Summer classes? Really? Here’s how one student discovered ARCH gave her more than she expected.
If you're looking at RPI, you've probably heard about ARCH, the mandatory summer semester that has incoming students either confused or concerned. Summer classes when you'd rather be at the beach? We get it. But before you write it off, meet Naveena, a dual Art and Business major who went from dreading summer semester to calling it a "real turning point" in her college experience.
"I Wasn't Looking Forward to Summer Classes Either"
Let's be honest, Naveena's first reaction to ARCH was probably the same as yours. Summer classes weren't exactly on her college bucket list. But here's what she discovered that might change your mind: ARCH isn't just about cramming in extra coursework. It's about getting opportunities that wouldn't exist during a packed regular semester.
With fewer students on campus, Naveena found herself in smaller classes, getting more face time with professors, and having access to experiences that would be impossible with 7,000+ students competing for the same spots. Her concept art class and Organizational Behavior course became the perfect combo that later helped her land and excel in a marketing internship.
The Real Game-Changer: Hands-On Experience While You Learn
Here's where ARCH gets interesting for STEM-minded students. While Naveena was taking classes, she was also working as a marketing intern for RPI's Lally School of Management. This wasn't just filing papers or getting coffee; she was designing newsletters, creating event content, and updating websites that real people actually used.
One of the most memorable parts of Naveena's summer coursework was her Organizational Behavior class. As part of a team project, she and her classmates were tasked with reimagining the ARCH program itself, an exercise that combined creativity with problem-solving and real-world application. Working together, they brainstormed ways to make the program more engaging and supportive for future students, presenting recommendations that tied back to the concepts they were learning in class. For Naveena, it was a chance to see how theory could directly shape student experiences on campus.
Think about it: instead of just learning about marketing strategies in a textbook, she was applying them to actual projects. Instead of just taking design classes, she was creating materials that went out to the public. That's the kind of experience that makes your resume stand out when you're competing with thousands of other new grads.
Why Your "Weird" Major Combo Might Be Your Superpower
Interdisciplinary learning is at the heart of the RPI experience. For Naveena, that meant exploring her two passions, Art and Business. What seemed like an unlikely combination at first quickly became her secret weapon. The creativity she brought from her art courses paired seamlessly with the strategic insights from her business classes, giving her a unique edge in her marketing internship and beyond.
At a STEM school like RPI, this kind of cross-disciplinary thinking is everywhere. Engineering students who understand design. Computer science majors who get business strategy. Math students who can communicate complex ideas clearly. ARCH gives you the time and space to explore these connections without the pressure of a full course load.
The Skills That Actually Matter After Graduation
Beyond the resume boost, Naveena picked up skills that you can't really learn in a traditional classroom setting:
Adaptability: She regularly had to jump into new software with zero experience and figure it out on the fly. A skill that's basically mandatory in any tech career.
Real professional communication: Working with actual teams on real projects taught her how to collaborate in ways that group projects just can't replicate.
Time management under pressure: Managing classes and internship responsibilities simultaneously (without pulling all-nighters) is excellent prep for the working world.
Networking that actually works: With smaller classes and more professor availability, she built relationships that are already helping her plan her next moves.
Her 8-Month Head Start
Here's something most high schoolers don't realize about ARCH: it's not just a summer semester. The program includes an "Away" semester where you can spend up to eight months off-campus doing internships, co-ops, or study abroad programs while still making degree progress.
Naveena is planning her Away semester for Spring 2026, giving her eight months to gain industry experience. That's eight months of real-world work experience that many students don't get until after graduation, if they get it at all.
The Bottom Line for Future RPI Students
If you're the type of person considering RPI, you're probably someone who wants to make an impact, solve real problems, and build things that matter. ARCH isn't an obstacle but rather it's a launching pad.
As Naveena puts it: "Don't be afraid to reach out to professors, upperclassmen, or anyone who's been through it before. People are more available in the summer, and there are still plenty of events to get involved in.”
The students who thrive at RPI are the ones who see opportunities where others see requirements. If that sounds like you, ARCH might just be the reason you choose RPI over other schools.
Ready to learn more about what makes RPI different? The ARCH program is just the beginning of what this place can offer ambitious students who want to change the world.