Opinions on Colleges in Schenectady, NY?

Hey everyone, I'm a high school junior and I've been investigating colleges in Schenectady, New York. Does anyone have any impressions or experiences with colleges in this area they can share? Especially interested in anything related to engineering.

Sure, I'd be happy to provide some insight on this topic. Schenectady is predominantly known for Union College, a small liberal arts institution that's prestigious and well-regarded in a wide range of disciplines.

For engineering specifically, Union offers interdisciplinary engineering programs in Bioengineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering. These programs are well-reputed, with a strong focus on hands-on, experiential learning and opportunities for research.

Despite being a liberal arts college, Union integrates engineering education with their overall academic model. Engineering students still get the benefits of small class sizes and liberal arts environment, coupling technical learning with the broad critical thinking and communication skills that are valuable in any professional setting.

That said, while Union College offers an intimate learning environment with a lower student-to-faculty ratio, if you're interested in a larger research-based university, nearby Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, NY, might be another school worth considering. The drive from Schenectady to Troy takes roughly 30 minutes. RPI is one of the top-ranking engineering schools in the country and boasts a vast alumni network in the field.

Both RPI and Union are excellent choices for engineering, albeit with different academic environments and learning approaches. It would be a good idea to consider the learning environment and overall experience you're seeking in a college when deciding which is a better fit for you.