<p>We are trying to learn more about the Rensselaer medal program. Website says award is for a minimum of $15,000 / year. Are medalists often awarded more than that amount? Also: There used to be a special medalist weekend visit; does it provide info above and beyond the usual visit? Finally: Is the RPI medal something worth listing on the Common App, or might it make other peer schools think that the applicant is already likely leaning towards RPI? Thanks for any info / experiences / advice!</p>
<p>My daughter was a recipient last year. They orginally gave her $15K and then increased it a little politely questioned the amount.</p>
<p>After you start school, there is a ceremony in the fall when they handout a variety of awards including the medals. </p>
<p>IMO, I would list the award on the Common App. It is awarded by many high schools to their top STEM student. I also think it gives the other school heads up that they need to provide some scholarship if they want you.</p>
<p>My daughter decided to go early decision as it was her first choice. I think the combination of the Medal along with going early decision may have helped her get it.</p>
<p>Thanks deerpathdave, for the helpful response. Did your daughter attend a medalist’s weekend/event? And is she happy at RPI? </p>
<p>My daughter attended the medalist weekend, and it reinforced her decision to attend RPI. Various students and instructors were available to answer questions. She received substantially more than the minimum, and has had a very positive first year experience, both academically and socially.</p>
<p>Thanks, glad to hear it.</p>
<p>My son attended the medalist weekend and wound up attending RPI. He “found his people” that weekend, and he’s been happy there. He also received more than the 15K minimum amount, but I think the medal amount was 15K, and he received another merit award also. Keep in mind that RPIs merit scholarships are NOT grade dependent. I’ve known several people who’s kids wound up losing their scholarships, and that cause financial issues. </p>
<p>My son got his for around $21k, but needed more financial aid than that, and the overall packages (and fit) were better elsewhere.</p>
<p>I received the medal last year and got offered $15K per semester rather than per year when the financial aid papers actually came. I think you definitely should list the medal on other applications. It shows that you are in high demand and can also potentially be used as a bargaining tool later on. (For the record, I will not attending RPI in the fall; rather, I will be attending Cornell University)</p>
<p>My son didn’t get the RPI medal, but he is eligible for over $20,000 worth of grants based on his SAT scores. And his friend who did get the medal is probably not going to RPI (they are rising seniors) but is using it for a resume builder.</p>
<p>I’m not sure if it matters that much, so nobody should kvetch over deciding on RPI after the medal award (spring Junior year). </p>
<p>He’s leaning towards RPI because of the grant money, not that the annual cost will decrease but a huge decrease in loans compared to many schools. </p>
<p>It looks like the medalist event this year is just 1 day and not a weekend?
<a href=“http://admissions.rpi.edu/undergraduate/events/RMC2014agenda.pdf”>http://admissions.rpi.edu/undergraduate/events/RMC2014agenda.pdf</a>
Trying to decide whether it’s worth a 6 hr round trip drive especially since we visited in April and my daughter spent a week at a program on campus this summer.</p>
<p>Creeps, my first response… if your student is interested in RPI, then I say yes, it’s worth attending. We flew there, and it was just a one day visit for us also. But, since your daughter has spent a lot of time there, it may not be so important. It helped convince my son that the school was right for him. I THINK it may be a nicer event than other open houses, and they have people from the various colleges to ask question of. That was very useful to us. </p>