Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is renowned for its rigorous academic environment and cutting-edge research. In this article, we will dive into the ACT scores and requirements for RPI. Be sure to check out our other post that discusses RPI’s SAT stats and requirements!
What is the average ACT score at RPI?
As one would expect, RPI ACT scores are competitive. The average score at RPI hovers around 33, out of the maximum ACT score of 36. The 25th percentile for SAT scores at RPI is 30, and the 75th percentile is 34. This means that 25% of RPI students scored below a 30, and 25% scored above a 34. This range reflects the high standards of the institution but also demonstrates that there is no one score that applicants must achieve for admission.
What are RPI’s ACT requirements?
Currently, RPI does not require applicants to submit standardized test scores, although this policy may change in the future. In other words, for the upcoming admissions cycle, RPI is test-optional for all applicants except those to the Physician-Scientist Program, who must submit test scores.
Applicants are welcome and encouraged to submit whatever materials they feel will help their application. If you have a standardized test score that you are proud of, you are encouraged to submit it. In addition, RPI allows applicants to self-report their ACT scores on their applications, unless you are applying to the Physician-Scientist Program. Those applicants must submit official test scores. Moreover, those who are admitted and plan to enroll must submit official score records.
Note that RPI does not require the ACT Writing section. However, if students have an ACT Writing score that they would like to submit, they may do so, and the application reviewers will take the scores into consideration.
What percentage of RPI applicants submit the ACT?
Among admitted applicants, 15% of students submitted ACT scores. An additional 52% submitted SAT scores, while the remaining approximate 33% omitted standardized test scores from their application. Evidently, the SAT remains a popular standardized test for admitted RPI applicants. However, there is no benefit or advantage to taking one test over the other apart from individual circumstance and preference.
Should I go test-optional?
Submitting a high SAT or ACT score can only help an applicant’s chances for admission to a competitive school like RPI. We recommend that any student with the means to do so takes the SAT or ACT. If the test goes well and you achieve a competitive score, it will boost your application. If not, you can choose to omit the score on your RPI application. Giving yourself a chance to perform well will only help, and poor scores can always be left off of a RPI application without penalty, unless you are applying to the Physician-Scientist Program.
Once you have received your scores, consider them in the context of the school’s average scores to decide whether to submit to a test-optional school. RPI’s ACT score statistics are detailed in this article, and if your scores fall within or above the 25th to 75th percentile ranges, they may be worth submitting. Again, sending in a strong score will boost your application, but choosing not to do so will not hurt your chances. Ultimately, this is a personal decision.
Does RPI superscore the ACT?
RPI does not create superscores for applicants who submit the ACT. As the RPI admissions team assesses your application, they will take into account the highest composite test date that you submit. Therefore, it is in your favor to consider submitting multiple test scores if you feel that they demonstrate your ability more fully than a single test date.
What’s a good ACT score for RPI?
RPI does not have specific ACT score requirements or cutoffs, instead utilizing a holistic admissions process. There is no one score requirement that applicants must meet to have their application considered.
That being said, most admitted RPI students have high standardized testing scores. The statistics mentioned above show that the average score is around 33, so shooting for a score at or above the average would put you in a good position. The upper 25% of RPI students scored a 34 or higher, likely with a considerable number of perfect scorers among them. As expected, a “good” ACT score for RPI is quite high.
| Section | 25th | 50th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 30 | 33 | 34 |
Can I get into RPI with a low ACT score?
Getting into RPI with a low ACT score is difficult, but possible. “Low” is a relative term, of course: below-average scores for RPI are still quite high when compared to the national averages. The lower quartile ACT score at RPI is 30. This means that RPI students in the lowest 25% scored at or below a 30. With this in mind, it would be in an applicant’s best interest to aim for the lower quartile, if not higher.
However, it is still possible to get into RPI with an ACT score below these measurements: applicants who demonstrate strong academic and extracurricular performance can stand out in other ways. Admissions officers may judge a student with a below-average score who demonstrates leadership and initiative through a community service project more favorably than an applicant with an above-average score who doesn’t demonstrate initiative outside of studying and testing.
Therefore, while scores are important, they are not the only thing an upcoming college applicant should devote their time to. Extracurricular passions and projects, as well as classes and essays, are just as important, if not more so. Read more about RPI’s application expectations here.
When should I take the ACT for RPI?
For students who plan to submit applications during their senior year, the best time to take the ACT for RPI is generally during the preceding junior spring semester. However, students applying via Early Decision can take the ACT up until the early fall of their senior year and still submit their scores for evaluation by RPI.
Specifically, Early Decision applicants should submit their scores by the end of October. Students applying Regular Decision can submit scores from tests as late as the December ACT, unless they are applying to the Physician-Scientist Program, in which case the latest exam they can take is the November series.
What is RPI’s ACT code?
RPI’s ACT code for submitting official test scores is 2866.
While RPI may not require its applicants to submit standardized test scores, those who do and gain admission to this prestigious institution are often high scorers. However, choosing not to submit scores will not harm an applicant. In the end, whether or not to take and submit the ACT is a personal decision for each student to make based on their strengths, priorities, and goals. If you are instead considering taking the SAT, check out our article about RPI SAT scores!
