I took 2 years of CS at the U of M and I'm almost done the BIT program.
1) Are they similar? What kind of jobs could I get with one compared to the other? - They're not all that similar honestly. I find that RRC teaches you the tools to program whereas the U of M will teach you how to utilize those tools. I also feel that RRC teaches you more practical programming skills than the U of M which is more focused on theory. There are advantages to both. I feel like you'd become a better programmer if you come out of the U of M, but with RRC you graduate quicker and hit the workforce sooner. So in a 4 year span I'd say it evens out. It really depends on the person though. My current workplace has a 4:1 ratio for U of M grads to RRC grads, but they're all brilliant.
2) I'd appreciate any feedback from those of you who have done either program, How did you like it? What was your co-op experience like? Was it hard to find a job after graduating? - I actually liked both programs but I wasn't a big fan of the University lifestyle. I personally prefer RRC's small class sizes because I got to know my classmates and instructors and I feel that'll be valuable networking when job hunting in the future. Plus it made my college experience a lot funner. - From what I've gathered from talking to my classmates, your co-op experience can vary. Some of my classmates have no work to do and are literally on reddit all day. Some of my other classmates are given absolutely no freedom or opportunities to grow. Some of my other classmates are being formally trained and mentored by others. And some of my other classmates are doing the same work as actual employees are now. - Personally, I LOVE where I'm doing my co-op. I have the city's best seniors who make coming to work an absolute blast. They're not condescending, they're understanding, they teach me better ways to do things, and give me the opportunities to grow. I'm honestly so grateful to be placed where I was placed because I've learned so much from them. - Can't comment on job hunting on graduation but I'm honestly very worried. I'm currently juggling working at my co-op and finishing some personal projects so I can have something to show employers upon graduating.
3)For the BIT program, I also noticed you have to pass a Computer Programmer Aptitude Test to get accepted into the program itself, Is this something I'd have to study for before-hand or is it just common sense kind of questions? - You don't have to study for it. It's basically an IQ test that's just testing your problem solving skills and logic. Most people pass it without studying. If you don't though, it's not a big deal since the college will just recommend you first take the iBIT program which is to help you prepare for BIT. You can't really study for it but if you want, look up flow diagrams because I remember a big section of the test was dedicated to that.