How competitive is admission at the Rochester Institute of Technology?

Hey! I am currently a junior and looking to apply to the Rochester Institute of Technology. I'm curious to know how tough it is to get in? What kind of things do they look at in an applicant? Any advice is appreciated.

Admissions to the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) are moderately competitive. For the class of 2025, RIT had an acceptance rate of about 70%, which indicates that they accept roughly two-thirds of applicants. Your chances of getting in don't just depend on meeting their requirements for GPA and SAT/ACT scores.

One of the key factors is your high school transcript—RIT will be looking for high grades in core academic subjects. Additionally, challenging yourself with AP or IB courses can help to show your academic rigor. However, keep in mind that RIT adopts a holistic admission process.

Extracurricular involvement is also crucial. They value students who have shown commitment and leadership in a few activities over the course of high school. These don't necessarily have to be related to your intended major, but if you are applying to a specialized program at RIT, it will likely help if you've had experience in that area.

Keep in mind that the quality of your involvement in these activities matters more than the quantity. According to the 4 Tiers of Extracurriculars, taking up leadership roles or achieving awards at a state, national, or international level could put you in a strong position.

You should also not neglect the importance of your application essays. They can be your space to demonstrate your interest in RIT and to highlight personal qualities or experiences that aren't evident elsewhere in your application.

RIT will also look at your letters of recommendation, as they provide insight into your personal characteristics and how you perform in an academic setting. Providing context about your high school (such as % of students that go to college, average SAT scores, etc) helps show how you stack up compared to an average student at your school.

While test scores are not everything, they are still considered in the admissions process. For the class of 2025, the middle 50% SAT score range was 1280-1430 and the ACT range was 29-33.

Remember, admissions are not purely statistical - your personal narrative, academic interests, extracurricular dedication, and letters of recommendation all come into play. Best of luck with your application process!