Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

“Have some innate abilities and enjoyment ofSep 12 2013Physics
Have some innate abilities and enjoyment of study , particularly of science, math or engineering. Have a desire to change the world for the better. Study intently but remain connected to the world.
Male

“High test scores and a high GPA are theFeb 11 2013Aerospace Engineering
High test scores and a high GPA are the only way to go. Take plenty of AP courses. Look into the Rensselaer Medalist Scholarship if you are seriously interested and ask about it at your high school if they award it.
SAT: 2150 Female

“Common app, decent SAT score and decent High schoolJan 18 2013Accounting
Common app, decent SAT score and decent High school grades and youre good to go
Male

“I'm not sure how I got in hahaOct 12 2012Architecture
I'm not sure how I got in haha. I'm smart but not a genius. I had a 2090 for SAT score (A 1400 for Math and Reading). RPI gives out a lot of scholarships which is great. I got a 25,000 yearly Leadership Award which really helped. I had a lot of extracurriculars coming out of high school: Debate, National Honor Society, Unified Sports, etc. I'd suggest mainting a relatively good GPA (doesn't have to be superb), I had a 3.75 on a 4.33 scale, unweighted. I did well on AP exams (both AP calc and AP physics), and I wrote some solid essays. When you apply, just make sure you present yourself as a well rounded, motivated student. Don't be afraid to take a risk with the essays.
SAT: 2090 Female

“Don't goDec 02 2011Computer Engineering
Don't go. Just don't do it. If you have moderately high SAT scores (and especially if you're a girl), you'll get in. Hell, they'll probably try to recruit you. Don't. Just don't even get near them.
SAT: 1490 Male