The PREFACE Program dates for summer of 2025 will be announced later in the year.

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 those 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!

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,” and “Introduction to Manufacturing Processes.” Students will be introduced to manufacturing sustainable building products by the faculty of CASE, the Rensselaer Center for Architecture Science and Ecology. In addition, students will:

• Explore the different types of engineering, including biomedical, mechanical, aeronautical, electrical and computer systems, civil and environmental, nuclear, 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.

Comming Soon.

The cost for the program includes room and meals, instructors, supplies, the program T-shirt, and all planned activities during the two weeks. The fee will be payable upon notice of selection in the program. Participants are responsible for their transportation arrangements and costs. Transportation between the campus and area hubs is also covered in the fee, but transportation to the Albany airport, and train and bus stations are not included. 

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.