StudentsReview :: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute - How to Get into RPI (Undergraduate)
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Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Students who got into RPI:

Tips mention: Interview (3), ACT/SAT (27), Grades (29), Sports/Extracurriculars (13), College Essay (6)
If you really want to get in, you need decentMar 26 2010Electrical Engineering
If you really want to get in, you need decent SAT scores because that's what RPI advertises about the incoming class when they come here.
SAT: 1790 Male
The best deal all around is RPI's medalist programNov 11 2009Nuclear Engineering
The best deal all around is RPI's medalist program. If you are the top math/science student in your high school, you can be awarded a $15,000 per year scholarship. Make sure to speak to your counselor about this very early in your junior year or even the spring of your sophomore year. The high school only gets to choose one student. If your high school does not participate get them to sign up.

When writing your college essay make sure it is personal about you and something no one else would be writing about. RPI seems to put emphasis on this component. They also require top grades and high standardized test scores. Take a SAT study course to improve test performance.

RPI has become so selective in the past couple of years, it's no wonder it's now classified as a "new Ivy." It is just as selective as Harvard or Yale, so make sure to put the same effort into your application. RPI does lower the bar a smidge if you're a girl. It is working hard at lowering the male to female ratio.
ACT: 32 SAT: 1460 Female

I graduated valedictorian from a top private college-prep highMar 26 2009Nuclear Engineering
I graduated valedictorian from a top private college-prep high school with a 3.986 GPA, had 10 AP's with an average score of 4.25 on all exams, and took advanced or honor's level courses for my remaining classes. But, this represents only one academic side of the application. Colleges want to see a well-rounded student. Therefore, I started volunteering in 7th grade. I was active in every facet of my high school from student government to school management. I held leadership positions from President of National Honor Society to Captain of my basketball team. I was active in extra-curricular activities from drama to choir. I visited RPI's campus 3 times and really knew it was a good fit for me, as I always wanted to major in engineering since I was young.

If RPI could be the college for you, don't let the negativity of others steer from from a great collegiate experience. Best of Luck!
SAT: 2180 Female

I applied early and wrote a strong essay to get inDec 19 2008Unknown
I applied early and wrote a strong essay to get in. I also had high test scores which helped. It isn't that hard to get in if you have above average SAT scores. If you're at or below the average HS senior in test scores, consider retaking the tests or applying to another school.
SAT: 2250 Male
I wasn't an outstanding high school student, but IOct 28 2008Biology
I wasn't an outstanding high school student, but I was well rounded: from a small town in WNY, 3rd in my class (of 100), did awesome on the ACT but pretty crappy on the SAT, varsity sports all 4 years of high school, art classes, NHS. I guess the well-rounded-ness helped me out. I ended up getting $30K in scholarships, which led to my decision to come here. But I advise you stay a night at the campus to check it out first. And talk to students (that don't have their noses burried in books) about how they feel.
ACT: 32 Female
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
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