South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
Rapid City, SD, USA

Reviews

South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Rebecca from Rapid City, SD

a current student here
14 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.

Joseph from Elkhorn, NE

accepted here and planning to attend soon
8 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.

Patrick from Aurora, CO

a current student here
7 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.

Paul B. from Spearfish, SD

a current student here
5 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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.

Cora from Rapid City, SD

a current student here
3 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
South Dakota School of Mines and Technology is a competitive and nurturing school. Anyone who wants to not only learn but also be mentally challenged by their peers and professors should apply to this school. Class sizes are easily manageable, the professors are genuine, and the student body is unlike anything I've ever been introduced to.
Tips for prospective students
If you want to go to this school I suggest you study hard and become involved in as many extracurricular activities as you can. This school is all about educating their students as well as enriching the community. Currently I am majoring in Geology with a specialization in Paleontology and I am in the Paleontology Club and its Outreach Committee. Being apart of the Outreach Committee is so much fun! I get to go on school trips to various events and public schools to teach young students interested in Paleontology everything I know so far.
After you get accepted get in touch with your advisor right away, you want to make sure that you are signing up for the correct classes. Your advisor will be your best friend in college, especially this one. They are so helpful!
One last thing, the school makes you rent a laptop from them every semester. If you're thinking of buying one for school don't. It's just a waste of money. You get to keep it through your entire college career so don't worry about giving it back at the end of every semester and having to start all over with a new one. It's a pretty nice laptop too.
I love this school! It is so nice to finally go to a school where I feel like I really belong there and where the students that go there are so accepting of every single person there!
Academic Rigor
I'm not going to lie, classes are difficult. You can't just coast through them without studying and hope to pass. Trust me. If you put in the time and effort though you'll find that it pays off. College is no walk in the park but if it was you wouldn't really get much out of it, would you?
Dorm Life
I've never lived in the dorms. However, I do have friends who have lived in the dorms and they loved it! I've never heard anyone say that they didn't like the dorms.
Food and Dining
I've had the food at this school and I have to say it's not that bad. It's not a 5 star restaurant but there is a Papa John's pizza place in the cafeteria if that counts for anything. In my book it does. I love pizza! It's the perfect college food!
What to do for fun
There are so many things to do for fun around Rapid City! The school is always advertising things like open mic nights and movie nights. A lot of the clubs have events going on that are open to non-club members and it's nice because they'll post the signs on the sidewalk (they literally tape signs for events on the sidewalk) so that everyone can notice them! In Rapid City there are many great restaurants, I suggest Que Pasa, it's a Mexican Grill and it is so good! Also there is Mount. Rushmore and for those interested in animals you can check out Bear Country or Reptile Gardens. Reptile Gardens does a snake and crocodile show every day (weather permitting) so you can go everyday and see a different show because they use live snakes and crocodiles!
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
The Quad is a lot of fun mostly because you always see something cool going on there. Also the Museum of Geology has fun events going on every so often. Every year around Halloween time they do and event called Night at the Museum and students get to volunteer for the different stands they have set up. It's so much fun because you get to dress up!
Great for these types of students
Great for geeks! If you feel even a little intrigued by the workings of a computer or how to engineer basically anything this is the school for you.
Clubs and Activities
There are so many clubs it's unbelievable!

Beth from Colorado Springs, CO

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
This college can provide an excellent education in math, science, or engineering for a great price. However, you have to want that degree, as some of the classes are extremely challenging. Most professors go above and beyond at SDSMT, and help is always available through many different sources.
Tips for prospective students
Don't be afraid to ask for help. As an engineering student, I know how difficult some of the classes are. And maybe it's just one topic in a class, but there's going to be something you don't get. Ask for help. People are there to help you learn. Go to class, do your homework, but don't forget to get out of your dorm room and meet new people and go to events and have a blast. This school has a great community so enjoy it.
Academic Rigor
Some of the classes at SDSMT are quite challenging. There are very few classes students can skate through, but they come out knowing the material.
Dorm Life
Dorms are dorms. They have their pros and cons. The school's ResLife and SALC do a great job providing activities, events, and really build a community.
Food and Dining
The school's dining services are the one thing I think they overcharge for. Though the food has improved in quality over the years I've been attending the school, it still has a way to go.
What to do for fun
The school is constantly bringing in shows, like magicians and hypnotists, as well as providing activities like free movie nights at the Elks theater or free ice skating. The Music Center puts on open mic nights, karaoke nights, and concerts. The school's location in the Black Hills gives a lot of opportunities to go hiking, cliff jumping, and sight seeing. There are many clubs and groups on campus for everyone to find somewhere to fit, from blacks smithing club to Gamers for Service, who put on Humans VS Zombies every year. There are also many sporting events to attend from rivalry football games against BHSU to soccer games, a new event to our school. There is also a variety of fraternities and sororities to check out if you're interested in Greek life.
Bang for the buck
This school is an excellent deal for the return you get out of it. It's even ranked as one of the best for its tuition in the US annually. It's especially great when compared to other Schools of Mines, like Colorado's, which charges a ton for in state students and a completely unreasonable amount if you're from out of state.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
Every year, during M Week, a celebration of the school, our frosh wear beanie hats until they complete a lap around the football field during the homecoming game, when they become freshmen. On M Day, we climb M Hill to white wash the M. We also have a parade through Downtown Rapid City.
Great for these types of students
SDSMT is great for any student pursuing a degree in math, science, or engineering, including premed majors.
Clubs and Activities
There are over 100 clubs and organizations on campus from Greek organizations to a student-run radio station to Gamers for Service. Students are also invited to start up their own clubs.
Greek Life
I am not a member of a Greek organization but am friends with many who are. The fraternities and sororities at SDSMT offer a different kind of community for students pursuing a degree at the school because they have such strong brother or sisterhood.
Campus Safety
The campus has many lines of security, from Campus Safety, who are always available for emergencies, to the local police force, to members of Residence Life. Students are safe on campus.

John from Evergreen, CO

a current student here
2 people found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
Smaller school/class size creates a great opportunity to receive personalized education.
Excellent high-paying job opportunities while in school and after graduation.
Excellent opportunity to meet other high performing individuals and faculty.
Tips for prospective students
Be prepared for strong academic rigor and expectations. SDSMT does not have the stress level that students in other school of mines programs experience.
Academic Rigor
Expectations and academic rigor are challenging and you are expected to be responsible and engaged.
Dorm Life
Interesting and varied experiences, dorms clean and well maintained.
Food and Dining
The food and dining on campus needs to be improved, but that is in the works.
What to do for fun
Rapid City is a tourist destination, until you have seen Mount Rushmore you haven't seen Mount Rushmore. Lot of year-round activities available, malls/shopping, community and campus activities are available.
Bang for the buck
SDSMT's tution rates are among the lowest in the country. Major employers seek out interns and graduates from this school from all over the world.
Great for these types of students
Engineering, Computer technical based individuals, interdisciplinary program for the undecided available.
Clubs and Activities
Various clubs, sororities and fraternities, sports both at Div 2 level and intramural available, beginning boys D2 soccer team this year, SDSMT is in last year of D2 qualifying.
Greek Life
Great for both sororities and fraternities, have joined Delta Sigma Phi myself!
Campus Safety
Safe have not experienced any problems

Anonymous

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
In three sentences
This school is almost a guaranteed way of learning everything you need to and more concerning your major, getting a great job with a great starting salary, and meeting new and interesting people. The people are generally all concerned about doing their best and learning everything they can to assist them in their future. Most of the staff share in the interest of their students' futures and are sure to help you to understand and do well, figure out exactly which major/area of study is right for you, and even get through all the new social situations that come along with starting college.
Tips for prospective students
Do not come here thinking it will be easy. This is a tough school that is very serious about learning and preparing for your career. If you have not had a rigorous high school schedule you may not be prepared for what you find here. We do not have a high retention rate because we accept a lot of people who, in the end cannot handle what is expected of them, and transfer to somewhere else. If you are considering attending ask yourself if you are willing to not have a social life and put everything you have into your studies. If the answer to this question is yes, then this may be the school for you!
Academic Rigor
The first year, for many people, is very hard. Those of us that used to a rigorous and extensive schedule think that it is just as hard as high school. But after the first year, things get tough. You are expected to handle a lot more. Your classes get smaller as you are in more courses pertaining to your major but you also may have to take more credit hours to make sure you graduate on time. If you try your hardest and ask for help when needed you are sure to succeed, but if you think it is going to be an easy ride you are sorely mistaken.
Dorm Life
My dorm experience was phenomenal. The dorms are neither elaborate nor luxurious but they are great for a beginning freshman. All of the dorms have been recently updated so they are not dirty or dingy. The rooms are acceptable sizes living in the dorms offers a whole new life style. I met so many people because of living there my freshman year. Everybody hangs out with everybody and there are events you can participate in to meet new people also. You can leave when you want and come back when you want and there are no strict rules about girls or boys in each other's room. It really is the only way to go as a freshman at SDSM&T
Food and Dining
I'm not going to lie, the food is not that great. Or it wasn't this past year, though it isn't horrible either. The Miner's Shack is a great place to get snacks and the dining hall does have good dishes sometimes. The best time to eat there is when there are recruiting events as they make the food a lot better to impress people. There is always pizza, a salad bar, waffles, and cereal available, along with some fruit. You can eat as much as you want and drink as much as you want. The orange juice is AWESOME! And of course there are kitchens in most of the dorms so if you prefer cooking you have that option as well.
What to do for fun
Our campus has many events for people to participate in, and the RAs try to put on events as well. The fraternities have parties at the beginning of the year for everybody but after that they are mainly for members, pledges, and friends. Rapid city has a great down town which is really fun to walk around. There are bars if you are of age, a hookah lounge, and the Elk's theater which shows out of theaters but usually not out on DVD movies for much less! Aside from that dorm life is really the most fun as you can hang out with many people and watch movies or play video games. It's not the most exciting campus but if you take advantage of what is offered to you it can give you many unforgettable memories.
Bang for the buck
Seriously this school is the best bang for the buck. Tuition may be a little more pricey if you are out of state but for the type of starting salary you are looking at it really is nothing. We have a really high placement rate and there is a career fair twice a year where you can get internships and jobs. This really is the best school to go to for science and engineering as we have all the connections of other schools at a lower price.
Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus
There are traditions concerning the freshman that amount to a lot of fun but you'll have to join us to find out!
Great for these types of students
This school is really for those who are serious about having a good job and making good money in science and engineering. It is not for those who want to party their way through their college experience. I personally believe this is not a place for athletes only because many a time they come because of scholarships and are not prepared for what is expected of them, BUT that being said, if you're first priority is science or engineering but you love playing a sport as well, this could be a good match for you.
Clubs and Activities
There are many many clubs on campus that offer lots of entertainment and are a great way to meet people.
Greek Life
The Greek Life on campus is not our first priority, though there is a place for it. It is not like the Greek Life you see in movies on TV though. There are parties but they are not crazy and big, most of the members are more concerned with doing well in school and will help you if you are falling behind. It really is a great place to meet people if you think it would be right for you.
Campus Safety
I have not every had an experience with our campus safety police but I see them around all the time so they must be doing their job! Our campus is extremely safe. I have never felt uneasy or unsafe and I have walked around at night alone. Though we are right in the down town area of Rapid City our campus i quite separate and it's small too. Not much can go on without someone being around to help so it really is a safe place.

Matthew from Hill City, SD

a current student here
1 person found this review useful
CategoriesComments
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).