By Regina Stracqualursi
There are many factors to consider when choosing a college — from cost to location, school size to degree offerings. Sometimes, students are interested in entering their field sooner than a four-year bachelor’s degree traditionally allows or have gotten a head-start on their college education while still in high school. For such students, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute now has the option for them to accelerate their studies — completing their bachelor’s degrees in three years without sacrificing key components of the college experience.
The ACCEL Program is designed for highly motivated students, particularly those who took a variety of college-level courses during high school. With two offerings, ACCEL and ACCEL +, students have the option of completing either a sole bachelor’s degree in three years or bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just four years (while still receiving their financial aid package). The programs are offered within several of the schools at Rensselaer, including the School of Engineering; School of Science; Lally School of Management; and School of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences.
While some accelerated degree programs strip out many of the formative experiences of a college education, ACCEL ensures students have the opportunity to study abroad, immerse themselves in campus activities, hold internships in industry, and participate in the Arch, an educational experience unique to Rensselaer, which ensures that students pursue personal and professional development opportunities as part of their undergraduate education. Where ACCEL stands out among other institutions is in the design of clear curricular templates and a strong focus on advisement.
Interested in this opportunity? Visit the ACCEL Program website for more information, including eligibility criteria and FAQs.
