taught in class. The classes weren't very challenging either, with the exception of those unrealistic tests. For me, it was easier than high school. You're taught so little in class and,as a result, you are forced to teach yourself in order to fill in the gaps because what the professors did manage to teach was poorly done. The professors in this major aren't even people that have worked in the field, for the most part. A lot of them are just fans of the video game community that hopped on board when RIT started the program or graduated from RIT and jumped right back in to teach. In short, you're taught a small amount of actual game design and development by people who don't have the proper experience to teach and if you want to know more you have to teach yourself.
I'm in their Game Design and Development program and I am incredibly disappointed. I am surprised they managed to make it on the top ten list honestly. The classes you learn code don't go into the depth you need to know for your career and you're told to "learn that on your own time", when these are the topics that are brought up in interviews. On top of that, you aren't properly taught 3D programming in the major unless you take extra classes because they felt it "wasn't important to learn." You aren't really taught much on the design side of games either, like level design or game play. Most classes, even the coding ones, are taught with textbooks that aren't very helpful and when you take these coding tests, you are tested on your knowledge from the book, not what was taught in class. The classes weren't very challenging either, with the exception of those unrealistic tests. For me, it was easier than high school. You're taught so little in class and,as a result, you are forced to teach yourself in order to fill in the gaps because what the professors did manage to teach was poorly done. The professors in this major aren't even people that have worked in the field, for the most part. A lot of them are just fans of the video game community that hopped on board when RIT started the program or graduated from RIT and jumped right back in to teach. In short, you're taught a small amount of actual game design and development by people who don't have the proper experience to teach and if you want to know more you have to teach yourself.
Another kicker, the major is a popularity contest and no matter how skilled you are, if you aren't in the 'in crowd' you won't get the crucial opportunities you will need to land a job or at the very least a co-op. Most everyone is super fake to your face and back stabs you in order to get ahead. This is the major's version of 'networking.' It's not about what you know, it's about who you know.
The rest of the campus as a whole is depressing. The weather is always terrible. There's never any sun and there's not much to do. People aren't very friendly and if you ever need help(housing, tutors, professors, RA's, campus police, etc.) they somehow always manage to blame the problem on you and tell you to go home. Also, the campus police is a joke. Many people report others having drugs, weapons, committing other illegal acts, and they do nothing. They offer little to no safety. One weird trend is that a handful of people wind up sick and have to go to either specialists or doctors to get checked out. RIT manages to tear each and every person down one way or another.
What's even more depressing is watching each and every one of my friends here at RIT turn miserable, depressed, angry, and suicidal. I've already had one friend attempt to kill herself and wound up in the hospital, and I know of others who have taken their lives. The counseling here blames the students for the problems RIT causes and offers no help for people like them or anyone else. Everyone turns ugly from the horrible ways RIT treats its' students.If you're thinking of going to RIT don't. Going here compares to buying a McDonald's burger and expecting to receive what you see on tv. What you see is delicious and joyous, but what you actually get is a poor imitation topped with misery and defeat.
view full review→May 26 2013
2nd Year Female -- Class 2015
Campus Maintenance: A, Individual Value: D-
Rate this comment:
Useless (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Helpful
Useless (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Helpful
Recommended: The Purpose of a Higher Education
“This school is great for academics and preparationQuite BrightIndustrial Operations Engineering
This school is great for academics and preparation for work in your chosen industry. The classes you are required to take all make sense and there is not much useless work. Everything aside from academics is either terrible or does not exist. People are generally mean or anti-social. There are constant safety alerts for robbery/vandalism. Parties are typically all male, as are classes and events. Also, there are TONS of deaf people who are mostly very rude. I'm not saying there are no nice and fun people, and I'm good friends with a few deaf people (learning sign language is a good idea), but what I've said is true for the majority. Good luck.
view full review→Feb 25 2008
1st Year Male -- Class 2011
Education Quality: A, Campus Aesthetics: F
Rate this comment:
Useless (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Helpful
Useless (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Helpful
Recommended: What to do for a Successful Interview
“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.
view full review→Mar 08 2006
4th Year Male -- Class 2006
Campus Maintenance: A+, Campus Aesthetics: D
Rate this comment:
Useless (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Helpful
Useless (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) Helpful
- #1 Top School of Information
- #2 Top Accounting
Rankings Rochester appears in
Similar Colleges by Safety
| # | University | |||
1 |
| |||
2 |
| |||
3 |
| |||
4 |
| |||
5 |
| |||
6 |
| |||
7 |
| |||
8 |
| |||
9 |
| |||
10 |
| |||
 | ||||
11 |
| |||
12 |
| |||
13 |
| |||
14 |
| |||
15 |
|
StudentsReview Advice!
• What is a good school?• Statistical Significance
• How to choose a Major
• How to choose your Career
• What you make of it?
• How Ivy League Admissions works
• On the Student/Faculty Ratio
• FAFSA: Who is a Parent?
• FAFSA: Parent Contribution
• FAFSA: Dream out of reach
• College Financial Planning
• Survive College and Graduate
• Sniffing Out Commuter Schools
• Preparing for College: A HS Roadmap
• Talking to Your Parents about College.
• Is a top college worth it?
• Why is college hard?
• Why Kids Aren't Happy in Traditional Schools
• Essential College Tips
Ah, college. Considered by many to be the time of a young person's lif... more→
• Cost of College Increasing Faster Than Inflation• For parents filling out the FAFSA and PROFILE (from a veteran paper slinger)Just so you know, filling out these forms is a lot more than penciling... more→
• How to choose the right college?My name is Esteban Correa. I am currently a second year INTERNATIONAL ... more→
• Create The Right Career Habits NowGetting ahead in your career can be easier if you make the choice to b... more→
• Senior Year (Tips and experience)
It's the end of junior year and everyone is anticipating the arrival o... more→
• Informational Overload! What Should I Look For in a College or University?We are in an instant information age, where you can find almost anythi... more→
• Personality Type and College ChoicePersonality type is something very important to consider when deciding... more→
• A Free Application is a Good Application As a senior finishing her scholastic year, I feel that it is my duty ... more→
• College Academic Survival Guide
The leap from high school to college academics is not an insignificant... more→
• Getting Involved: The Key to College HappinessAs a tour guide, the absolute, most frequently asked question I got wa... more→
• Choose a Path, Not a MajorUnless you're one of the fortunate souls who's already found their cal... more→
• The Scoop on State SchoolsA recent college graduate, I vividly remember touring campuses as a
p... more→
• The Purpose of a Higher Education
You are one of the millions of people this year applying for admission... more→
• The Importance of Choosing the Right College Major (2012)One of the most important academic choices you'll make while in colleg... more→
• How to choose a college majorI was not sure what college major to choose. When you are in your late... more→
• How to guarantee your acceptance to many collegesAre your grades are not what you think they should be from high school... more→
• Nailing the College Application Process
College applications seem to always be put on top of students procrast... more→
• What to do for a Successful InterviewInterviews seem to become more commonplace in every facet of life as o... more→
• I Don't Know Where to Start (General College Advice)Preparing for college is a difficult time for every student and it?s o... more→
• Attitude and Dress Code for an Interview (General College Advice) An interview is something we all have to go through when we get a job... more→
• Starting College (General College Advice)
College is a huge milestone in your life. You?ve seen the castle like ... more→
• Boston Apartment lease: Watch out!Are you a student and about to sign the very first lease in your li... more→
When thinking about their choices for colleges, many students and pare... more→
There are 308 Comments
Sort By: [Date] [Major] [Rating]