The application deadline is May 4, 2026 at 12:00 PM Eastern.
GradTrack was named the 2023 CoNECD Program of the Year!
Purdue Engineering is aiming for maximum impact in our mission areas by 2030, one of them being the largest producer of best-prepared and most diverse engineering talent pool in the nation.
About GradTrack
GradTrack is an online mentoring program that prepares undergraduate students (juniors and seniors) from any U.S. institution for Graduate School. Its goal is to increase community and success of engineering graduate students in the US. GradTrack Scholars excel in academic, professional and research settings.
As a GradTrack Scholar, you are expected to attend 7 online meetings between August and October and participate in related assignments. Meetings will be on Monday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time. You will have exclusive networking with current Purdue Graduate Students, and you will finish the program with completed documents for a competitive graduate school application. See additional details below.
Cost
FREE!
Eligibility
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Pursuing a bachelor's degree at a U.S. institution with an interest in pursuing a graduate degree in engineering.
- GPA 3.0/4.0 or greater
This opportunity is open to all students, regardless of race or ethnicity. GradTrack Scholars excel in academic, professional and research settings while also displaying a commitment to fostering student success and community in engineering.
Undergraduate Student Mentee Application
Application Deadline: May 4, 2026
Undergraduate Student mentees are selected based on their demonstrated commitment to broadening participation in engineering as well as their academic and professional achievement including motivation, research experiences, projects, awards, and other work experiences.
Graduate Student Mentor Application:
Application Deadline: May 4, 2026
Graduate Student mentors are selected based on their demonstrated commitment to broadening participation in engineering as well as their leadership, academic and professional achievement and demonstrated skill and capacity from their GradTrack mentor application.
GradTrack Timeline
May 4, 2026: Application deadline.
June 1 2026: GradTrack Scholars notified of their acceptance into the program
Summer 2026: Meet mentors, participate in an online chat, and receive your first assignment.
August 2026: GradTrack live online meetings begin.
GradTrack Online Meeting Times: All meetings will be held online using Zoom on Monday evenings 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time in the Fall Semester. Check your time zone against Purdue here (West Lafayette, IN Time Zone).
Program Dates
- August 10 - 7:00 - 8:30 PM
- August 17 - 7:00 - 8:30 PM
- August 24 - 7:00 - 8:30 PM
- August 31 - 7:00 - 8:30 PM
- September 14 - 7:00 - 8:30 PM
- September 21 - 7:00 - 8:30 PM
- October 5 - End of Program Celebration - 7:00 - 8:30 PM
Program Details
GradTrack meetings will include short presentations, small-group discussions with your graduate student mentors, and assignments that will help you prepare to apply for graduate school and/or summer research programs. Topics include:
- Writing your Statement of Purpose; Defining your Motivation for Graduate Study
- Understanding the Application Process for Graduate School
- Understanding Funding Opportunities for Graduate School
- Talking with Faculty
- Evaluating Funding and Acceptance Offers
- Handling Rejection and Imposter Syndrome
- Interviewing for Graduate Programs
- Choosing an Advisor
- Transitioning to Graduate School/Summer Research
- And More!
We hope you will take advantage of this unique opportunity to network and learn. We look forward to receiving your application soon.
Questions?
Contact us at engrgrad@purdue.edu
The GradTrack Scholars program is being managed and run by the Purdue University College of Engineering Graduate Education Team.