Hey all, I'm torn between RIT and BU – they both have great programs for what I’m interested in (Computer Science). If anyone could provide some insights or personal experiences, it would be very helpful! I’m interested in things like the quality of the program, campus life, and opportunities for internships.
It's nice to see you're already giving some serious thought to where you might like to apply!
So to start, both RIT (Rochester Institute of Technology) and BU (Boston University) are known to have strong computer science programs – you're correct there. Both are known to focus on experiential learning, so you'll get plenty of opportunities for hands-on work in either program.
In terms of program quality, at Boston University, the computer science department is within the College of Arts & Sciences, so you would get a balanced education with a liberal arts foundation. They place a lot of emphasis on research and have a number of labs and research groups for undergraduates to join. On the other hand, the computer science program at RIT is positioned within the Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences, so there'd be a more specialized approach, and you'd be in a college with students specifically interested in the tech sector.
When it comes to campus life, each has a different vibe and it largely depends on your preferences. RIT is located in a suburban setting and has a lot of emphasis on creativity and innovation, whereas BU is in a more urban setting, right in the heart of Boston, which may offer you a more bustling city living experience.
For internships, you'll benefit at either school. At RIT, there's a huge emphasis on co-ops, these are essentially full-time, paid work experiences and are a requirement for many programs. BU is situated in Boston which is a major tech hub, teeming with start-ups and established companies alike. The location can offer a lot of opportunities for internships during the school year and summers as well as networking events and industry seminars.
Finally, a good way to further investigate would be to reach out to alumni or current students from both colleges on LinkedIn or other social media platforms, they can give you some first-hand experiences to help in your decision-making process. Good luck!
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