My son is planning to complete his RPI common application while he’s on Christmas break next week. On the RPI website admission page, it states: “The general essay/personal statement submitted with your application satisfies Rensselaer’s essay requirements, except for the following degree-specific guidelines.” He says that there is a required essay that he needs to complete (in addition to his common app essay) requiring him to write about “Why RPI?” I know that I can email or call but if he has to write the essay, he’ll want to get started on it before they reopen after the holiday. Any recent/current applicants know what is actually required? Thanks!
Under section C7 of the RPI Common Data Set (CDS) for 2017-2018, the essay is listed as “important.” The “level of applicant’s interest” is also listed as “important.” If you want to cover your bets, write the essay although it might not be strictly required. It may influence the decision.
If he looks in the Common App, he will see that the Why RPI question has a red asterisk, which indicates that this response is required.