To apply, you must be entering the 11th or 12th grade in high school in the fall following the application process. You must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. Since PREFACE is taught in English, a strong understanding of the English language is essential.

Selection is based on your high school academic performance, your standardized test scores (if available), the quality of your essay, and the strength and relevance of your recommendations. Twenty students will be selected to participate.

The application deadline is Friday, April 4, 2025. Applications received thereafter will not be accepted. Applicants are advised to review the entire application in advance before attempting to complete and submit it. Acceptance notification will take place in mid-May.

Cost

The cost for the program, $4,000, includes room and meals, instructors, supplies, the program T-shirt, and all planned activities during the two weeks. This fee will be payable upon notice of selection in the program. Participants are responsible for their transportation arrangements and costs to and from the NY Capital Region, which is serviced by Albany International Airport, the Albany-Rensselaer AMTRAK Station and the Albany Bus Depot. Once you arrive here, the program will provide and cover the cost of all your local transportation, including between the airport, train and bus station -and the Troy campus.

Financial Aid: The program provides a limited number of partial scholarships for the program fee and associated costs to qualified students on the basis of demonstrated need. Students whose families earn annual wages within the federal poverty guidelines are encouraged to apply for aid, but this option is open to all applicants. The financial aid request is part of the online application, and applying for a scholarship does not impact the admissions decision. 

Questions

For more information, email preface@rpi.edu.