What are the chances to transfer to RPI from a community college?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
1

Hello,

I currently have a ~2.9 GPA expected to rise to ~3.2-3.3 next semester. I just completed physics I and calc I and passed by with a C in each. I learned a lot in both courses, but when the time for finals/tests came I just completely bomed them. RPI is right in my backyard and was my dream school ever since I was a kid for Aero engineering. Looking back at my first three semesters I sincerely regret not trying hard enough, as RPI is my #1 priority, and I am not really looking to go cross-country for my degree. Yeah yeah I know I have to travel and see the world (i do…) but want my degree to stay in my backyard for a number of reasons I will not divulge into. Any help/advice is greatly appreciated.

I am in Hudson Valley CC, btw.

2

Oh, and if I retake Clac and/or physics, will that give me a better chance too? (Of course it will give me a higher GPA…)

3

I think the rigor level may be a bit too much.
Your merit award will be very low so your cost at RPI will be unaffordable.
I’d suggest maybe [Clarkson University](Aerospace Engineering BS Program | Clarkson University)
They have a 5 year transfer agreement with Hudson Valley Community College so that would work perfect.

4

Not getting into whether or not applied sciences is hard for me or not, I am just not putting in enough time for my studies. But my real focus is on how to raise my GPA in order to transfer successfully, with a scholarship. Any advice on that? As in extracurricular activities? Will internships help?

5

@collegehvc Internships will help and ECs may help marginally, but having a C in intro STEM classes tells me you probably won’t get in. Many students that go to RPI that take calc I and physics I at other schools and got A’s (including me) retake it at RPI and get C’s, since it’s a lot harder so a C in those courses at HVCC is an F if you retake those courses at RPI.

I would try and get B’s and A’s in future STEM classes, since RPI won’t care very much with how you do in non-STEM courses. Don’t be discouraged though, you can always improve. Study habits, going to office hours, and just studying a lot in general will help bring up your GPA, which is what RPI really cares about. I’m going to echo what @reformedman said that Clarkson is probably a better bet right now.