Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) is renowned for its rigorous academic environment and cutting-edge research. In this article, we will dive into the SAT scores and requirements for RPI. Be sure to check out our other post that discusses RPI’s ACT stats and requirements!
What is the average SAT score at RPI?
As one would expect, RPI SAT scores are competitive. The average score at RPI hovers around 1440, out of the maximum SAT score of 1600. The 25th percentile for SAT scores at RPI is 1360, and the 75th percentile is 1490. This means that 25% of RPI students scored below a 1360, and 25% scored above a 1490. 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 is the average SAT English score at RPI?
The SAT is broken down into two sections: the English, or reading and writing section, and the math section. Each is scored out of 800 for a combined total of 1600 for the overall SAT score.
RPI’s average SAT English score is 700. Meanwhile, the 25th percentile score sits at 660 and the 75th percentile score at 740. Therefore, an SAT English score lower than 660 would place you in the lowest 25% of scorers, and a score greater than 740 would place you in the highest quarter of RPI’s SAT English scores.
What is the average SAT Math score at RPI?
The average SAT Math score at RPI is 740, forty points higher than the English section score. The 25th percentile of scores falls at 700, and the 75th reaches a strong 750.
These statistics show that the upper quarter of SAT Math scores at RPI are near perfect, with 25% of admitted students scoring at or above a 750 on their SAT Math section. However, the majority of scores fall below this mark, with another 25% of RPI admits scoring at or below 700 on their SAT Math section. Remember, there is no hard and fast expectation that applicants reach a perfect score.
What are RPI’s SAT 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. The exception to this rule is applicants 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 SAT 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 SAT Essay. However, if students have an SAT with Essay score that they would like to submit, they may do so. Similarly, SAT Subject Tests are not required by the RPI admissions team.
What percentage of RPI applicants submit the SAT?
Among admitted applicants, 52% of students submitted SAT scores. An additional 15% submitted ACT 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 SAT score statistics are detailed in this article; 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. Still, choosing not to do so will not hurt your chances. Ultimately, this is a personal decision.
Does RPI superscore the SAT?
RPI create superscores for applicants who submit the SAT. As the RPI admissions team assesses your application, they will take into account the highest scores in each section of the SAT across each 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 score.
Moreover, RPI also allows applicants to use the College Board Score Choice option. This means that students can select which test dates they submit scores from. This useful option is a good choice for students who have a score or two they are most proud of and others that they would prefer not to submit.
What’s a good SAT score for RPI?
RPI does not have specific SAT 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 1440. Therefore, shooting for a score at or above the average would put you in a good position. The upper 25% of RPI students scored a 1490 or higher. This is likely with a considerable number of perfect scorers among them. As expected, a “good” SAT score for RPI is quite high.
| Section | 25th | 50th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 1360 | 1440 | 1490 |
| English | 660 | 700 | 740 |
| Math | 700 | 740 | 750 |
Can I get into RPI with a low SAT score?
Getting into RPI with a low SAT 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 SAT score at RPI is 1360. This means that RPI students in the lowest 25% scored at or below a 1360. 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 SAT score below these measurements: applicants who demonstrate strong academic and extracurricular performance can stand out in other ways. A student with a below-average score who demonstrates leadership and initiative through a community service project may be judged 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 SAT for RPI?
For students who plan to submit applications during their senior year, the best time to take the SAT for RPI is generally during the preceding junior spring semester. However, students applying via Early Decision can take the SAT 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 SAT. This is 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 SAT code?
RPI’s SAT code for submitting official test scores is 2757.
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 SAT is a personal decision for each student to make based on their strengths, priorities, and goals. If you are instead considering taking the ACT, check out our article about RPI ACT scores!
