Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute: Rankings, Courses & Admissions

Located in Troy, New York, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's campus spans 275 expansive acres, housing state-of-the-art academic buildings, accommodating living facilities, and a myriad of cultural establishments. The campus is a unique amalgamation of traditional and contemporary architecture, offering a haven for nature enthusiasts with its proximity to the Hudson River, Lake George, Grafton Lakes State Park, and the breathtaking Adirondack Mountains.

Accommodation options vary from dormitories to apartments and Greek houses, with an average annual cost of approximately $7,984. Single, Double, and Triple room options are available, and common amenities include kitchen access, air conditioning, laundry facilities, and cable TV. Information about freshman accommodation and associated costs is provided in the table below.

Securing admission at RPI entails a non-refundable fee of $75. Students can apply using the Common Application, Coalition on SCOIR Application, or Candidate’s Choice Application (available to first-year students only). The primary application window opens in August and continues until January. The application options include Regular Decision, Early Action, Early Decision I and II, and Spring Admission (for first-year students).

Regular Decision has a deadline of January 15. Students who deem Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute as their first choice can apply for Early Decision I and II (binding). The deadline for Early Decision I is November 1, with decisions announced in mid-December. The deadline for Early Decision II is December 15, with decisions announced in mid-January. Early Action candidates can apply by December 1 and receive a decision in late January (non-binding). The application deadline for first-year students for a spring term (January) start is November 1.

Documents Required for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Admission

A prospective candidate applying to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute needs to provide:

1. High school transcripts (official transcript from school)

2. Letters of recommendation (Preferred from a counselor or teacher)

3. Standardized test scores (SAT and ACT scores)

4. Personal essay/statement

5. Application Fee

6. Proof of English proficiency (required for international students)

Exam Requirements for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Admission

Students accepted into Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute typically have an average SAT score between 1300-1500 or an average ACT score of 29-34. The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute average GPA range for accepted students is approximately 3.62 - 3.96.

All international applicants must fulfill English proficiency requirements through tests such as TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo, with scores varying based on the particular course.

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): Minimum score of 88 iBT or 570 
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS): Minimum Band score 6.5
• Duolingo English Test (DET): Minimum core of 120
• Pearson’s Test of English (PTE): a minimum PTE score of 59