UNIVERSITY · CDS 2023-2024
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)
Troy, NY 5,743 undergrad Updated 2026-04-22
Top 50STEM
Accept
63.4%
Yield
12.0%
Test
Optional
Academic Profile · CDS C9 / C11
The numbers a parent will ask about first.
SAT Total (mid 50%, computed)
1375–1510
SAT EBRW (mid 50%)
670–740
SAT Math (mid 50%)
705–770
ACT Composite (mid 50%)
30–34
GPA
Not reported
GPA NOTENot separately reported in CDS
METHODTotal SAT range is computed by summing the reported EBRW and Math mid-50% ranges from the school’s CDS (Section C9). Use as an approximation — a student’s actual total places them within, not at, the summed endpoints.
Decision Plans · CDS C1 / C21
When and how the school reads applicants.
| Plan | Deadline | Accept rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan details not yet recorded. | |||
Cost & Aid · CDS H Series
What it costs and what families actually pay.
Tuition
$64,400
Total COA
$87,222
Avg need-based aid
$0
Avg merit award
None
Net price after avg need aid
$87,222
RPI meets 0% of demonstrated need on average.
Named merit programs
Rensselaer Medal Award
0Rensselaer Leadership Award
0Rensselaer Garnet Baltimore Award
0AP Impact Calculator
What the student's APs are actually worth here.
RPI's AP Policy
A score of 4 or 5 on an accepted Advanced Placement (AP) exam will receive academic credit at Rensselaer. Credit is not included in calculating the Quality Point Average (QPA).
Min score
4
Credit cap
20 credits
Mode
Credit + placement
Per-score grid
Exam-level
Add the student's APs
No APs selected. Click Add AP exam to start, or use the sample profile to see what a strong student might recover.
What They Value · CDS C7
Every CDS factor, weighted exactly as the admissions office files it.
- Rigor of secondary school recordVery Important
- Class rankImportant
- Academic GPAImportant
- Standardized test scoresConsidered
- Application EssayImportant
- Recommendation(s)Important
Mission & Narrative
What this school says it is — in their own words.
Rensselaer educates the leaders of tomorrow for technologically based careers. We celebrate discovery and the responsible application of technology to create knowledge and global prosperity.
Distilled Themes
leadership in technologydiscovery and innovationresponsible application of technologyglobal prosperity
The Coach's Read
What 'what they value' actually means at the table.
- 01RPI is a top-tier engineering school, but it's not just for engineers. They have strong programs in architecture, business, and humanities, arts, and social sciences.
- 02They're looking for students who are passionate about technology and innovation, but also well-rounded individuals who will contribute to the campus community.
- 03Don't just focus on test scores and GPA. RPI wants to see that you've challenged yourself with a rigorous curriculum and that you have a genuine interest in the school.
Application Targets
What a strong application here should signal.
- 01Demonstrate a deep and genuine passion for a specific area of STEM, and be able to articulate how RPI is the right place to pursue it.
- 02Highlight hands-on projects, research experience, or any other evidence of your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world problems.
- 03Show that you are a collaborator and a leader who is eager to contribute to a vibrant and diverse campus community.
Quiet Disqualifiers
Things that hurt applicants here, even when they look fine on paper.
- A lack of demonstrated interest in RPI, such as not visiting the campus or attending a virtual information session
- Submitting a generic application that doesn't speak to RPI's specific programs and culture
- Focusing too much on one aspect of your application, such as test scores, at the expense of others, like extracurriculars and essays
Signature Programs
Where this school is genuinely best-in-class.
Archer Center for Student Leadership Development; The Severino Center for Technological Entrepreneurship; The Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies; The Darrin Fresh Water Institute; The Lighting Research Center
Application calendar
Every date the family needs to know.
Deadlines & Decision Dates · 2025-2026
Family deadline matrix
Plan
Deadline
Decision release
Early Decision I
Binding
Nov 1, 2025
→ Dec 13, 2025
Early Decision II
Binding
Jan 5, 2026
→ Jan 17, 2026
Early Action
Non-binding
Dec 1, 2025
→ Jan 31, 2026
Regular Decision
Non-binding
Jan 21, 2026
→ Mar 7, 2026
Restrictive Early Action
Not offered
—
Rolling Admission
Not offered
—
See every school side-by-side on the Deadline Tracker →
CDS C7 · Level of applicant's interest
Does effort toward this school move the needle?
Demonstrated Interest·CDS C7 (2023-2024)
TrackedWeight: Considered
RPI considers demonstrated interest, which can be shown through virtual engagement.
What they watch
- Virtual info session
Coach action
Attend a virtual information session to demonstrate interest in RPI.
Provenance