WPI welcomes applications for full-time and part-time transfer students. Applicants should be aware of the accelerated pace of WPI’s academic calendar, which consists of four seven-week terms instead of two semesters. Classes (including labs) meet four to five days a week. A full-time course load is defined as three courses per term. Part-time students may take no more than three courses during the two fall or spring terms. Please note that undergraduate classes are offered only during the day. Transfer students must enroll at WPI for a minimum of two academic years in order to complete their degree.
Entrance Requirements
The Admissions Office seeks candidates with demonstrated strength in math, science and computer or engineering course work. Because WPI receives hundreds of transfer applications each year, admission is highly competitive. Candidates must be enrolled in or must have recently completed courses in calculus and in two laboratory sciences (biology, chemistry, or physics) at the time they apply for admission and must be in good academic standing and good disciplinary standing at the institution they are attending. A cumulative GPA of approximately 3.0 or higher overall (and particularly in challenging math, science and humanities course work) is required for admission.
Applicants who do not meet the entrance requirements can take required courses at a local college with Admissions Office approval. WPI also has a transfer partnership with Quinsigamond Community College (QCC) in Worcester for its Basic Engineering major. Students who graduate from this program with a GPA of 3.0 or higher will generally enter WPI with junior-year standing. For more information about completing entrance requirements or the WPI/QCC partnership, contact the WPI Admissions Office.
Applying to WPI
WPI uses the identical application for transfer candidates, entering first year students and international transfer students. All applicants for full-time and part-time transfer admission are required to submit the following materials to the Admissions Office:
- transcripts of all college work
- at least two recommendations—one must be from a math or science instructor and one may come from another academic instructor, the military, or an employer
- a one-page essay that discusses the applicant’s goals in transferring to WPI
Students who have been out of high school for several years are also required to submit a list (or resume) of all employment and academic activity, beginning with the date of high school graduation and ending with the date of application to WPI. Interviews are an optional part of the application process. WPI requires up-to-date transcripts and mails a mid-semester grade report form to applicants who are enrolled in a college when they apply. Applicants are evaluated for admission on the basis of all application materials requested above.
The priority application deadline for September admission (A-Term) is April 15; priority deadline for January admission (C-Term) is November 15. Deadlines may be extended with permission from an admissions officer. Because transfer admission is rolling, an admission decision may be reached before the deadline as long as all requested materials have been received.
Transfer Credit
Faculty members at WPI are in charge of evaluating courses for transfer credit. Please note that transfer credit is only evaluated for transfer students who have been offered admission to WPI. After transfer credits are approved by faculty members, the student will be sent a list of approved courses prior to entering WPI.
Only courses that are the academic equivalent of a WPI course will be considered for transfer credit. College-level chemistry, calculus, calculus-based physics, engineering science, and most humanities and social science courses are generally accepted for transfer. Courses that are not transferable include pre-calculus, non-calculus-based physics or engineering science, and computer courses in BASIC. Members of the WPI faculty determine which courses will be accepted. Please note that while a C in some course work is acceptable for transfer credit, applicants must have an overall GPA significantly higher than C to be admitted to WPI. Many academic departments will only accept transfer credit for a B or better.
International Transfer Students
International transfer applicants must follow the same guidelines as first-year students. Official transcripts, with word-for-word English translations if applicable, should be forwarded to the Admissions Office. Any student with up to 30 semester hours of transferable credit may be admitted as a freshman with advanced standing; those with more than 30 semester hours of credit should apply as transfer students. International students are not eligible for financial assistance and must provide proof of financial ability and availability of funds for their total educational and living expenses before an I-20 can be issued.
Financial Assistance
WPI believes transfer students are important. The university will determine and attempt to meet the financial need of each student based upon the FAFSA and the financial aid PROFILE forms processed by the College Scholarship Service. In addition to grants, awards may contain a self-help component in the form of loans and/or on-campus employment. Loan programs are also available beyond needs-analysis guidelines.
Many transfer students have highly individualized situations and may need financial counseling. The Financial Aid Office is well prepared to provide this service welcomes inquiries.
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship
WPI will award up to three $10,000 scholarships to students transferring to WPI from an accredited two-year college. A GPA of 3.5 is required and candidates must have submitted their completed application and all supporting materials by the deadlines listed below. Please note that part-time students and students with previous bachelors’ degrees are not eligible.
The scholarship committee will emphasize the rigor of the applicant’s curriculum, required recommendations, and any demonstrated leadership ability or outstanding extracurricular and/or community involvement.
Deadline for scholarship consideration:
Fall admission, April 15; Spring admission, November 15
Housing
WPI provides housing to transfer students on a space-available basis. Neighborhoods surrounding the campus offer many housing options to those who prefer to live off campus. The Office of Residential Services maintains lists of off-campus apartments and of students looking for roommates. June or early July is the best time to locate off-campus housing for the upcoming academic year. Transfer students with specific housing questions are urged to contact the Office of Residential Services.
Part-time Students
While transfer students may pursue their degrees part-time, it is important to note that WPI undergraduate classes are offered only during the day and financial aid is not available for part-time transfer students.
WPI Contacts
Admissions Office
508-831-5286
Fax: 508-831-5875
admissions@wpi.edu
Financial Aid Office
508-831-5469
Fax: 508-831-5469
finaid@wpi.edu
Office of Residential Services
508-831-5645
Fax: 508-831-5870
res-services@wpi.edu
Office of Academic Advising
508-831-5381
Fax: 508-831-5846
academic-advising@wpi.edu
Last modified: April 29, 2008 13:23:34