The application deadline is May 4, 2026 at 12:00 PM Eastern.
GradTrack was named the 2023 CoNECD Program of the Year!
GradTrack Program Celebrates Five Years of Supporting Future Graduate Scholars
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.
Stay Connected
Are you a former GradTrack scholar or mentor? We would love to hear where your academic or professional journey has taken you.
GradTrack Alumni and Mentors: Share Your Update
engrgrad@purdue.edu
More 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do GradTrack scholars do after graduation?
GradTrack scholars pursue a variety of academic and professional pathways after completing their undergraduate degrees. Many continue into graduate programs, including master’s and Ph.D. programs in engineering and related fields, while others enter industry or other professional roles.
How many GradTrack scholars have continued to Purdue for graduate school?
Since 2021, 25 GradTrack scholars have continued their education in Purdue graduate programs.
Do I have to apply to Purdue graduate programs after completing GradTrack?
No, however we strongly encourage you to apply to Purdue Engineering Graduate Programs. GradTrack prepares students for graduate education. Scholars may apply to Purdue or to graduate programs at other institutions. Since 2021, 25 GradTrack scholars have continued their education at Purdue, while 131 scholars are attending graduate programs at other universities.
I am an international student. Am I eligible to apply?
At this time, GradTrack eligibility requires applicants to be U.S. citizens or permanent residents who are pursuing a bachelor’s degree at a U.S. institution and are interested in pursuing a graduate degree in engineering.
My GPA is below 3.0. Am I eligible to apply?
At this time, applicants must have a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or greater to be eligible for GradTrack.
Do I have to be a Purdue student to apply?
No. GradTrack is open to eligible undergraduate students from U.S. institutions who are interested in pursuing graduate education in engineering.
Do I need to know exactly what graduate program I want to apply to?
No. GradTrack helps students clarify their goals, learn how to evaluate programs, understand funding options, and prepare stronger application materials. You do not need to have every detail figured out before applying.
Do I need previous research experience to apply?
Research experience can strengthen an application, but students may also bring valuable academic, leadership, project, work, and service experiences. GradTrack is designed to help students prepare for graduate education and better understand the application process.
What kind of support will I receive as a GradTrack scholar?
GradTrack scholars participate in online sessions, mentoring conversations, and program activities designed to help them prepare for graduate-school applications. You will be paired with 2 current graduate student mentors and about 8 other current undergraduate students in mentoring circles. Each week, we will discuss a specific topic pertaining to the graduate application process in both large groups and small mentoring circles. This allows you to hear directly from real, lived experiences of current graduate students. Topics include writing a statement of purpose, understanding funding, talking with faculty, choosing an advisor, and evaluating graduate-school opportunities.
I completed GradTrack as a scholar and am now entering a Purdue Engineering graduate program. Can I serve as a mentor?
Yes! Former GradTrack scholars who continue into Purdue Engineering graduate programs are strongly encouraged to stay connected with the GradTrack community and consider serving as future mentors. Alumni mentors bring a valuable perspective because they understand the GradTrack experience and can help support the next group of scholars preparing for graduate school. Are you starting at Purdue Engineering in the fall? Email program administrators and/or engrgrad@purdue.edu with your interest in being a mentor.
How can former GradTrack scholars and mentors stay connected?
Former GradTrack scholars and mentors are encouraged to share academic and professional updates with the GradTrack team. These updates help us celebrate alumni achievements, reconnect mentoring circles, and continue improving the program.
Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
For questions about GradTrack, please contact the Purdue Engineering Graduate Education team at engrgrad@purdue.edu.