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Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute | RPI’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts
Why This College Short Response
Why are you interested in Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
Extracurricular Short Response
Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences.
Physicians Assistant BS/MD Program Essay
State your reasons for aspiring to a career in medicine.
Architecture Program Essay
State your reasons for choosing architecture as your profession.
Electronic Arts Program Essay
Discuss your interests in the field of electronic arts, and state how this is reflected in your portfolio, if one has been submitted.
Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences Program Essay
State your reasons for choosing the field of games and simulation arts and sciences, making reference to your portfolio if one has been submitted.
Music Program Essay
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.
Additional Info Essay
If you wish to submit your resume, you may upload it here. A resume may also be uploaded directly to your application portal after you submit your application.
Common App Personal Essay
The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.
Option 1
Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.
Option 2
The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?
Option 3
Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?
Option 4
Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?
Option 5
Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.
Option 6
Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?
Option 7
Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.
