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See what students say:

Academics

Sometimes it can be challenging to understand how to apply your college coursework to your future career. But for the approximately 5,000 undergraduates at Massachusetts' Worcester Polytechnic Institute, there's no doubt that their global, project-based STEM education gives them "a lot of necessary tools" to succeed. From the very first day of class, many students say the "unique quarter system" and "projects that are related to the real world" are foundational to their success. This program, known as the WPI Plan, is split into seven-week terms, each of which has three classes. A two-term Great Problems Seminar serves to ease students into university-level research, and subsequent classes continue to emphasize the "learn by doing" method. Once settled into the WPI academic structure, many students pick up the "excellent resources for academics and future aspirations" by actively pursuing "personal engineering projects" and "opportunities for study abroad, co-ops, [and] internships." Of course, as an interdisciplinary and global institution with over 50 project centers around the world, most students rave about the "research opportunities...available for students who wish to have a larger role in the subject they enjoy." At the end of their academic career with WPI, not only do all students end up completing the equivalent of a minor in Humanities & Arts, but they know that their "hands-on learning, group work, and cool projects where you actually get to make something" are exactly what "employers love best about [them]."

Project-based learning is central to the academic experience at WPI, which involves an "incredibly supportive and collaborative" environment between students and faculty. A project often incorporates real world problems and "allows [students] to actually utilize the theoretical knowledge [they] are learning" via "lots of hands-on learning [where] students steer most projects themselves." There are "a plethora of projects...that reflect what can actually happen in the workplace." These ventures range from managing an "independent software startup" to completing a software engineering class that is "run like an internship." Many students say that for both their larger capstone projects and regular coursework, "professors are always available for office hours and meetings" to help. Instructors also "work hard to engage students in course material," so expect them to support all types of learners with lectures "reinforced with some kind of lab, project, practice, or interactive activity." Working closely with such "interested and engaged" educators has had a long-term impact on some undergrads. As one student notes, "My chemistry professor has inspired me to pursue a masters or PhD in renewable energy after I graduate from WPI."

Student Body

WPI undergrads are "well-rounded students" who "are very involved on campus and live the campus life to the fullest." Many enrollees note that people are "extremely interested in their respective STEM fields but also have incredibly diverse extracurricular interests," which contributes to the "specific vibe" at WPI. That is, when you get on the WPI wavelength, "you feel as if you finally belong somewhere." Everyone "is so warm and inviting to anyone new" and "the sense of community is extremely strong, and students are very supportive and welcoming." And if you find yourself struggling, fellow students "are super willing to help you if you have a tough class." One student captures the spirit of the institution, saying, "The student body at WPI feels like a community of like-minded peers. It is exciting to see what other people achieve, both inside and outside the classroom. Even if you don't know someone, it feels like they're your friend because you know how much hard work they put in to reach their achievements."

Campus Life

Academics are time-consuming, and everyone runs on a "very intense schedule," but students enjoy taking breaks with "school-sponsored events such as karaoke and trivia" and there's "always time for socializing on the quad when it is nice out." Schedules "are filled to the brim with club involvements [and] sports." Activities range from "a lot of... intramural sports" to "theater and performance groups," and even an active "Greek life [that] is run very well and makes a large impact on the community." As one undergrad puts it, "We live by our Outlook calendars, and they fill up quickly with club meetings and sports." And if students are looking to get off campus, the hopping town of Worcester is just down the hill, filled with "so many good places to eat." Even with all the exciting activities on and off campus, "students manage their time extremely well and remain positive about their school life."

Contact & Visit

Campus Visits Contact

Contact
Barbara Hassett
Campus Visit Coordinator

Address
Office of Admissions, Bartlett Center
100 Institute Rd
Worcester, MA 01609

Phone
508-831-5286

Email
admissions@wpi.edu

Experience College Life

Most Popular Places On Campus
Unity Hall
Innovation Center
Rubin Campus Center
Goat's Head Restaurant
Sports & Recreation Center
Varied spaces on campus appeal to and support many student interests. Whether students seek a quiet place to study, makerspaces that allow STEAM innovation and creativity to flourish, room to work on projects or hold a trivia contest, or space to burn off (or shore up) energy in the sports and rec center or on the expansive green quad, they will find it right on campus.

Most Popular Places Off Campus
Worcester Public Market
Polar Park/WooSox
Wachusett Mountain
DCU Center
Hanover Theater
As New England?s second largest city, Worcester?s restaurants, entertainment, and gatherings are well known and easy to get to thanks to WPI?s evening and weekend shuttle which goes between the consortium colleges, shops, and movie theaters. Students who want to venture off campus might head to Boston?just a short hour away by bus or train?or to easily accessible mountains or ocean beaches.

Campus Tours

Campus Visiting Center
Monday-Friday and selected Saturdays
see website
508-831-5286

Campus Tours
Appointment Required: Yes
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: 2 hours

On Campus Interview

Campus Interviews
No

Information Sessions
Available

Times
Please see website for current offerings

Faculty and Coach Visits

Dates/Times Available

Arrangements
Contact Coach Directly

Advance Notice
2 weeks

Class Visits

Dates/Times Available
Varies

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Overnight Dorm Stays

Overnight Dorm Stays
Not Available

Arrangements
Contact Admissions Office

Transportation

Types of Transportation Available to Campus
Worcester Regional Airport is a 10 minute ride to campus and the city is also within an easy drive of Logan International Airport (Boston, MA), T. F. Green Airport (Providence, RI), Bradley International Airport (Hartford, CT), and Manchester (NH) Airport. Several local limousine companies offer transportation to and from area airports and often have special WPI rates. Amtrak trains (800-872-7245) and Greyhound (508-754-3247) and Peter Pan (508-754-4600) buses provide regular service to Worcester. Train and bus stations are 5-minute taxi rides from campus.

Driving Instructions to Campus
From the North: Take I-495 south to I-290. Follow directions from east. From the East: Take Mass. Turnpike (I-90) to Exit 11A (I-495). Proceed north to exit 25B (I-290), then west into Worcester. Take Exit 18 (Lincoln Sq., Rte. 9), turn right at end of ramp, then an immediate right before next traffic light. At next light, proceed straight through, bearing to the right on Salisbury St. At the WPI sign, turn left onto Boynton St., then right onto Institute Rd. Take your first right (Private Way). From the South and West: Take Mass. Turnpike (I-90) to Exit 10 (Auburn). Proceed east on I-290 into Worcester. Take Exit 17 (Lincoln Sq., Rte. 9), turn left at end of ramp, follow Rte. 9 west through Lincoln Sq., straight onto Highland St., then right at light onto West St. Travel one block and cross Institute Road (onto Private Way).

Local Accommodations
The Beechwood Hotel (800-344-2589), Holiday Inn Express (508-757-0400), Courtyard by Marriott (508-363-0300), AC Hotel by Marriott (774-420-7555), Hampton Inn & Suites (508-886-9005), and Homewood Suites by Hilton (508-755-1234) are all located within 10 minutes from campus.

Admissions

Applicants: 11,808
Acceptance Rate: 58%
Average HS GPA: 3.90






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