Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute - Academics

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

Students have mixed opinions about the classes at RPI. Most agree that the professors are, as a whole, very smart. However, their ability to communicate that knowledge to students is variable. Some are excellent in relating to students, while others can barely speak fluent English. Another claim against professors is that they are too concerned with researching and getting published to put the time and effort into doing a good job teaching.

Your best bet is to talk to an upperclassman who has taken classes with professors before, and find out who is good and who to avoid. A student’s interest in the subject also plays a huge role in deciding how much he or she will enjoy and take from a class. Pick a major that you’re going to enjoy, but also pick one that you’ve got a good feeling about—again, talk to other students in the programs, because your major will make a huge difference. RPI is a demanding school, and students here are expected to do a lot of work, both inside and outside the classroom. If you are not truly avid about your field of study, you may find it hard to keep yourself motivated to get all your work done.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

Like any place you go, we seem to... Like any place you go, we seem to have the full range of teachers, all the way from mind-numbing to whoa-cool. Overall, though, even the boring teachers are good at what they do for the most part. Incompetent professors are rare at RPI, and they don’t last very long. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

Most of them are helpful; all of... Most of them are helpful; all of them are very smart, though some need a little help with their English. Most of them are very accessible. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

Most teachers seem to care about... Most teachers seem to care about the students and what they need to learn. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

The teachers are great. If you are... The teachers are great. If you are having trouble with something in the class, they are more than able to help you. One of my professors last semester had a group of us at her house to have dinner and to review for our final. Most have normal business hours and offices, but if not, they are more than willing to set an appointment to help. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

They vary just like anywhere else;... They vary just like anywhere else; grade curves are rougher than most other schools! 12345 Academics Report

Facts

Did You Know?

With an advisor’s assistance and approval, it is possible to create your own major at RPI.

Most Recent Contributing Author

Name: Cara Riverso
Hometown: Holmes, NY
Major: Chemical Engineering

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