Overview

PREFACE 2025: July 20 - August 2, 2025

PREFACE will provide you with a firsthand perspective of what it’s like to be a college student on the Rensselaer campus. As a PREFACE participant, you will be mentored through the program by Rensselaer undergraduate students who have been trained as teaching assistants.

The School of Engineering will welcome you to campus, and you will learn about the various types of engineering and about research and career opportunities in the engineering fields. You will gain hands-on experience working with Rensselaer faculty members.

During the 14-day program, you will learn about some of the other aspects of the college experience. Rensselaer students and professional staff will introduce you to campus clubs and organizations, as well as athletics, health and wellness, leadership development, and career and professional development opportunities. You will gain insight into the college application and financial aid process. You will learn about the campus, explore sites in Troy and the Capital Region, and for fun, you will be able to engage in engineering challenges and trivia contests for prizes!

Purpose

The PREFACE Program will:

• Provide experiences using the engineering design process to solve a problem (e.g., design, troubleshoot, innovate, model, revise, and assess outcomes);
• Create opportunities to develop leadership and team-building skills;
• Highlight career opportunities available in engineering professions as a means to develop a deeper understanding of the role and expectations of an engineering education; and,
• Present a snapshot of college life and its academic, social, cultural, civic, and environmental experiences.

Curriculum

PREFACE core disciplines are taught by Rensselaer faculty and staff members. Example programs include “Introduction to Electronics,” “Introduction to Engineering Design,” “Introduction to Engineering Analysis,” “Computer-Aided Design,” “Introduction to Manufacturing Processes, ” and "Introduction to Computer Systems." In addition, students will:

• Explore the different types of engineering, including biomedical, mechanical, aeronautical, nuclear, electrical and computer systems, civil and environmental, materials, industrial, and chemical.
• Learn about leadership development facilitated by the Rensselaer Archer Center for Student Leadership Development, including engineering design projects and team building.
• Learn about career development by attending seminars offered by the Rensselaer Center for Career and Professional Development.
• Prepare for college through interactive sessions about the admissions application and financial aid processes.
• Visit with representatives from global research and development companies.