ENROLLMENT
Undergraduates:
Full-time:
men 3,200/women 1,096
Part-time:
men 25/women 27
Graduate School:
men 1,484/women 524

FRESHMAN ADMISSION
PROFILE
Number who applied:
4,680
Number accepted:
3,905
Number enrolled:
1,069
Average SAT scores:
V 608 M 659
Average ACT score:
27 (composite)
Average GPA:
N/A
Freshman retention rate:
90% return for 2nd year

2001-2002 COSTS:
Tuition:
$28,530
Fees:
$625
Books & personal expenses:
$1,385
Room and board:
$89139

FINANCIAL AID:
Freshmen receiving aid:
95%
Average financial aid package:
$16,708

FACULTY:
Full-time:
341
Part-time:
1
Ph.D.:
99%
Student-faculty ratio:
12:1

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Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

College Description
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is ranked among the world's elite science and technological universities. A co-educational, private, non-sectarian university overlooking the city of Troy and the historic Hudson River, its student body is from every state in the U.S. and 83 countries. Rensselaer's goal — to instruct students in "the application of science to the common purposes of life" — is as true today as it was in 1824 when the university was founded.

Its technologically rich environment is enhanced by hands-on learning in interactive learning classrooms, undergraduate research, and a rigorous preparatory curriculum.

National recognition includes the Theodore M. Hesburgh Award for its work in reshaping the university classroom, Boeing Corporation "Educator of the Year" award in 1995 for its pioneering work in creating student-centered learning environments, and the Pew Charitable Trusts Leadership Award for Renewal of Undergraduate Education (1996).

Graduating Rensselaer students have mastered the art of continual learning and provide impact wherever they live and work. Graduates are found throughout the world as leaders in virtually every industry, and in 1998 bachelor's recipients commanded an average starting salary of $44,121.

Academic Life
Rensselaer is a selective, small university composed of five separate but closely aligned schools: Architecture, Engineering, Humanities and Social Sciences, Science, and the Lally School of Management and Technology. More than 110 programs are offered at the bachelor's, masters, and doctoral level and seven-year accelerated programs are offered in medicine, dentistry, and podiatry. A six-year law program is also offered. A new program — Information Technology — combines a core technology education with a second discipline from the five schools. Other new programs include Minds and Machines, and the dual Engineering Science/ Science Technology and Society degree Product Design and Innovation.

Rensselaer is unique in its cross-school programs and interdisciplinary learning philosophy. Its research and highest-quality technological educational opportunities in areas such as microelectronics, simulation-based engineering, and information technology prepare students for leadership in the global marketplace.

Students have co-op and internship experiences that provide them with solid career opportunities. Study abroad is offered through exchange programs in France, Japan, and Australia as well as architectural programs in Rome, Turkey, India, and Prague.

Rensselaer's traditional academic session extends from September to May; however, many students remain on campus during the summer months to enjoy the mountains, continuing research, and accelerating their educational progress.

Campus Life
In addition to academics, a student-managed $6.6 million student activity budget finances an award-winning student newspaper, a 10,000 watt FM stereo radio station, and more than 130 different clubs and organizations. Rensselaer fields 23 athletic teams for men and women to compete in NCAA athletic competition.

There are 30 fraternities and five sororities. The dormitory system offers choices in suite living, co-ed, or male or female living. All dorms are equipped with ethernet access. Marriott Corporation provides the food, offering a varied menu reflecting the needs and diversity of the students.

Facilities and Resources
Rensselaer reflects the integration of old and new. Its campus features a cluster of classical-style, ivy-covered buildings that date back to the turn of the century, combining traditional elegance with state-of-the-art research facilities. The fifteen major interdisciplinary research centers, the Incubator Center for start-up high-tech companies, and the nationally known Rensselaer Technology Park offer undergraduate and graduate students a wide range of opportunities for research and learning through interaction with business, government, and industry.

Newly renovated campus buildings complement curriculum innovation and research: the state-of-the-art Walker Laboratory, the Troy Building, and the soon-to-be opened Pittsburgh Building, which will house Rensselaer's Lally School of Management and Technology. The newly constructed New York State Center for Polymer Synthesis will be dedicated in fall 1998.

Rensselaer is a wired campus. Yahoo! Magazine ranked Rensselaer fourth in the country. Students thrive in interactive studio based classes, which are replacing large class and lecture courses. The university has programs and services to suit all tastes and needs.

Disabled Students Services assists students in achieving full access to the academic and leisure-time programs on campus. A mentoring program for women and the Archer Center for Leadership offer programs to enhance interpersonal professional skills. The Office of Minority Student Affairs and an array of over 170 clubs from athletics, to performing arts, to media, multicultural organizations, and religious groups meet the needs of a diverse campus community.

Athletics/Sports
Rensselaer has a sports program to serve a wide range of interests. There are 23 varsity athletic teams, including 22 Division III teams for both men and women, and a Division 1 men's ice hockey team. Rensselaer also offers an extensive intramural athletic program, with competition in 18 sports. A huge success is the student-run intramural program which offers over 50 team sports and which over 5,000 students participate.

Financial Aid
Current and prospective students may contact the Financial Aid Office, at (518) 276-6813.

Prospective first-year and transfer students apply for financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the Federal Processing Center, which entitles the applicant to consideration for all financial aid administered by Rensselaer, including industrial, foundation, and endowed scholarships.

Upperclass students requesting aid submit the FAFSA, and copies of their federal tax returns and their parents' federal tax returns as part of their aid applications. FAFSA's can also be filed over the internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

Most assistance from Rensselaer is based on financial need: the difference between college costs and what student and family can be expected to pay.

Admission Requirements
Admission to Rensselaer is competitive. The Committee on Admissions, evaluates the qualifications of each applicant, paying particular attention to (1) academic performance throughout secondary school; (2) results of the College Entrance Examination Board Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT I) or results of the American College Testing (ACT) Program; (3) the recommendation from the applicant's school; and (4) character and extracurricular achievements.

Students interested in Rensselaer have the option of applying to one of the five schools, Information Technology or they may apply as undecided candidates. Candidates for the professional Bachelor of Architecture degree must submit a portfolio.

Applications for freshman admission should be addressed to the dean of admissions and filed by January 1 of the year in which the applicant expects to begin his or her college program. Applications should be accompanied by a $45 application fee. Regular admission candidates can expect to be notified of Rensselaer's decision in mid-March.

Applicants to accelerated programs in medicine, dentistry, podiatry, and law must apply by December 1. Special requirements apply to this process. Please contact the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for further detail.

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