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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