Rochester Institute of Technology - Academics

Quick Stats

College Prowler Take

RIT is consistently ranked among the elite colleges for technical degrees. The programs generally bring out the “intensive” in intensive learning, and many departments are currently offering ground-breaking new majors. All of RIT’s programs have the advantage of offering a hands-on approach to learning by way of the co-op system. Overall, the professors are intelligent and helpful. There are, as in any school, good and bad apples, but the bottom line is that if you need help you can find a professor who is willing to help you. All professors often have an online presence either through the mycourses.rit.edu Web site or their own personal Web sites. Full-time professors are also required to have posted weekly office hours, and most professors will make appointments to meet with their students if they need assistance. The professors at RIT are very concerned that their students closely follow course material. In addition, most professors at RIT have some field experience, so they can give students an accurate depiction and show them what to expect out of the professions they are studying.

Perhaps the most unique aspect of the RIT educational experience is the quarter system. The rigors of the quarter system keep RIT students on their toes, and if they can handle it for four years, transition from college to the real world will be made that much easier because of this system. The quarter system can seem daunting at times, though, and it has been known to break even the most committed student. The 10-week period leaves little room for procrastination and makes it all the more important for students to stay on top of their work and seek help the moment they begin having problems. Fortunately, at RIT, seeking help is not a problem. Perhaps the most important thing to remember is not to be afraid of your professors. I cannot stress this point enough: ask for help! The professors can’t help you if they don’t know there is a problem. The professors at RIT possess many fine qualities, but as far as I know, none of them are clairvoyant.

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Students Speak Out

Anonymous says:

I don’t think that grades are an... I don’t think that grades are an accurate reflection of the amount of work that goes into each course here. You will have some labs that are only one credit but you’ll do three hours of work for them. The administration has some work to do in this regard. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

I came to this school for the... I came to this school for the academics. I like the quarter system because it keeps me from slacking off and makes sure I am on track. There isn’t much room to mess around. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

Registration is the worst part of... Registration is the worst part of the quarter; you have to get up and register at 6 a.m., the system is usually packed, and you can’t get on. By then, half your desired classes are filled. It’s really discouraging when you can’t get into the classes that you are going to need for your major, especially if they are part of a sequence. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

As long as you don’t have to deal... As long as you don’t have to deal with the registrar’s office, or try getting repeat of grade forms filed, then the school is great. Getting the run around from different people can get annoying, but it usually isn’t the professors. 12345 Academics Report

Anonymous says:

My biggest complaint about RIT’s... My biggest complaint about RIT’s academics is that we don’t have a ‘plus and minus’ system; you can get an 80, or an 89, and still get the same B. I have decent grades, but I still have only a 3.0, which bothers me. 12345 Academics Report

Facts

Did You Know?

RIT boasts one of the oldest and most extensive Cooperative Education programs in the world. Many of the majors require at least one co-op. These paid internships can be found in all 50 states, as well as in countries spanning the globe. The co-op office is available to help students find jobs that will fulfill the requirements, though you are encouraged to look for co-ops on your own and ask companies that you are interested in working with. Many companies who do not advertise internships will make arrangements if possible upon student inquiries.

Sample Academic Clubs:
AXE (chemistry Fraternity), American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA), Glass Club, Hospitality Association, Life Science Club, New Media Fusion, Premedical Student Association, Psychology club, SWE (Society of Women Engineers), Student Illustration Guild, and Student Interpreters

Best Places to Study:
Library, Java Wally’s, and the study centers in each of the colleges

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