Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute admitted 67% of applicants for fall 2025 (9,655 of 14,356, Common Data Set 2025-26). Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute admitted 69% of early decision applicants (219 of 317). Of the 599 students who took a spot on the wait list, 6 were admitted (1%). The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1380–1500.
The numbers
Applied
14,356
fall 2025
ACT, middle 50%
31–34
enrolled first-years
Average GPA
3.93
enrolled first-years
Accept their offer
12%
of admitted students enroll
Application fee
$70
waivers exist
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Can I get into Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
67% of applicants get in
Most applicants with solid grades get in. The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent scores had 1380–1500 on the SAT.
Likely: even the low end of our estimate is 60% or more, and the college admits at least 25% of applicants. Target: our estimate is 30% or more. Reach: our estimate is under 30%, or the college admits under 15%. Long shot: our estimate is under 12%, or the college admits under 12%. Estimates use the college's admit rate and score range plus your grades and scores. They are not a promise.
14,356 applied, 9,655 admitted, fall 2025 (Common Data Set).
Does Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute need the SAT or ACT?Not checked yet
Not sure yet
We haven't checked Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's fall 2027 rule yet. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute didn't require scores for fall 2024 (federal data). We haven't checked fall 2027 yet, so confirm on its site.
For fall 2025, 219 of 317 early decision applicants got in (69%), against 67% overall. Early decision is binding: if you get in, you go.
Early action is offered: you hear sooner and don't have to commit.
Closed
Early decisionBinding
Was due Nov 6, 2026
22days
Early action
Due Tuesday, Dec 1, 2026
58days
Early decision IIBinding
Due Wednesday, Jan 6, 2027
67days
Regular decision
Due Friday, Jan 15, 2027
Early-round numbers: Common Data Set, fall 2025.
The wait list
1,008 students were offered a wait-list spot and 599 took one. 6 of them got in (1%).
Common Data Set, fall 2025.
What Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute looks at
Counts most
How hard your classes were, class rank, GPA.
Counts a lot
Essay, recommendations, activities, character.
Also considered
SAT or ACT scores, talent or ability, first in your family to go to college, A parent or relative went there, volunteering, work experience, showing interest (visits, emails).
As Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute rates each factor in its Common Data Set, fall 2025.
Questions people ask
What is Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's acceptance rate?
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute admitted 67% of applicants for fall 2025 (9,655 of 14,356, Common Data Set 2025-26).
What SAT score do you need for Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute?
The middle half of enrolled first-years who sent SAT scores had 1380–1500. A quarter of them scored higher and a quarter lower, so it's a typical range, not a cutoff (Common Data Set, fall 2025).
Is it easier to get into Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute early decision?
For fall 2025, 219 of 317 early decision applicants got in (69%), against 67% overall. Early decision is binding: if you get in, you go. Early applicants often include recruited athletes and legacies, so the gap overstates the advantage for most students.
Does Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute take students off the wait list?
1,008 students were offered a wait-list spot and 599 took one. 6 of them got in (1%).
Where these numbers come from
Admit rate and applicants: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
GPA, early rounds and wait list: Common Data Set, fall 2025 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
Cost, pay and debt: College Scorecard, 2024-25 (checked Oct 31, 2026)
