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South Dakota School of Mines and Technology Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See South Dakota School of Mines and Technology reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free South Dakota School of Mines and Technology reviews, or contribute your own South Dakota School of Mines and Technology review if you're a current student there.

  • 10 out of 10 people found this review useful.

    Rebecca from Rapid City, SD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I have already gained alot of knowledge and it's only the end of the first semester. I'm studying for geology and took earth science in high school so I expected that I would know most of what we learned in physical geology but I really learned a lot more. The teachers are very helpful and get to know you since it's a small school. The laptop program helps because you can find notes and power points for your classes on the system.
    Am enjoying being here

    SDSM&T has several activities going on for students all the time. They send out an e-mail with information on what's going to be happening this week. There's always something whether it's a pumpkin carving contest, dance lessons or a carnival in the quad. Rapid City also has fun things to do like movies, bowling, shopping, lots of fast food (thank goodness), swimming and ice skating as well as skiing and lakes not far out of town
    Bang for the buck

    My deciding factor was that other universities offering the same major were twice (sometimes three times) as much. The school offers a lot of major-based scholarships but really is not that expensive at all. Given the majors available (engineering and science) student loans would not be very difficult to pay off a year or two after graduation. They have a few job fairs every year with recruiters from companies that are hiring engineers and scientists. Most students have great job offers way before graduation.
    Tips for prospective students

    Study up on your math skills. If you're like me and want to study science but aren't great at math the school is great at setting up tutors, plus the math TA's are great (they're usually students majoring in mathematics) but it's still a good idea to brush up on it a little bit. Bring warm clothes!
    Great for these types of students

    Anyone who loves math or science (and definitely both!) would find a major they can enjoy here. If you're looking for a school known for excellence that is also small with teachers who give students individual attention and that's inexpensive, look no further.

  • 8 out of 8 people found this review useful.

    Jeff from Rapid City, SD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    Be sure to take any and all advance placement tests, even if you don't think you'll do well. Who knows, it may save you a few thousand dollars.
    Great for these types of students

    Introverted, gaming, science, mathematical, and studious.

  • 7 out of 7 people found this review useful.

    Joseph from Elkhorn, NE

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    A top school in the country for engineering.
    Will enjoy being here

    I love the small school environment plus the one-on-one attention when required.
    Bang for the buck

    The school is extremely competitive with the larger universities such as Iowa State University.
    Tips for prospective students

    Research the core curriculum and be as prepared as possible.
    Great for these types of students

    The school is designed for leaders, students who participate well in lab environments as well as someone who enjoys the outdoors.

  • 4 out of 4 people found this review useful.

    Patrick from Aurora, CO

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    The professors are excellent in communicating the lessons and getting every detail that needs to be known. The Tablet PC that comes with tuition increases the potential to learn because of all the programs installed on them and the all-campus wi-fi.
    Am enjoying being here

    The campus is beautiful and is very well maintained. The smaller population size is also a bonus because if you need help, there is almost always someone there to help you, but it is easy to find room to study by yourself or quietly. The other students here are friendly and more than willing to engage in conversation, making the campus life that much more enjoyable.
    Bang for the buck

    The credibility of this school is undeniable, with the experienced professors and constant innovation from within. Comparing this to other technology and science schools, the cost of SDSM&T is incredibly lower, giving students the ability to be well prepared for their prospective futures at a low and reasonable cost.
    Tips for prospective students

    You should definitely consider if being challenged in your first semester is something you are willing to do. The learning starts right when you walk on campus, so be prepared and have an open mind to opinions of others.
    Great for these types of students

    Students that have interest in any of the sciences or any sort of engineering would fit in perfectly here.

  • 2 out of 2 people found this review useful.

    Paul B. from Spearfish, SD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    In my first semester, I've learned more than the past four years of High School! And that means a lot! I was one of those kids that glided through High School, bored and did well with very little effort, but it's hard to learn when you can't get interested! In one semester, SDSM&T has turned me from a High School drone into a College student!
    Am enjoying being here

    The campus is great. Everyone is friendly, and the air is fresh as can be. The professors teach like they are having fun with the classes too, and they're always willing to answer whatever questions you may ask. The King Center is amazing as well. The pool is open to students year round, as is the weight room, and it doesn't take much time to get a room for racquetball or to shoot some hoops in the gym.
    Bang for the buck

    School of Mines has a BIG name for a little price. At under 20 grand a year, School of Mines easily halves the prices of bigger colleges, yet, when you throw a graduate from Mines up against a graduate from the Air Force Academy, your employer has a hard choice ahead of him. Mines has the absolute best name out there for the lowest price possible.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you're looking at the School of Mines, get ready for an interesting experience. It's not like High School anymore, where you can get by pretty easily. It's a challenge fitting those who want to be the best of the best.
    Great for these types of students

    Were you the kid who yawned in AP Calc, and then aced the test in 20 minutes? Or maybe the guy in the back of the room that the teacher looked to, making sure they were on the right track? Well, School of Mines is where you belong. Instead of being surrounded by those who want to finish and be done, you'll be surrounded by the very best of students from across the country, even the world. The community pushes you to try your hardest, and to attain a level of education unsurpassed anywhere else. The professors expect the very best from you as well. They're always ready to answer or explain anything you should wonder about, whether it's strictly related to the class you're taking with them or not. Should you come to School of Mines, get ready, because you're about to be challenged like you always hoped you would be.

  • Justin from Ranchester, WY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    South Dakota School of Mines and Technology was the right choice for me. It is everything I was looking for in a college. I am very happy I came to this college.
    Tips for prospective students

    Don't second guess yourselves. If you know what you want to do for your career and SDSMT can offer the courses you need, then by all means, come here. We are not big on partying, just big on studying, having fun, making new life long friends and earning big bucks in the ends.
    Academic Rigor

    SDSMT helps with all your scheduling so can get into the classes you want and need. Professors are friendly and love to meet new faces. Classes are small so you get more one on one instruction if you need it.
    The campus is also small so getting around is not a problem at all.
    Dorm Life

    There are three dorms here and new ones are presently going up right now. Fellow students are friendly and there is always something going on. All of the dorm buildings are great, you will be happy living in anyone of them.
    Food and Dining

    We have one major dining hall, one cafe, and a snack shack in a classroom building. They serve just about any kind of food you could want. And that includes DESSERTS.
    What to do for fun

    What can I say?! Sports, student government, hiking, camping, fishing, biking, shopping, dancing, concrete canoes, dune buggy building, building remote control airplanes for competition. You won't believe the many opportunities you have here at SDSMT.
    Bang for the buck

    Coming to SDSMT is an out-of-state choice for me. It was cheaper for me to come here than to attend the university in my home state.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    A certain day in September is for the running of the Freshmen. All Freshmen wear little green beanies and then run to the top of a hill. This is when we all became real 'Freshmen.'
    Great for these types of students

    If you are serious about studying and making something out of yourself, then this is the school you should attend. You won't be disasppointed.

  • Caitlin from Glendive, MT

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    south dakota school of mines is a great place for students who are considered geeks at their own school, and for those who may not fit in as well. don't come here for sports, come here if you want a great education.
    Tips for prospective students

    take all the higher level math and sciences that will help you with you degree. taking calculus in high school is the best thing i can recommend.
    Academic Rigor

    this school tries to start you off very quickly, but if you have prepared in high school, you will have no trouble in the first year of study.
    Dorm Life

    the dorm rooms are pretty small, but if you get the newer hall they do have sinks within the dorm. it's really easy to make friends so long as you step out of your dorm, and everyone seems to be accepted here.
    Food and Dining

    the food here is not terrible, but its also not that great. they have quite a large variety of food, but it is the same food every day. if you are a picky eater you will find yourself getting bored with the food.
    What to do for fun

    the rapid city area is great for things that you can do around the community. there is outdoor activities like hiking, and there are also tourist activities otherwise.
    Bang for the buck

    when you come here you will find that every penny you spent was worth it. there are lots of things that you can do on campus, and there are lots of resources if you are having trouble in any area.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    during homecoming week, everyone hikes to m hill and helps white wash the hill. beanie raids happen throughout the dorms also. the beanie run which signify the frosh changing into freshmen. our school songs states we drink our whiskey clear. we have a large collection of songs.
    Great for these types of students

    school of mines is great for students that are geeky or socially awkward. it is also good for smarter students.
    Greek Life

    greek bidding does not occur until late december, which means that they get to know you before you actually become part of the the group.

  • Kaci from Whitewood, SD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am enjoying being here

    The campus is really nice and this is a top school to be at; great placement rate!
    Bang for the buck

    It's irritating to pay so much money for a course and have a foreign teacher you can't understand or someone that is really smart but really doesn't know how to teach. There are a few of those teachers here; so sometimes you end up teaching yourself.
    Tips for prospective students

    Don't skip class or you'll fall behind. They try to weed out students who aren't serious about this school in the first couple years.
    Great for these types of students

    Focused and know what they want. Good work ethic and responsible.

  • Shelby from Fort Atkinson, WI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Coming from a smaller school in a rural environment and graduating in the top 15% of my class I thought that I was pretty smart. Once I came to school here my first semester I realized so much that I didn't know. The people here are undeniably smart and willing to help you learn the material if you let them.
    Am enjoying being here

    Perfect sized town of a little over 60,000 people. Perfect for those who like the outdoors but also like to enjoy some of the bigger city life
    Bang for the buck

    I am paying less for out of state tuition at SDSMT as I would for in-state tuition at the UW-Madison!
    Tips for prospective students

    Don't be too intimidated by the extremely brilliant ones here, and remember to study up on your math skills!

  • Matthew from Hill City, SD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    There is certainly a great deal to learn in order to obtain one of the many math and science based majors offered by South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. After having completed only two semesters, I believe I have advanced significantly in my field of study. This is a school where you can expect to get the most out of your classes and your studies.
    Am enjoying being here

    SDSM&T is a small campus with plenty of potential. It has a respectable community of students and professors. The small number of students means smaller class sizes and more one-on-one time with your professors. The school itself has many activities and groups to participate in, both technical and recreational. Because it is located in Rapid City, South Dakota, it allows for plenty of off campus activities. This includes countless outdoor activities you can experience in the nearby Black Hills.
    Bang for the buck

    SDSM&T has been rated as one of the nations top one hundred buys. The cost is very reasonable considering the exceptional placement rate for graduates. Many local companies look forward to hiring graduates and other employment opportunities are also available.
    Tips for prospective students

    Be prepared for a full work load! This is a school with relatively high standards and in order to be successful, you will have to put forth your best effort. Both math and science are strongly emphasized in any major you choose. Do your research and determine if SDSM&T is the school for you.
    Great for these types of students

    Students with strong math and/or science backgrounds. Those looking at engineering fields (metallurgy, civil, chemical, computer), or computer technologies (computer science).