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!
Purdue Engineering is aiming for maximum impact in our mission areas by 2030, one of them being the development of the largest, 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 while also displaying a commitment to broadening participation in engineering.
As a GradTrack Scholar, you are expected to attend 8 online meetings between August and December 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. Whether you are applying to graduate school or summer research opportunities, you will finish the program with completed documents for a competitive 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, who demonstrate a commitment to broadening participation 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 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:
Click here for the Mentor Application
Application Deadline: April 28, 2025
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:
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 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 and/or Summer Research Programs
- Understanding Funding Opportunities for Graduate School and/or Summer Research Programs
- Talking with Faculty
- Evaluating Funding and Acceptance Offers
- Handling Rejection and Imposter Syndrome
- Interviewing for Graduate Programs or Summer Research Programs
- Choosing an Advisor- Having a Good Relationship with your Advisor
- Transitioning to Graduate School/Summer Research
- 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.