Clarkson VS. RIT

[Christina]

As a RIT graduate from Mechanical Engineering, I have to say I had a blast at RIT. I loved the co-op program because it helped me figure out what I wanted to do after graduation. The classes are hard but worth it. The professors actually care (at least most of them) about their students because they're not busy doing research. I loved the fact that RIT didn't have doctoral programs (at least until recently...but those don't affect too many professors). However, I think they're trying to move towards doctorates, so that may change the roles of the professors...I'm not sure at this point.

That being said, one of the biggest contributions to enjoying RIT was that I moved away from home. I commuted to SUNY Stony Brook for my first two years of college and honestly it felt like an extended version of high school. I woke up, drove a longer commute, walked farther to classes, went to class, ate lunch, went to class, went to work, and came home. Lather. Rinse. Repeat. I needed to get away.

So, while I highly recommend RIT as a good school with a great co-op program...I think it's also very important to get a real college experience. I agree, if you go to RIT, live on campus. Definitely live on a campus...and don't don't go home every weekend. :-) College is an important time to figure yourself out. And like everyone said, remember there are more schools than just RIT and Clarkson. There are a ton of SUNY schools and remember that NY State gives TAP for financial aid.

Well, that's my $0.02 for what's it worth. Good luck.

~Christina