Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)

Enhancing Diversity in Graduate Education (EDGE) at Rensselaer Application

Rensselaer is committed to a vibrant and diverse graduate student community that provides the intellectual grounding and training for the next generation of scholars and technological leaders. The Enhancing Diversity in Graduate Education (EDGE) program was developed to enhance the diversity of our graduate student body by providing prospective School of Engineering and School of Science graduate students from underrepresented groups the opportunity to visit and learn about the vibrant academic and research environment at Rensselaer at no cost (food, lodging & travel expenses will be covered).  

Participants will:
  • Learn more about the PhD programs & research conducted at Rensselaer
  • Tour Rensselaer's campus, research facilities & labs
  • Meet and interact with current Rensselaer graduate students
  • Meet and interact with current Rensselaer faculty in their program
  • Explore NY's Capital Region
Eligibility:
If you meet ALL of the criteria below, you are eligible to apply for EDGE at Rensselaer.
  • Identify as a member of a group historically underrepresented in graduate education
  • Current junior or senior enrolled full-time at a college or university in the United States
  • Possess a genuine interest in pursuing a PhD within a graduate program offered by the School of Engineering or the School of Science at Rensselaer
  • Must be available for the entirety of the program, October 24-27, 2019
Application Timeline:
  • Application available Monday March 4, 2019
  • Application due by 11:59PM (Eastern Time) on Monday September 23, 2019 (No materials will be accepted after the deadline)
EDGE at Rensselaer Timeline
  • Students will arrive to Troy, NY during the afternoon/evening on Thursday October 24th 
  • Friday October 25th & Saturday October 26th will consist of campus tours, workshops/presentations, faculty meetings/lab tours and social events in the Capital Region
  • The weekend will conclude on the morning of Sunday October 27th and students leave to return home in the late morning/early afternoon
Questions regarding the EDGE at Rensselaer program may be directed to the Office of Graduate Admissions at gradadmissions@rpi.edu
 
Personal & Demographic Information
Birthdate
Birthdate
Country of Citizenship
Country of Citizenship
OPTIONAL: Race/Ethnicity
OPTIONAL: Race/Ethnicity
Academic Information
Class Status
Class Status
Please note that GRE scores are not required, but it is strongly encouraged to share your scores if you have taken the exam
Please indicate if you are a member of any of the following groups or programs. Select all that apply
Please indicate if you are a member of any of the following groups or programs. Select all that apply
Prospective Rensselaer Graduate Information
Have you previously participated in any summer research or visitation program(s) at Rensselaer?
Have you previously participated in any summer research or visitation program(s) at Rensselaer?
Short Answer Questions
Please complete the following short answers questions on a word document and upload into the application materials section below. Please adhere to the provided word limits

1. What are your long term education and career objectives, and how will graduate education and the EDGE program support you in achieving those objectives? (no more than 150 words)

2. Rensselaer's motto is "Why not change the world?" Describe how your research interests may make an impact on the world or solve a problem facing humanity. (no more than 150 words)

3. Tell us about your research experiences. How have those experiences prepared you for graduate study? (no more than 200 words)

4. Rensselaer is committed to a vibrant and diverse graduate student community that provides the intellectual grounding and training for the next generation of scholars and technological leaders. Describe how your background (in regards to culture, race, gender, sexual orientation or ethnicity) would contribute to a diverse graduate student community at Rensselaer. (no more than 150 words)

5. OPTIONAL: If applicable, please describe any challenges or unique life experiences that you may have overcome due to limited access or obstacles in regards to your educational or social experiences. What strategies did you use to overcome these obstacles and how have these experiences impacted your approach or mindset as a student, researcher or scholar? (no more than 150 words)
Application Materials
Please upload all required materials in the designated place. If you encounter any technical issues, please email the document to gradadmissions@rpi.edu with the subject line "EDGE Application Materials-First & Last Name"