Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Troy, NY · private nonprofit
Official site ↗Admissions
| Admit rate | 63.4% |
| Applicants | 34,386 |
| Middle-50% SAT | 1390–1500 |
| Middle-50% ACT | 30–34 |
| Avg GPA | 3.8 |
| Test policy | — |
| Avg net price / yr | $33,139 |
| Grad rate | 83% |
| Median earnings (10 yr) | $102,051 |
| Source | cds · 2024 |
Application requirements
| Early Decision | 2025-11-01 |
| Early Decision II | 2026-01-05 |
| Early Action | 2025-12-04 |
| Regular / Rolling | 2026-01-21 |
| Application fee | $70 (US) · $70 (intl) |
| Personal essay | Required |
| Writing supplement | Yes |
| Test policy | sometimes required |
| Teacher recommendations | 1 |
| Counselor recommendation | Required |
| Mid-year report | Required |
Source: Common App first-year Requirements Grid, 2025-26 cycle. Confirm on the college's site — requirements can change mid-cycle.
Supplemental essays
- Why are you interested in Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?· ~250 words
- Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences· ~300 words
- State your reasons for aspiring to a career in medicine.
- State your reasons for choosing architecture as your profession.
- Discuss your interests in the field of electronic arts, and state how this is reflected in your portfolio, if one has been submitted.
- State your reasons for choosing the field of games and simulation arts and sciences, making reference to your portfolio if one has been submitted.
- Describe your interest in the music major and your goals. Please include completed course work in music, private music instruction, musical performance and production experience, or completed independent projects.
Copied verbatim from the school's official admissions page (2025-26 cycle).