Do you have top students who are curious and creative? Who love science and math? Who want to make the world a better place? WPI might be a good fit for them. Here is some information that will help you understand us better.
Recent Recognition
WPI was recently named to "The Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education's 2006 Publisher's Picks"
We're a top university
WPI was founded in 1865, the third-oldest technological university in the country. We were ranked 62nd among national colleges and universities in the 2008 U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges issue. U.S. News also ranked us tied for 19th for most classes under 20 students.
Location and environment
WPI is located in a residential neighborhood in Worcester, Mass. (New England's third-largest city, about 35 miles west of Boston). The 80-acre campus has a traditional school feel, but is equipped with the latest technology, including high-speed Internet access in all academic and residential buildings. Students are within walking distance to shopping, restaurants and entertainment. Take the virtual tour
Enrollment
- 2,861 undergraduates
- 26 percent women; 74 percent men
- From 43 states and 70 countries
We have a unique project-enriched curriculum
Our curriculum teaches students to put what they learn in the classroom to work by solving real-world problems before they graduate. During their four years at WPI, students complete two projects in addition to their course work. Projects are completed in teams with faculty advisors on campus or at one of more than 20 global projects centers (WPI sends more engineering and science students overseas than any other university in the country).
To accommodate project work, WPI has four seven-week terms during the academic year (Sept.-May). Students design their own academic plan with the help of an academic advisor; there are no required courses or course prerequisites. Since we want students to feel free to explore areas that interest them, without worrying about ruining their transcript, we don't have a failing grade. If students don't get an A, B or C, they don't receive credit, and the course doesn't go on their transcript. More on academics...
Majors and minors
WPI offers more than 40 majors in science, technology, math, engineering, management, and the humanities and arts. You may be surprised to know that we have a vibrant humanities and arts department.
Most Popular Majors:
- Electrical & Computer Engineering
- Computer Science
- Mechanical Engineering
- Biology & Biotechnology
- Civil Engineering
Selected Admissions Information
Academic requirements
Students must have taken four years of high school math, including precalculus, and at least two years of a lab science.
Admitted student profile
Average SAT score: 1284
Average ACT: 29
Average class rank in top 14 percent of their high school class
What we look for
Admission to WPI is competitive; we seek top students in science and math. But we look beyond academic performance. Since the educational approach here is different from that of other universities, we look for students who will thrive in our unique academic environment.
Projects are an important part of the curriculum at WPI. To do well, students must be self-motivated, be able to work well with others, and be able to think creatively. They should be interested in how science, technology, math and engineering can be used to make the world a better place.
We deliver a well-rounded education with a significant requirement in the humanities and arts and an emphasis on exploring the impact of science and technology on society. We find that students who have a passion for something besides science and math, such as music, drama or art, are particularly well-suited to our approach to education. More on admissions...
Maintained by webmaster@wpi.eduLast modified: May 01, 2008 13:57:57