If you are planning to attend a private research university, you might want to consider attending Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Located in Troy, New York, RPI also has additional campuses in Hartford and Groton. The school offers a wide variety of courses and degrees, including in the areas of computer science, engineering, business, and information technology. For more information, visit the school’s website.
The school’s academic program is interdisciplinary in nature, and students are encouraged to conduct research as undergraduates. The environment at Rensselaer is one in which students can develop as leaders, problem-solvers, and doers. This is a unique environment for an institution that focuses on research and innovation. Here, students learn how to apply their knowledge to advance the world through technology. The University also has a strong tradition of innovation.
The admission process at RPI is somewhat different than at other universities. The school welcomes international students in most programs, with the exception of the Physician-Scientist (B.S./M.D.) program. International students who wish to attend the school must provide proof of sufficient funds for their education. The list of documents will vary depending on your country, but a sample document can be provided in a live chat.
RPI is located in the picturesque Hudson Valley and offers students a dynamic, challenging, and interactive education. It emphasizes the application of science in everyday life, and encourages students to use unique learning methods to develop new interests. Entrepreneurship is an important principle at RPI, and professors actively encourage students to be creative and dare to create something new. The college offers interdisciplinary programs such as biomedical engineering, computer science, and environmental studies.
RPI offers several sports activities and organizations for students. It has 20 intramural sports organizations, broken down into various divisions based on the level of play. There are also independent athletics and Greek organizations. There are also 39 clubs, including a popular improvisational comedy group called “Sheer Idiocy” and a number of music groups. Students can join the classical choral group, Rensselaer Concert Choir.
RPI is also home to a number of notable alumni. Some famous people who have attended the school include Allen B. DuMont, creator of the first commercial television and radar systems. Others include Keith D. Millis, father of the microprocessor, and Ted Hoff, executive Deputy Commissioner of the New York State Department of Public Works. Another notable graduate is Anthony Tether, DARPA director. RPI has also produced a number of prominent politicians, such as Representative John Olver of Massachusetts’ 1st Congressional District.
Greek Life at RPI is extensive. The Greek system emphasizes Leadership, Fortitude, Innovation, and Evolution. There are currently 29 active fraternities and sororities at RPI, organized under the Interfraternal Council and Panhellenic Council. Three of these organizations were founded on the campus, including Theta Xi fraternity. Theta Xi is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The campus underwent a significant expansion after World War II. Nine dormitories were built on the east edge of campus, bordered by Burdett Avenue. This area became known as Freshman Hill. The Houston Field House was moved to campus from Rhode Island and reassembled in 1949. In 1953, RPI purchased West Hall, a former hospital. West Hall is an example of French Second Empire architecture. In the 1970s, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The school is a good fit for STEM majors. While there are many students who are overachieving, RPI has a balance between underachievers. The university’s student body is well-rounded and has a sense of camaraderie. The atmosphere is friendly and laid-back, but the workload is very rigorous and requires rigorous study. Despite this, most RPI students are friendly and outgoing.