Friday, September 19, 2014

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute: Welcome to the Class of 2018



Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute - why not change the world? 

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) introduces its next class of scientists, innovators, artists, scholars, game designers, architects and entrepreneurs. 
 
The fall semester is in full swing, and members of the RPI Class of 2018 have completed their first weeks of classes. The 1,334 first-year students promise to be an exceptional group, according to the college, and represent the next generation of leaders in fields ranging from engineering to architecture, from fine arts to science, and from management to information technology.

Nearly 70 percent of the students are from the top 10 percent of their high school classes. The cohort also includes 128 students transferring from other institutions.
This class’s overall SAT average was 1,382 based on the 1,600 scale, and 167 incoming students received a perfect 800 SAT critical reading, math or writing score. Seven students scored a 1,600 on the critical reading and math portions of the exam. 

“Rensselaer continues to attract unprecedented levels of student interest,” said Paul Marthers, vice president for enrollment, and dean of undergraduate and graduate admissions. “The rising application and student quality trends have run parallel with the exciting transformation that has occurred at Rensselaer throughout the last decade. The freshman class comprises very bright students with a special interest in discovery, innovation and interdisciplinary study in architecture, science, technology, management and the intersection of technology with the humanities, arts and social sciences.” 

The first-year students hail from 40 states and Puerto Rico. Forty-six percent of the students in the class are from areas outside of the Northeast. The high-achieving group also includes 440 women, representing 32 percent of the class, 181 underrepresented minority students making up 14 percent of the class, and continued geographic and international diversity, reinforcing the global reach and global impact of Rensselaer. 

A record total of 18,603 high school students filed applications to attend Rensselaer this fall. This year’s total represents an increase of approximately 17 percent from last year at this time.

“For 10 consecutive years, Rensselaer has set records for freshman applications,” Marthers said. “Since 2005, applications have grown by 234 percent. The record application numbers indicate that Rensselaer continues to be highly valued and very popular.” 

The members of the Class of 2018 join Rensselaer with a demonstrated record of extracurricular achievement, leadership and support for civic engagement in various roles including sport captains, class presidents, Eagle Scouts and Girl Scout Gold Award winners. 

Eighty-nine freshmen were valedictorians or salutatorians of their high school, and many were actively involved in music, science, research, community service and the arts. In addition, 770 students participated in sporting activities while in high school, with 58 students serving as captains of their school’s athletic team. 

Of special note, the class also includes many students who have volunteered their time to support their schools, environmental causes and their religious communities. For example, one student cofounded a nonprofit organization that sends care packages to troops. To date, more than 1,000 of those packages have been sent overseas.

In the world of business, the class boosts several entrepreneurs. One student created his own penny auction website called doughchest.com, while another student has been a successful participant of The World of Money program focused on developing generations of financially educated and technologically skilled youth. Upon completing the program, the student created his own World of Money mutual fund scholarship to be awarded to two program participants on an annual basis. 

Members of the Class of 2018 also include students with a strong interest in taking entrepreneurship to new heights based on their inventions. For example, the class includes a student who has his name on a pending patent for green-light-emitting illumination compositions. Another student has a provisional patent for the Ouchless Cutting Board, and another student has developed an iPhone app that serves as an alarm in the morning. For the alarm to be deactivated, the student has to solve a complex math problem (he says he designed this because he is not a morning person and needed some way to help him get out of bed in the morning). 

The class also includes a student who won the 2013 Vermont Biathlon Championship, a student who is nationally ranked by U.S. Climbing and Bouldering, and a student who served as captain of his school’s Quidditch team.

This year, 191 students are recipients of the Rensselaer Medal. The honor is awarded to promising secondary school juniors who have distinguished themselves in mathematics and science. The medal was first presented in 1916 with two purposes: to recognize the superlative academic achievement of young men and women, and to motivate students toward careers in science, engineering, and technology. 

The class also includes 83 legacies, or students who are related to Rensselaer alumni.

“This is a wonderful message about the Rensselaer education and the impact it has on alumni long after they’ve graduated,” said Karen Long, director of undergraduate admissions. “The number of students following in the footsteps of family members demonstrates the longstanding connection Rensselaer makes with graduates to educate men and women who are the leaders of tomorrow.”

--Jennie Grey
Education reporter
The Saratogian and The Record newspapers
20 Lake Ave.
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
518-583-8729, ext. 216

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