Hi everyone! So, I recently received a Candidate's Choice Application from RPI, and I'm a bit confused about what this means. Does this give me any advantages or perks in the application process? Should I prioritize applying to RPI? Any info on this would be greatly appreciated!
Hello! Receiving the Candidate's Choice Application from RPI indicates that the admissions team has identified you as a prospective student with academic and extracurricular achievements that align well with their institution, and an expressed interest in RPI - perhaps you attended a virtual info session, or participated in a summer program on their campus. Although the Candidate's Choice Application might feel like an advantage, it does not automatically guarantee any specific benefits, such as a higher acceptance rate or scholarship opportunities.
That said, if you're genuinely interested in RPI and have a profile that stacks up well with past accepted students at RPI - a GPA around 3.9, and an SAT score around 1370-1490 or an ACT score around 31 - 34 - applying through the Candidate's Choice Application could potentially give you a slight boost.
RPI doesn't officially publish any data about applicant outcomes from the Candidate's Choice Application versus the Common or Coalition App, but taking advantage of an application pathway that the school has gone out of their way to give you access to does show initiative and genuine interest in the school. While demonstrated interest is unlikely to make or break your application on its own, RPI does consider it, and it could be the thing that tips you over the edge if you already have a strong application.
Of course, you should always prioritize institutions that match your academic and extracurricular interests, and location preferences. Make sure you carefully research RPI's programs, campus life, and other factors before deciding whether to apply. Ultimately, choose to apply based on your personal preferences, not just because you received the Candidate's Choice Application.
If you do end up applying and want tips on how to maximize your chances of acceptance, I'd check out this blog post from CollegeVine, which breaks down how to tackle RPI's school-specific supplemental essays: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-rensselaer-polytechnic-institute-essays/. The essays are a great place to demonstrate your fit for this particular institution.
Good luck with your college search and application process!
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.