Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Launches Spring Admission Program

By David Brond

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Launches Spring Admission Program

Troy, N.Y. – Each fall, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute welcomes a new class of incoming students to the Troy campus. To expand access and opportunity to the Rensselaer transformational experience, the Institute is launching a spring admission program.

“A Rensselaer education—through our innovative pedagogy, global challenge-linked research, and a transformative student experience—positions our graduates to truly change the world,” said Karen Long, acting vice president for enrollment management. “The Institute receives a record number of applications each year, and by instituting a spring admission program, we will be able to provide a unique pathway for a select group of outstanding and mature students to study at Rensselaer.”

This year, the Office of Enrollment Management received 17,000 applications. Eighty-one percent of the admitted students are coming from the top 10 percent of their class. In addition, admitted students represent all 50 states and 34 countries.

“The Admissions staff is working to choose students who will thrive and contribute to the Rensselaer community,” Long said. “Students who have demonstrated leadership, as well as intellectual, cultural, and creative diversity in their high school careers, are individuals who can contribute to the vibrancy of our campus.”

While at Rensselaer, students will always have a close-knit group of peers and advisers to turn to. The model of college life, CLASS, or Clustered Learning, Advocacy, and Support for Students, includes both residence- and time-based clustering. As part of the learning and living environment at Rensselaer, the model ensures that students become an integral part of a strong community of learners, as they share their experiences with fellow students and create their own pathways to success.

To enroll in the spring admission program, it is expected that the majority of the students entering in January will graduate with their class in May of  their senior year. This can be accomplished by taking classes elsewhere before enrolling at Rensselaer, obtaining AP/IB credit from high school, taking summer courses before enrolling or in subsequent summers, or some combination of these options. Rensselaer will also offer second semester freshmen courses for many majors in the summer. 

In addition, prior to enrolling at Rensselaer in January, students are expected to use the summer and fall semesters before matriculation to pursue a wide range of interests, including taking courses at other colleges, or engaging in internships, volunteer work, outdoor exploration, or paid employment.

For more information, visit: http://www.rpi.edu/admission/guide/january/faq.html