Researching and Applying for Advanced STEM Degree Programs

Office of Graduate Admissions

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)

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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

Arts & Social Sciences Cognitive Science Communication & Rhetoric Ecological Economics Electronic Arts Human-Computer Interaction Science & Technology Studies

Management & Technology Financial Engineering & Risk Analytics Management MBA - Business Analytics, Finance, MIS, Marketing,

Supply Chain Management, Technological Commercialization

Technology Commercialization & Entrepreneurship

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

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Our Five Research Thrusts:

Research as a Driver to Change the World

Rensselaer has 35 interdisciplinary research centers.

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Computational Center for Nanotechnology Innovations (CCNI)

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• 2007 – Founded in partnership by Rensselaer, IBM, and New York State

• One of the world’s 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)

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• 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)

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• 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)

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• 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

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

“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)

Summer Undergraduate Research

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The Application Process

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Choosing Where to Apply

Advisors, professors, visiting

faculty, TAs/RAs

Career Center

Employers Professional

organizations

Publications – journals, text

books, rankings, search engines

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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 don’t fake it.

• Customize your statement to the individual program.

• Don’t 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 researcher…I 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

“Kenneth’s 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, George’s 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, George’s

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 Fredonia’s 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 Justine’s 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 applicant’s 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 ½ 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

• 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

• 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

• Resilience

• Accepts feedback without getting defensive

• Works well under stress

• Can overcome challenges and setbacks

• Works extremely hard

• Planning and Organization

• Sets realistic goals

• Organizes work and time effectively

• Meets deadlines

• Makes plans and sticks to them

• Ethics and Integrity

• Is among the most honest persons I know

• Maintains high ethical standards

• Is worthy of trust from others

• Demonstrates sincerity

25 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).

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 you’re a biology major applying to a program in bioinformatics, courses in animal behavior may not be relevant.

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

• Peterson’s: 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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