What should I expect during a visit to the Rochester Institute of Technology?

I'm planning on visiting the Rochester Institute of Technology soon, and I'm trying to make the most out of my visit. For those who've been there before, could you share some insights on what to expect during the tour? Are there specific areas of the campus or departments that I should definitely check out? Also, any tips on what to ask during the tour to get a good sense of the student life and academics there would be super helpful.

Visiting a college campus is a great opportunity to get a feel for the environment and culture of the institution, and Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) is no different.

During your campus tour, it's reasonable to expect a walk-through of the key buildings and facilities, and an overview of the academic programs and student services. At RIT, special focus is placed on their more distinctive features, such as the cutting-edge technology facilities due to their heavy emphasis on STEM disciplines.

In terms of specific areas to check out, definitely plan a visit to your prospective major's department. Meeting the faculty or sitting in on a class, if possible, can provide informative insights about the specific academic environment. For instance, if you intend on majoring in computer science, a visit to the Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences could be beneficial.

Given RIT's strong co-op program, visiting the Office of Career Services and Co-op could give you an idea of the resources available for internships and job placements.

For a better sense of student life, you might want to consider checking out the residential halls, dining facilities, the Gordon Field House (their athletic complex), and Student Alumni Union where many student-oriented events and activities take place.

As far as questions go, consider asking about academic resources, such as tutoring and advising. You can ask about support for student research opportunities or how the college handles internship placements. It might also be worth inquiring about student clubs and organizations that pertain to your interests.

Other good questions might involve student outcomes – you could ask about retention and graduation rates, or job placement rates for recent graduates. This could give you a better sense of how well RIT supports its students academically and in the job market.

Remember, the goal is to ascertain whether RIT is a good fit for you personally and academically. Your tour guide will likely be a current student or alumni, and they can offer a first-hand perspective of the school's culture and community. Don’t hesitate to engage them with any questions you have. Good luck with your visit!