Purdue Engineering GradTrack
Get on the track to graduate school with this free, online, and interactive program!
The application deadline is April 28, 2025.
GradTrack was named the 2023 CoNECD Program of the Year!
About GradTrack:
GradTrack is a free, online mentoring program designed to help undergraduate seniors from any U.S. institution successfully apply to graduate school in engineering. Through mentorship, professional development, and a supportive community, GradTrack Scholars build the skills and confidence needed to thrive in graduate school and beyond.
As a GradTrack Scholar, you will connect with current Purdue Engineering graduate students who will provide insights and guidance. You will complete the program with strong, polished application materials for graduate school. This year, there will be a special focus on fellowship applications and how your future research can make an impact.
The program includes 6 online meetings held between August and October, with sessions on Monday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Eastern Time. Through interactive assignments and hands-on workshops, you will gain the tools and knowledge needed to submit competitive applications while becoming part of a nationwide community of aspiring engineers. By the end of GradTrack, you will have a stronger application, a clearer path forward, and a network of support to help you succeed. See more details below.
Cost
FREE!
Eligibility:
- U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
- Enrolled in a U.S. bachelor's program with plans for a research-based graduate degree in engineering.
- Graduating in Fall 2025, Spring 2026, or Fall 2026.
- GPA 3.0/4.0 or greater
This opportunity is open to all students, regardless of race or ethnicity, who demonstrate a commitment to fostering student success in engineering.
Undergraduate Student Mentee Application:
Click here for the Mentee Application
Application Deadline: April 28, 2025
Undergraduate Student mentees are selected based on their demonstrated commitment to fostering ecosystems of student success in engineering as well as their academic and professional achievement including motivation, research experiences, projects, awards, and other work experiences.
Graduate Student Mentor Application:
Click here for the Mentor Application
Application Deadline: April 28, 2025
Graduate Student mentors are selected based on their demonstrated commitment to fostering ecosystems of student success in engineering as well as their leadership, academic and professional achievement and demonstrated skill and capacity from their GradTrack mentor application.
GradTrack Timeline:
April 28, 2025: Application deadline.
May 2025:GradTrack Scholars notified of their acceptance into the program
Summer 2025: Meet the mentors, participate in an online chat, and receive your first assignment.
August 2025: GradTrack live online meetings begin. Check back as specific program meeting dates are added!
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:
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. Topics include:
- Writing your Statement of Purpose: Defining your Motivation for Graduate Study and Research Impact
- Understanding the Application Process for Graduate School
- Understanding Funding Opportunities for Graduate School, including drafting up fellowship applications
- Talking with Faculty
- Evaluating Funding and Acceptance Offers
- Handling Rejection and Imposter Syndrome
- Interviewing for Graduate Programs
- Choosing and Maintaining a Strong Working Relationship with your Advisor
- Transitioning to Graduate School
- And More!
Selected participants who are in their final year of undergraduate studies are also strongly encouraged to visit Purdue's campus as part of a planned visitation. Apply to Discover Purdue! in addition to applying to the GradTrack program!
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.