I recently applied to RPI for Biomedical Engineering. From looking at their Common Data Set for 2015-16, I could see that showing interest is “Very Important” to the university. Asides from visiting (which I plan to do next month), how else could I try showing my interest in the university?
You could contact their admissions rep for your area, maybe requesting any info. They can provide you, fill out a form at a career fair, apply via one of their special ways (I can’t remember what’s it’s called - maybe candidates choice application?).
I think the Candidate’s Choice is only when you’re applying (instead of the Common App).
You could send an additional letter expressing why you want to go to RPI in particular (if you didn’t already express that in your application.)
But if you have strong stats, I don’t think you need to worry much about “showing interest”. My D was accepted having done nothing more than submit her Common App application.
Make sure you are on the email list from admissions. Check your online portal regularly if there is one.
Hey! Okay, so the Candidate’s Choice app is basically just like the common app just streamlined. Those applications don’t have a higher “interest level” so to speak than Common App applicants. Visiting is a BIG one. I’d do it as soon as possible. At least sign up for the visit now. Don’t seem overly eager though through emails, etc. unless you have actual questions that make sense. If you seem like you’re showing too much interest that’s also a bad thing. Just submit your app, come visit, and do what you need to do and you’ll be fine. Best of luck!
Also - nice job using the Common Data Set! Most people forget that’s a thing. I’d check the 2014-2015 one for more accurate info on admissions though, 2015-2016 was actually for the class of 2019 and was the only year RPI didn’t have record applications (hence why the acceptance rate was so much higher than usual). The one for the most reason application period isn’t released yet, but app numbers were roughly the same then as they were in 2014-2015.
@STEMGuy2323 I assume you will be visiting on one of the the Prospective Student Visit Days between Feb 21 and 24? If not, you should sign up at http://admissions.rpi.edu/undergraduate/events/index.html. Find out who your admissions rep is and just introduce yourself to him or her without being too pushy.
Since you have already applied, the Candidate’s Choice is irrelevant for you. I believe a Candidate’s Choice App gets sent automatically to any rising H.S. Senior who had already expressed an interest in RPI (prior to finishing the H.S. Junior year) either by visiting campus, talking to an Admissions Rep at a College Fair, or just registering on the RPI website with your name and address.