Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the reputation and current state of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), particularly its engineering programs, with a focus on Chemical Engineering. Participants share personal experiences, opinions on the institution's administration, and the impact of the economic crisis on the school's environment and academic offerings.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express positive experiences at RPI, highlighting strong engineering programs and research funding.
  • Others raise concerns about the current administration and the impact of the economic crisis on faculty and class sizes.
  • A participant mentions that while they had a hard time finding a job due to personal circumstances, their peers found employment successfully after graduation.
  • Concerns are voiced about the potential elimination of certain programs and the overall financial stability of the institution.
  • Some participants suggest exploring other engineering schools, citing their own research and experiences with other institutions.
  • There is mention of a perceived disparity in the treatment of faculty, which may affect the quality of education and stability at RPI.
  • Participants discuss the value of RPI in relation to its cost, questioning whether it justifies the tuition fees compared to other schools.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a mix of positive and negative views about RPI, with no clear consensus on its current standing or reputation. Concerns about the administration and economic challenges are prevalent, but some still advocate for the school's strengths in engineering.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include varying personal experiences and perceptions of the institution's reputation, as well as the ongoing impact of the economic crisis on academic offerings and faculty stability.

Who May Find This Useful

Prospective students considering RPI, current students evaluating their experiences, and individuals interested in the state of engineering education during economic downturns.

  • #31
Tom Mattson said:
And there's the Times Union Center (formerly the Pepsi Arena) in Albany

and before it was the Pepsi Arena it was called the Knicker-Bocker arena! Which in fact, sounded just as silly then as it does now. That original name is almost as funny as the fact that the thing has changed names 3 times.
 
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  • #32
Sounds like we need to do another PF get-together at RPI/Troy. I met Tom up there a few years ago during a student conference in which I participated as a professional. I used to visit the library quite often, since it's the most accessible technical library for me.

My wife is from Troy and I've had a chance to visit many times. I like the area, and there is plenty to do. If one likes outdoor activities, there's the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers, plenty of parks, and further north (about 1 hr or so) is the Adirondack park area.

GE Corporate Research Labs are located in Schenectady.


As for academics, I've been impressed with the engineering programs with which I'm familiar, and it seems to me the right blend of theory and application. Of course, that blend strongly depends on the faculty. I would certainly recommend that one contact professors, or browse the website, and look at the research/publications in order to decide if a particular program is suitable.
 
  • #33
axeae said:
When exactly are you going planning on entering college? Things at RPI could change drastically in another two years.

RPI isn't going to short-change you on practical applications. For math (and probably other subjects too), you can't really be successful applying ideas unless you understand the theory behind it. Based on my experiences at RPI, that should be the absolute last thing to be worried about.

I'm a junior in high school this year, so I would be a freshman in college in two years. I know no one can predict the future, but do you think the problem with RSI is temporary, or is the University in a downward spiral?

Regarding the theoretical vs. practical, I just wanted to make sure. As far as I can tell, most schools are pretty well balanced.

It sounds like Troy is quite the city...
 

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