Illinois Institute of Technology

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Rankings & Lists

Students Say - Academics
Known for its "rigorous academics," "small student-to-teacher ratio," plentiful "research opportunities," and "great financial aid," Illinois Institute of Technology draws students interested in engineering, business, architecture, and the sciences. The curriculum here is focused on "developing technically oriented, yet well-rounded professionals." In addition to its "reputation as a premier engineering school," IIT boasts "one of the best architecture schools in the nation." Designed by Mies Van der Rohe, "The campus has an amazing architectural heritage and continues to foster the growth of cutting-edge, contemporary practice." "Studying architecture in Chicago [is]...a really big incentive," and the program prepares students for the "'real world,' giving not only an aesthetic education in design, but also a technical understanding of structure." The computer engineering program at IIT is also "very good," and students rave about the plethora of research opportunities. "Finding research opportunities is not difficult (even as a freshman)," says one. For the most part, professors are lauded as "very accessible, easy to talk to," and "very knowledgeable;" "My teachers all know me by name, [and] I have the confidence to ask questions in class," one student tells us. The administration itself has recently incurred some turnover, which students say is for the best. "We have recently had many changes in our administration, including a new president, new provost, new chairman of the board of trustees, and three new deans to various colleges/departments. Overall, these changes have been incredibly positive. We have a female Dean of Engineering, and our new president cares passionately about students."

Students Say - Campus Life
Life at IIT "is busy, [and] homework comes first." As one student points out, "The college experience, no matter where you are, is what YOU make of it yourself." Says another, "You can spend all your time not doing anything and being unhappy with life, but with IIT there are so many opportunities to get involved...from programming events such as homecoming, to fundraising for Habitat for Humanity trips to Haiti and even relief efforts in the United States." "There is usually something to do, whether a planned event or random excursion to the city." For a bit of fun away from the books, students take advantage of nearby Chicago, where they enjoy "the parks, the pier, Michigan Ave., ethnic restaurants, orchestra hall, etc." A serious-minded group of burgeoning engineers, "Occasionally we drink...and go out for parties, but not [so] much." For a more relaxed night of socializing, students congregate at the "BOG, a place inside the school where there are shows and different activities like bowling." In addition, "The Student Activities Center always has discounted movie tickets, and every weekend they try to have some planned event, including group tickets to musicals, plays, and shows." For sports fans, "There are intramural tournaments that are sponsored by the school, programs such as yoga and Pilates also sponsored by the school, a gym with hours that are suitable for a typical student's schedule, and clubs for tennis and other sports." Students' biggest complaint is the food. Though the "large cafeteria has many food options," "they are all always mediocre at best."

Students Say - Student Body
At IIT the student body is "focused, smart, and quirky." Says one student, IIT is comprised of "geeky tech people who are always crazy busy, never sleep, but still find time to party." "The typical student spends a lot of time in class, and even more time studying." Students universally laud the diversity on campus. IIT offers "a very diverse population not just ethnically but when it comes to different interests." "There are many international students from various parts of the world, many architect students who are very different from the engineers and computer science majors, plus students from the Vandercook School of Music, making [for an] unbelievably diverse student body." Despite the fact that "students are the most diverse in the entire United States," "Everyone gets along and fits in." One student jokes, "We all share common ground in that we're nerdy."

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