Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is an outstanding technological university that provides students with a vibrant community. The learning environment is an exceptional place to grow and to cultivate talents. Today, Rensselaer's mission is to achieve new prominence as a top-tier technological research university with global reach and impact. To meet that goal, the institute plans to significantly increase research efforts, with particular focus on biotechnology and information technology.
Rensselaer offers students a wide range of exciting and challenging degrees via a number of academic programs: School of Architecture, School of Engineering, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Information Technology, Lally School of Management and Technology, School of Science. Computing is integrated into the curriculum at Rensselaer, and as a result, all undergraduates must have a laptop computer. Rensselaer's Mobile Computing Program offers the latest computing technology, as well as the best value. And while some students do choose to bring laptops to campus, obtaining your laptop through Rensselaer makes sense because of the special price the school can offer, the software available on the system, its compatibility with other systems on campus, and on-campus support for both hardware and software.
The 5,164 undergraduate students and 1,378 graduate students on Rensselaer's Troy, New York, campus represent all 50 states in the United States, as well as 72 countries around the globe. The Rensselaer Union offers more than 130 student clubs and organizations, including performing and visual arts, student government , multicultural clubs, sports, hobbies, publications, and the campus radio station, WRPI. Athletics are an important part of campus life. Eighteen intramural sports programs and 31 athletic clubs give student athletes a chance to get involved in extracurricular activities.
Prospective students must take the SAT I or the ACT. Accelerated Program applicants must take the SAT II subject tests in math, writing, and science (or ACT in lieu of SAT I and II) to be admitted. International applicants must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and score a minimum of 570 on the paper-based test or a minimum of 230 on the computer-based test. Please note that applicants may have this requirement waived if they have an SAT verbal score of 580 or higher. Please include Rensselaer's institutional code of 2757 for the SAT and TOEFL exams, and include the college code of 2866 for the ACT. This will ensure that your scores arrive at Rensselaer's Admissions Office.
Applying for financial aid at Rensselaer involves three simple steps:
1. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Rensselaer begins processing financial aid applications in February and March.
2. Submit your application. Complete the FAFSA application, mail it to the Federal Processor, or file it online.
3. Watch for your award letter. Once you have been invited to attend Rensselaer, you'll receive an award letter that describes the financial aid package available.
