Two pathways into the Lally Scholars Program.
The Lally Scholars Program is open to undergraduate students in Lally majors and Lally dual majors. Students may enter through invitation at admission or by applying from within Lally.
Selective, reachable, and built for students who are ready to grow.
There are two pathways into the program. Strong admitted students may be invited when they are admitted to RPI, while current Lally students may apply through an internal pathway after demonstrating strong academic preparation and purpose.
Prospective students
Strong admitted students may receive a personal invitation from the Dean alongside their offer of admission. These students begin as Provisional Scholars and confirm full Scholar status by earning a 3.4 GPA in the first year.
Current Lally students
Current sophomores and juniors with a 3.4 GPA may apply through an internal pathway each January. Students prepare a faculty recommendation and a statement of purpose.
The program is selective, but students can earn their way in.
This two-pathway model makes the program selective and reachable. Students can enter with strong preparation, and students who grow into the opportunity at Lally can earn their way in.
The distinction remains meaningful because it is earned over time.
Lally Scholars maintain a 3.4 cumulative GPA and show annual progress toward program completion. Each Scholar’s portfolio is reviewed so the distinction reflects real, ongoing work.
Flexibility is built in.
The program recognizes that students may need flexibility. A grace semester and probationary semester provide room to recover if a term does not go as planned. The program may also adjust timing or substitute comparable experiences in cases involving hardship, study abroad, co-op, or other approved circumstances.
The goal is not to create a rigid checklist. The goal is to make sure the distinction remains meaningful, earned, and verified.
Support for ambitious academic and professional experiences
The Lally Scholars Program invests in its students through the Scholar Enhancement Fund. This fund can help support certification and conference costs, reducing barriers for students who are pursuing ambitious professional and academic experiences.
The program is designed so that talent, effort, and ambition shape the Scholar’s path.
What will a college education actually help a student do?
Students and families are asking an important question: what will a college education actually help a student do?
The Lally Scholars Program answers that question with evidence.
Scholars graduate with a degree from RPI’s Lally School of Management and a verified record of applied work. They leave with experience in leadership, AI, investing, research, professional communication, teamwork, service, and problem-solving.
They have completed a capstone, presented their work, and built a portfolio that connects directly to career and graduate school readiness.
For students interested in business, technology, analytics, innovation, entrepreneurship, finance, or management, the Lally Scholars Program creates a structured way to stand out.
Two ways to begin the Lally Scholars journey
Whether you are applying to Lally or already studying here, there is a pathway into the Lally Scholars Program.
Apply through the Common Application
Apply to a Lally undergraduate major through the Common Application. Strong admitted students may receive a Provisional Scholar invitation from the Dean with their offer of admission.
Prospective students and families are encouraged to ask their admissions counselor about the Lally Scholars Program.
Apply through the internal pathway
Sophomores and juniors with a 3.4 GPA may apply each January. Students should prepare a faculty recommendation, a statement of purpose, and a record of experiences they have already begun or plan to pursue.
