Admissions

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• Undergraduate Admissions
• Graduate Admissions

Director, Undergraduate Admissions: Karen S. Long

Office of Admissions
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
110 8^th Street
Troy, NY 12180-3590
Phone: (518) 276-6216
Email: admissions@rpi.edu
 

Admissions information is subject to change from year to year. For the most up-to-date information on requirements, application process, deadlines, testing, and other relevant topics, please refer to the admissions website at undergrad.admissions.rpi.edu

RPI accepts the Common Application or the Candidate’s Choice Application and gives equal consideration to both.

RPI admits qualified students without regard to gender, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, age, race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, marital status, or disability.

First-Year Admission

Admission to RPI is competitive. The Admissions Committee, in evaluating the qualifications of each applicant, pays particular attention to (1) academic performance throughout secondary school; (2) if submitted, results of the College Entrance Examination Board (SAT) or results of the ACT Assessment (ACT); (3) the recommendation from the applicant’s school; and (4) character and extracurricular achievements.

Students interested in RPI have the option of applying to one of the five schools or as undeclared candidates. Architecture applicants are required to submit a creative portfolio. Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences, Electronic Arts, and Music applicants are strongly encouraged to submit a creative portfolio. Students interested in the Physician-Scientist (B.S./M.D.) Program must apply directly to that program.

Applications for first-year admission should be filed by January 15 of the year in which the applicant expects to begin their college program. The non-refundable application processing fee for all applications submitted is $70.

Physician-Scientist (B.S./M.D.) Program - Applicants to the accelerated Physician-Scientist (B.S./M.D.) Program must apply by November 1, and the application is non-binding. Special requirements apply to this process. Please contact the Office of Admissions for further detail, or access RPI’s undergraduate website under the appropriate heading.

Early Decision - RPI offers a binding Early Decision opportunity to students who have decided that RPI is their first choice. An Early Decision application must be submitted by November 1 (Early Decision I) or January 5 (Early Decision II) of the candidate’s senior year in secondary school. Early Decision is not available to students applying to the Physician-Scientist (B.S./M.D.) Program.

Early Action - RPI offers candidates a non-binding Early Action opportunity. An Early Action application must be submitted by December 1 of the candidate’s senior year in secondary school. Early Action is not available to students applying to the Physician-Scientist (B.S./M.D.) Program.

Early Admission - RPI considers candidates who have completed all admission requirements and who wish to enter the university after the junior year of high school. Early Admission is not possible for the Physician-Scientist (B.S./M.D.) Program or for the School of Architecture.

January Admission - RPI does enroll students beginning in January. A full range of first-year courses is available during the spring semester, and the midyear entrant may pursue a degree through the traditional eight-semester timetable or accelerate through summer work. January admission is not possible for the Physician-Scientist (B.S./M.D.) Program, the School of Architecture, or for the programs in Music, Electronic Arts, or Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences.

Applying to RPI

Academic Preparation

All applications are reviewed individually by the Admissions Committee. It is important to note that some differences in preparation and academic background may be considered. The applicants who are best suited for RPI will have completed four years of English, four years of mathematics through pre-calculus, three years of science including chemistry and lab-based physics, and two years of social studies and/or history. Additionally, the admissions committee pays particular attention to candidates who demonstrate qualities and talents that will contribute to the richness of the RPI community.

Note to international applicants: Official transcripts must be translated into English. 

The International Student Financial Statement (ISFS) form must be submitted along with all other application materials. The ISFS form will be available on your application portal once you apply. Your application will not be considered complete without the International Student Financial Statement form.

If you are accepted and enroll, we must see documentation reflecting at least one year’s worth of liquid funding.

Portfolio Requirements

• Architecture candidates are required to submit a creative portfolio online at rpi.slideroom.com.
   
• Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences, Electronic Arts, and Music candidates may submit an optional creative portfolio online at rpi.slideroom.com.

Standardized Test Requirements: Any student who applies to attend RPI as an undergraduate in the fall of 2026 will be able to choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students applying to the Physician-Scientist (B.S./M.D.) Program are required to submit official SAT or ACT scores at the time of application.

• SAT or ACT (optional, except for Physician-Scientist (B.S./M.D.) Program applicants)
• English Language Proficiency Exam (non-native English-speakers only). There are several options for international students to demonstrate their English language proficiency. These options include achieving minimum scores on one of the following testing options: 88 (TOEFL, iBT); 7.0 (IELTS); 59 (PTE); or 115 (DET). Official results of English proficiency exams must be sent; self-reported scores will not be accepted. A waiver may be requested through the application portal by applicants who have completed three of more years of secondary education in the U.S

For students choosing to submit SAT/ACT test scores, examinations may be taken at the student’s convenience, but not later than the December test date. Early Decision applicants and Physician-Scientist (B.S./M.D.) Program applicants must complete the test by the November test date. The Admissions Committee cannot assure full consideration if tests are taken later than these dates. 

RPI allows most applicants to self-report SAT/ACT test scores on the application or through the application portal and only requires students to submit official scores during the enrollment process if they decide to attend RPI.

Students applying to the Physician-Scientist (B.S./M.D.) Program are required to submit official SAT/ACT score reports at the time of application. 
 

Note: Please include RPI’s institutional code of 2757 for the SAT and TOEFL exams and include the college code of 2866 for the ACT Assessment. This will ensure that the scores arrive at RPI’s Admissions Office.

Physician-Scientist (B.S./M.D.) Program Requirements The SAT or the ACT is required for students applying for the seven-year accelerated Physician-Scientist (B.S./M.D.) Program. These students must complete the test by the November test date and have the official results sent to RPI; self-reported scores will not be accepted. 

Application Fee and Enrollment Deposit - Application Fee and Enrollment Deposit - A non-refundable fee of $70 is required with every undergraduate application to RPI unless a fee waiver is provided. The application fee is waived for recipients of the Rensselaer Medal. A candidate who accepts RPI’s offer of admission reserves their place in the class by making a nonrefundable $500 deposit by May 1 (earlier dates apply for Early Decision applicants). These funds are credited toward the student’s first semester charges. If the student does not enroll, the deposit is forfeited.

Financial Aid

RPI offers students a wide range of aid options and a staff of financial aid professionals who will work with them to devise the best solutions. Students interested in federal and/or RPI need-based financial aid are required to complete the College Scholarship Services (CSS) Profile application and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

For further information on our financial aid programs, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at (518) 276-6813, or at finaid@rpi.edu.

Undergraduate Transfer Admission/Special Programs

Transfer students are an important part of the university community. Each year, RPI enrolls more than 200 transfer students from accredited two-and four-year colleges in the United States and many other countries. RPI accepts transfer students for all programs except the Physician-Scientist (B.S./M.D.) Program To be considered for transfer admission, a student should have earned at least 12 credit hours (after high school graduation) in the appropriate course work at another accredited college or university. Admissions requirements vary across programs. In general, RPI looks for transfer students with a 3.0 GPA or higher.

Transfer applicants should submit an application by June 1 for fall entrance, November 1 for spring entrance, and by March 1 for entrance to the School of Architecture. Applicants should submit the Transfer Common Application. In addition to the application form, students should submit a non-refundable $70 application fee, official transcripts from all previously attended colleges, and a faculty letter of recommendation from the major department. Applicants to the School of Architecture, Electronic Arts, Music, and Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences programs must also submit a creative portfolio with their 

Transfer admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis. Files are reviewed when they become complete, and notification is sent to the student. Once a student has been admitted, the faculty will review all previous course work to determine transfer of credit. Each student will be provided with an evaluation of all previous course work. Students must submit a syllabus or catalog description for all previous course work.

In order to earn an RPI undergraduate degree, a student must be registered full-time for a minimum of four semesters and must complete at least 64 credits at RPI all of which will be applied to the baccalaureate degree. Two semesters of part-time study at RPI will be considered equivalent to one semester of full-time study. If a transfer student elects to study abroad in a program not affiliated with the Institute, no more than 16 credits may be transferred from that program. These credits will not be considered in the 64 credits which must be completed at RPI. Students who participate in study abroad programs that are affiliated with the Institute can count those transfer credits toward the 64 credits taken at RPI.

The Institute requires a degree candidate to earn the last 30 credits in courses completed on this campus or through a program formally recognized by the Institute. Transfer courses are limited to two courses or eight credits counting towards the student’s last 30 credits and require the approval of the director of the Advising and Learning Assistance Center.

Two-Year College Affiliated Program - Students graduating with an A.S. degree from a two-year or community college affiliated with RPI may transfer at the end of two years with full junior status if accepted for admission to RPI.

Please Note: The schools listed below have agreements for programs in the School of Engineering. Some schools also have agreements for programs in Science (SCI), Management (MGT), and Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences (HASS).

Four-Year Affiliated College Engineering Program - The Affiliated College Program combines the resources of RPI and a select group of affiliated liberal arts colleges and universities. This program is designed especially for students who decide during their college careers to enter the field of engineering. Students transfer to RPI after completing three years of liberal arts study, including extensive and advanced course work in mathematics and science. After two or three years of concentrated study in engineering and applied science at RPI, these students receive degrees from both the liberal arts college and RPI.

Interested students apply for the program during the fall of their junior year on the recommendation of the liberal arts college’s pre-engineering committee. Applicants should submit the Transfer Common Application. An official college transcript is required in addition to a letter of recommendation from the liberal arts college’s pre-engineering committee. Most students accepted for the Affiliated College Program have achieved at least a B average with grades of A or B in calculus, calculus-based physics, and chemistry courses.

A 3-2 program is offered in which a student completes three years (through the junior year) at the liberal arts college, then transfers to RPI’s School of Engineering. Two years of carefully planned study complete the requirements for the bachelor’s program of the liberal arts college and the B.S. degree with a major in engineering at RPI.

Institutions participating in this program are:

Part-Time Matriculated Undergraduates

RPI accepts a limited number of part-time matriculated undergraduate students. Students seeking admission must meet the same academic standards as full-time entering first-year and transfer students

Prospective part-time students from outside the Institute and currently enrolled non-matriculated students should apply through the Office of Admissions.

Part-time undergraduates will be assigned an academic adviser in the department of their major and must select courses from the regular day or evening course offerings at the Institute. Part-time students must pay a continuing registration fee and are subject to changing requirements given in the RPI Catalog.

Part-Time Non-degree Students

RPI welcomes students who wish to take one or more courses on a non-matriculated basis for personal enrichment or professional development. Such students should contact the Office of Admissions in order to complete the necessary application procedure at least one week prior to the last day of registration before each semester. An official transcript of former academic work is required. The admission decision is based on the student’s demonstrated academic ability, the appropriateness of the course(s) requested, and the availability of space in the course(s). Non-matriculated students receive transcripts and full academic credit for successfully completed courses. However, only 12 hours of such credit may be applied toward an RPI degree should the student later apply and be accepted for degree-seeking status.

RPI also accepts a limited number of qualified secondary school students who wish to enroll in appropriate courses in conjunction with their secondary school programs. All course work receives full credit, which may be applied toward degrees at RPI or other universities. For application information please visit RPI undergrad.admissions.rpi.edu.

International Students

More than 1,000 international students representing nearly 60 nations are enrolled at RPI. Through the Offices of Admissions and International Services for Students and Scholars (ISSS), RPI provides special services to ensure that international students make a seamless entrance into RPI’s academic community and are geared to success in their endeavors. First-year and transfer international applicants should begin planning at least a year in advance of application deadlines. International students, including Canadian citizens, are not eligible for the Physician-Scientist (B.S./M.D.) Program.

First-Year International Applicants - Non-U.S. citizens/permanent residents should submit a completed application with official copies of all academic transcripts for secondary school, with English translations; results of SAT/ACT exam (optional); and official results of an English language proficiency exam. For students who will study on an F-1 or J-1 visa, evidence of financial support to cover one year’s worth of educational and living expenses is required at the time of enrollment. Please also refer to the First-Year Admission section on general admission and portfolio requirements.

Transfer International Applicants - Non-U.S. citizens/permanent residents should submit a completed application with official copies of all academic transcripts with English translations; official results of an English language proficiency exam; and a letter of recommendation from a college official. Students with fewer than four semesters of post-secondary study must also submit official transcripts of secondary school studies and SAT/ACT results (optional). For students who will study on an F-1 or J-1 visa, evidence of financial support to cover one year’s worth of educational and living expenses is required at the time of enrollment. Architecture, Electronic Arts, Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences, and Music applicants are required to submit a portfolio.

English Language Requirement - There are several options for international students to demonstrate their English language proficiency. These options include achieving minimum scores on one of the following testing options: 88 (TOEFL iBT); 7.0 (IELTS); 59 (PTE); or 115 (DET). Official results of English proficiency exams must be sent; self-reported scores will not be accepted. Other exams, such as A-levels, IB, etc., may not be substituted for the TOEFL, IELTS, PTE, or DET.

Financial Aid - RPI offers limited merit scholarship opportunities available for undergraduate international students, up to $25,000 per year (with the exception of the Rensselaer Medal). All non-U.S. citizens/permanent residents must be prepared to assume the full cost of attendance for the duration of their studies.. Canadian citizens are eligible for aid and should complete the CSS Profile form. The International Student Financial Statement (ISFS) form must be submitted along with all other application materials. The ISFS form will be available on your application portal once you apply. Your application will not be considered complete without the International Student Financial Statement form. If you are accepted and enroll, we must see documentation reflecting at least one year’s worth of liquid funding.

Director, Graduate Admissions: Jarron P. Decker

Office of Graduate Admissions
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
110 8th Street
Troy, New York 12180-3590
Phone: (518) 276-4428
Email: gradadmissions@rpi.edu
https://gradadmissions.rpi.edu

Students pursuing graduate study may elect to do so in residential programs offered on the Troy, NY campus, or by participating in non-residential online and hybrid programs offered through Rensselaer at Work, which are specifically designed for working professionals.  On either campus, students may study full-time or part-time.

Admission to all graduate courses and degree programs at RPI is based on the electronic submission of a formal and competitive application. The applicant’s prior academic records as well as references and test scores, where required, are examined for evidence of ability to meet RPI’s graduate standards and degree requirements as outlined under individual program and course description sections of this catalog.

For admission to graduate study, an applicant must have a U.S. bachelor’s degree or the equivalent of a U.S. bachelor’s degree prior to enrollment. Degree-seeking applicants may sometimes be admitted with conditions on continued enrollment. In these cases, continued enrollment is dependent upon the satisfactory fulfillment of the conditions. RPI admits qualified students without regard to gender, sexual orientation, age, race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, marital status, or disability.

Graduate Student Classification

Full-Time Degree-Seeking Status The applicant who intends to complete a graduate degree on a full-time basis is considered for regular, degree-seeking status. Only full-time degree-seeking graduate students are eligible for financial support from RPI in the form of research or teaching assistantships or institutionally supported fellowships/scholarships.

Part-Time Degree-Seeking Status Students wishing to pursue degrees on a part-time basis may do so in most departments. Admission procedures are the same as for full-time, degree-seeking applicants. This pathway is mainly for students who wish to pursue their advanced education concurrent with full-time employment or other pursuits.

Non-matriculated Status Non-matriculated Status The applicant who wishes to enroll in graduate-level courses, but not follow a degree program, is considered for non-matriculated status. A minimum B average must be maintained to continue enrollment. The Office of Graduate Admissions coordinates advisement and approvals for registration. However, should the student later apply for and be accepted into degree-seeking status, the number of credit hours taken as a non-matriculated student that can be credited toward a degree is a university-wide maximum of 12 credit hours. Time limit to completion of degree begins with the first course taken as a non-matriculated student and applied to the degree program.

Admission Procedures

Applicants must submit an online application and a nonrefundable $75 application fee. An applicant holding a bachelor’s degree and wishing to register for university courses as a part-time or non-matriculated student also must apply according to these procedures.

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required by some departments and is recommended for applicants whose prior academic records are not clearly competitive. Please refer to https://gradadmissions.rpi.edu/deadlines-and-requirements for specific requirements.

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is preferred of all applicants to the Lally School of Management, but is not required. The Lally School also accepts the Graduate Record Examination (GRE).

International applicants whose native language is not English must submit  scores  from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Duolingo English Test, or Pearson’s Test of English (PTE). Institute minimum scores are 88 iBT (TOEFL), 6.5 (IELTS), 120 (Duolingo), and 59 (PTE). Additional information can be found at https://gradadmissions.rpi.edu/deadlines-and-requirements 

Co-terminal Degree Program

The co-terminal degree program provides undergraduates the opportunity to pursue graduate degrees while maintaining their eligible undergraduate RPI funding.  Co-terminal students can pursue a master’s degree in the same academic discipline as their bachelor’s degree program or apply to a graduate program outside their undergraduate department.  Additional information regarding program and application requirements along with deadline dates can be found at https://graduate.rpi.edu/co-terminal-program