<p>I have been accepted as a student and an NROTC midshipman at RPI within the last three days, but am nervous about my chances of academic survival. While I consider myself a quality student, I, by no means, consider myself very intelligent/brilliant. Comparing my SAT scores to those listed by RPI, I am far under the average. My main concern is that I was pulled from the wait list because the admissions officers saw my scholarship. This makes me wonder whether of not I will me up to par. </p>
<p>Here are my scores compared to RPI's middle 50% (according to CollegeBoard):</p>
<p>MATH:
My score-590 (only 4% of freshman were in the 500-599 range)
RPI-670-760</p>
<p>READING:
My score-560 (only 18% of freshman were in the 500-599 range)
RPI-620-710</p>
<p>WRITING:
My score-690 (48% of freshman were in the 600-699 range)
RPI-590-700</p>
<p>Please let me know what you think of my chances of survival at such a challenging school.</p>
<p>However, the predictiveness of SAT scores on college success otherwise (i.e. not math intensive major in relation to the math score) is relatively weak in most studies.</p>
<p>I forgot to mention that my intended major is Aero Engineering. According to the research results in your link, it seems as if my chances of success are, as you stated, slim. Granted, I have always been a very poor standardized test taker (I would estimate well below the majority of the scores used in the experiment) and am actually within the top 10% of my class. I am currently taking AP Calculus with a letter grade of a B to a B+. I also have a VERY genuine passion for aviation and engineering. </p>
<p>While I have certain characteristics that will help me academically, I would hate to take a risk at RPI (a college that seems to hold its students to a far higher standard than U. Oregon) only to get into trouble with my scholarship; I would have to hold a GPA of at least 2.5. </p>
<p>How obtainable/practical is it for me to accept me offer by NRTOC to RPI? Also, maybe someone with ROTC experience could chime in. Either way, comments and opinions are greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Dear weekendflyer26:
Just came back from RPI admitted students day and from what I understand, this is what the Ass.Dean of Engineering basically said: If you have trouble with math, engineering is gonna be hard for you, if you want to specialize in Aero, it’s gonna be especially hard for you. That being said, I truly believe persistance, tenacity and discipline counts alot! Your passion along with discipline and persistance will carry you through. Focus and don’t get distracted, get help immediately if you fall behind or don’t understand something. Don’t be embarassed to get help immediately from profs, ta’s, other students. If you have a question, I’ve always told my kids ask it. There are probably several other students who have the same question and are too embarassed to ask. Good luck. If you are truly dedicated and persistent, I believe you will succeed. Stay away from distractions…i.e. partying, booze, girls, gaming, etc. Exercise and eat right and stay healthy body and mind!</p>
<p>Thank you for you response. I wish that I could have attended this weekend, but my twin brother was at Virginia Tech! </p>
<p>All of your statements made me think back to the opinions provided by RPI students on an online review site. The letter grade given for Faculty Accessibility was a B. I understand that if I accept NROTC’s offer to RPI’s program, I will need all of the extra academic help I can get. Could you provide whatever information you heard about the popularity and producivity of study groups, TA’s, and professors? </p>
<p>From here, I will make it a point to call RPI early Monday morning and ask them for a second opinion on me. While it seems strange to ask this question, I really want to know what on my application held so much weight that it pulled me from the wait list before wait list apps were even supposed to be reviewed.</p>
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