Researching and Applying for Advanced STEM Degree Programs

Office of Graduate Admissions Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)

Rensselaer and the Research Experience

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Founded in 1824, we are the oldest technological university in the United States
Located in upstate New York, we enroll 1200 full-time graduate students across five schools: Architecture Engineering Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences Lally School of Management Science

U.S. News & World Report rankings National Universities Graduate Engineering programs Graduate Mathematical Science Graduate Multimedia/Visual Communications
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Academic Programs
Engineering ranked 38th nationally Biomedical Chemical and Biological Civil and Environmental Electrical, Computer, and Systems Industrial and Systems Materials Science Mechanical , Aerospace , and Nuclear Science Biology Chemistry and Chemical Biology Computer Science Earth and Environmental Sciences Information Technology & Web Science Mathematics Physics and Astronomy Management & Technology Financial Engineering & Risk Analytics Management MBA - Business Analytics, Finance, MIS, Marketing,
Supply Chain Management, Technological Commercialization

Technology Commercialization & Entrepreneurship

Arts & Social Sciences Cognitive Science Communication & Rhetoric Ecological Economics Electronic Arts Human-Computer Interaction Science & Technology Studies Architecture Architectural Sciences - Built Ecologies, Acoustics, Lighting Architecture M.Arch I, M.Arch II Lighting

The New Polytechnic

As we anticipate the bicentennial of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2024, we look forward to addressing the global challenges that face the world of the 21st century to change lives, to advance society, and, indeed, to change the world.
-Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson President, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Research as a Driver to Change the World

Our Five Research Thrusts:

Rensselaer has 35 interdisciplinary research centers.

Computational Center for Nanotechnology Innovations (CCNI)

2007 Founded in partnership by Rensselaer, IBM, and New York State One of the worlds most powerful university-based supercomputers Originally focused on advancing nanotechnology. CCNI researchers and partners are now expanding its capabilities to support research in other areas and fields, including: Biotechnology Financial engineering Cognitive science

Institute for Data Exploration and Applications (IDEA)

Opening in 2013 - $100+ million investment Research foci: Healthcare analytics Business intelligence Built and natural environments Virtual and augmented reality systems Cyber security applications Public policy Basic research in physical and engineering sciences

Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies (CBIS)

Opened in 2004 3rd largest academic and research structure on the Rensselaer campus Research foci: Human health Biocatalysis Molecular bioprocessing Biocomputation and bioinformatics Bio-based energy

Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC)

2008 EMPAC building includes many firsts and exceptional attributes in the fields of acoustics, structural integrity, theatrical presentation, and digital media.

As a performance space, EMPAC attracts top national and international artists and emerging artists.
As a research center, EMPAC sits squarely at the intersection of Media, Arts, Science, and Technology. Recent research includes: Acoustic architecture Computer haptics

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Summer Undergraduate Research

Great way to get to know Rensselaer Credit courses for visiting students 10-week program with poster session Stipends of $2,500 - $3,500 15 20 students per year from U.S. schools Applications due March 1

Summer Undergraduate Research

RPI offered me a unique experience in research. I was able to delve into both facets of engineering, industrial problem-solving and long-term research. My learning experience at RPI definitely also gave me great insight into graduate school and its benefits. This opportunity was too good to miss. Will Santos (UCF, 2013 cohort)

This was my first foray into computer science research, and feel luck to have received this experience with talented, intelligent and helpful researchers. I would recommend this experience to anyone interested in graduate studies. Andrew Sowell (CSU San Bernadino, 2013 cohort)

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The Application Process

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Choosing Where to Apply

Advisors, professors, visiting faculty, TAs/RAs Publications journals, text books, rankings, search engines

Career Center

Professional organizations

Employers

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Application Requirements
Application Application fee Statement of Background and Goals (essay) Resume Letter(s) of Recommendation Official Transcript(s) Test scores GRE/GMAT/MCAT/LSAT Other - Portfolio, Research publications, etc.

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Statement of Background and Goals

Keep it short and specific, and dont fake it.

Customize your statement to the individual program.

Dont be arrogant.

Get faculty feedback before submitting.

Grammar and spelling count.

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Resume
Academic resume
Professional career goals Educational background and degrees conferred Research experience Pertinent internships and employment history Honors and achievements List of published articles and presentations, if applicable Optional Skills relevant to the program for which you are applying Information about your personality and non-academic achievements and hobbies

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Recommendations
Build relationships with faculty now.

Ask if a professor can write you a GOOD recommendation.

Strong recommendations can make your application stand out.

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The GREAT Recommendation

Jean is one of the brightest and most motivated students I have had a chance to work with in my 30 year career as a researcherI would not hesitate to sign her immediately in my group. Lehigh University Professor Mr. Stevens has great talent and skills for sciences, potential and qualities to be successful. He is bright, focused, very tenacious, competitive and honest. He is able to work independently or in a group, and his collegiality and leadership skills are remarkable. I urge you to accept Mr. Stevens into the Chemistry program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and recommend that you offer him a full tuition waiver, an assistantship, or fellowship if there is such availability. State University of New York (Oswego) Professor Kenneths observations on various math topics can often reach a depth rarely met in an undergraduate student. When he speaks, there is always something meaningful and important to say. He performed in class fantastically well, completing all his work, assignments and exams without a single error. Cal State Fullerton Professor
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The Average Recommendation

In Physics 1568, Georges overall score (based on the homework, midterm exam and final exam) placed him 10th out of 46 students, and I gave him a B+. The average grade in the class is between B- and C+. Thus, Georges grade is a very strong one. Therefore, I strongly recommend George for your program. UC, Riverside Professor I have known Tiffany for about 2 years. She has taken three of my courses in Fredonias physics program. Her performance consistently ranks within the top 15% in each course. Tiffany consistently demonstrates a genuine desire toward the advancement of her educational and professional development. She has also demonstrated a strong record of applying herself to the tasks set before her. State University of New York Fredonia Prof.

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The not so good Recommendation

Brief and generic recommendations I can certify that I was Justines direct supervisor from 3/11 until 9/12. He understands what is expected of him, and works diligently to complete all of his assigned tasks. Recommendations that are addressed to the wrong school I would like to recommend her to be admitted to the Whiting School of Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Recommendations that cast a shadow of doubt on the applicants suitability Thomas feels he is prepared for graduate study. Recommendations that are not well matched to the program PhD recommendation from a staff member A recommendation from an electives professor

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The (Dreaded) GRE

Before you panic, get the facts.

GRE scores are good for up to five years. The GRE is a computer adapted test. Free practice tests are available online. Study options include: internet, mobile app, book, face-to-face

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What the GRE Measures

Verbal Reasoning Measures your ability to analyze and evaluate written
material and synthesize information obtained from it, analyze relationships among component parts of sentences and recognize relationships among words and concepts.

130 170 score range, 1 hour, 40 questions

Quantitative Reasoning Measures problem-solving ability, focusing on basic

concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis.

130 170 score range, 70 minutes, 40 questions

Analytical Writing Measures critical thinking and analytical writing skills,

specifically your ability to articulate and support complex ideas clearly and effectively.

0 6.0 in point increments, 1 hour, 2 writing tasks

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GRE in CONTEXT
Key questions to ask each institution
What are the minimum and average scores for accepted students? What emphasis does the school place on GRE scores? How are sub scores calculated for admissions review? Are there things you can do to offset a low test score?

Ways to Offset Low Test Scores

Emphasize research experience Highlight strengths in other areas

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The Personal Potential Index (PPI)

Knowledge and Creativity
Has a broad perspective on the field Is among the brightest persons I know Produces novel ideas Is intensely curious about the field

Resilience
Accepts feedback without getting defensive Works well under stress Can overcome challenges and setbacks Works extremely hard

Communication Skills
Speaks in a clear, organized and logical manner Writes with precision and style Speaks in a way that is interesting Organizes writing well

Planning and Organization

Sets realistic goals Organizes work and time effectively Meets deadlines Makes plans and sticks to them

Teamwork
Supports the efforts of others Behaves in an open and friendly manner Works well in group settings Gives criticism/feedback to others in a helpful way

Ethics and Integrity

Is among the most honest persons I know Maintains high ethical standards Is worthy of trust from others Demonstrates sincerity

Copyright 2012 by Educational Testing Service. All rights reserved. ETS, the ETS logo, LISTENING. LEARNING. LEADING., SCORELINK and GRE are registered trademarks of Educational Testing Service (ETS).

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Sample PPI Results

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Sample PPI Results Page 2

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How important are grades?

GPA should be reasonable what is reasonable depends on the school/program you apply to. If your GPA is lower than what you would like it to be, why? Explain it in your statement. Committees are looking for appropriate academic background. Ensure the courses you have taken are relevant to the program you are applying to. If youre a biology major applying to a program in bioinformatics, courses in animal behavior may not be relevant.

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Choosing the Right School

Rankings
The best ranked school may not be the best ranked school for YOU. The right fit (advisor) will likely be more important.

Department Health
How much collaboration is going on between and within departments? Where are students placed after graduation? Are the facilities adequate for the research?

Location Funding
Internal funding External funding
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Funding Opportunities
Hertz Foundation Graduate Fellowship
Up to 5 years of support: tuition and stipend Application opens in Aug. & closes in the Fall

SMART Scholarship
Full tuition, stipend, post graduate employment Applications opens in Aug. 2013 & closes in Dec.

NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program

3 years of support: stipend and education allowance Application opens in Aug.& closes in Nov.

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Funding Opportunities
Department of Energy Computation Science Graduate Fellowship
Up to 4 years of support: Stipend, tuition and professional development opportunities Application opens Oct. 15th & closes Jan. 15th

National Defense Science & Engineering Graduate Fellowship

3 year of support: Full tuition, stipend, and medical insurance Applications opens in Sept. 2013 & closes in Dec.
**Most fellowship applications require: Background Information (contact information, education, experience, etc), Personal Statement Essay(s), Project Proposal, Transcripts, References (at least 3), CV, and GRE scores 31

Visit Campus
Diversity in Graduate Study (DIGS) Visitation Program One/two day visit to campus (funded/unfunded) Meetings with key faculty, current students Lunch and campus tour http://admissions.rpi.edu/graduate/visit/digs.html

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Resources
Cris Murray, Director of Graduate Admissions murrac3@rpi.edu or gradadmissions@rpi.edu 518-276-3062 (direct); 518-276-6216 (general office) Graduate Record Exam (GRE): ets.org/gre Personal Potential Index (PPI): ets/org/ppi U.S. News and World Report: usnews.com/best-graduate-schools Petersons: petersons.com/graduate-school Asher, D. (2000). Graduate admissions essays: Write your way into the graduate school of your choice. Berkeley, Calif: Ten Speed Press. Lilien, R. & Mettu, R. (2012). Understanding Admissions. Lexington, KY. Lulu.com

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