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Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See Worcester Polytechnic Institute reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Worcester Polytechnic Institute reviews, or contribute your own Worcester Polytechnic Institute review if you're a current student there.

  • 11 out of 12 people found this review useful.

    Alana from Taunton, MA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Classes are fast paced and can be difficult but there are many resources to help you. Professors are generally willing to help, as are other students. The Math and Science Help Center (MASH) is extremely useful for early math and science classes. An emphasis on projects and hands on learning also makes learning easier.
    Am enjoying being here

    There is a lot to do - many clubs and activities. Sports and Greek life is also popular. Everyone knows how to get their work done but still have fun. There's a lot to do in Worcester and it's easy to get to Boston for the day. The Woo Bus allows students to travel to other area colleges and shopping centers.
    Bang for the buck

    A WPI degree makes it easier to get a job upon graduation. The projects teach you to solve real problems so you can make an impact on your field and do well right out of college. The campus is beautiful and the school offers everything you could need - academics, athletics, atmosphere, and experiences to help you succeed.
    Tips for prospective students

    Visit campus!! Talk to some students and ask lots of questions.
    Great for these types of students

    Students interested in math, science, and engineering who like hands on learning and group work. Those who want a small school with a great sense of identity.

  • 4 out of 4 people found this review useful.

    Student from RI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Coming in as a freshmen, engineering or technology major, you will be required to take the calculus series (calculus 1-4) which covers everything from differentiation and integration, to series and partial derivatives/integrals. You will also take chemistry 1-4, and then either physics 1-2, or begin taking your humanities requirements which will be anything you want from history to English, a language, or music/drama/art.
    Coming in as a biology or life sciences major typically take a slightly different track as not as much math is required for these subjects so usually a modified version of calculus will be taken.

    The first courses in engineering are introductory courses offered in freshman year. They basically touch upon all of the different methods and topics that will be taught in upper level classes without going into too much detail. Many students find these to be extremely helpful come sophomore year to have already been introduced to the material, or in other cases, if deciding between majors to take the introductory course to solidify their decisions.
    Am enjoying being here

    There is so much to do on campus. Everyone here is extremely friendly and teamwork is not only highly encouraged by the faculty, but utilized among the student population. There are a ridiculous amount of clubs on campus, everything from academic societies, to community service organizations, to the ultimate frisbee team, to the scuba diving club. Therefore, there is something for everyone, and if the club you want doesn't yet exist on campus (which is unlikely) it only takes seven people to start a club and you can start it when you arrive.
    There are also movies offered (FOR FREE ... with free popcorn) on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights in Fuller Labs. These are movies that have just left theaters but are not currently on DVD. We also have our own bowling alley.
    Bang for the buck

    WPI definitely gives you a bang for the buck. Although it is relatively expensive, there are plenty of on campus jobs available to help you through. In addition to this, what you are paying for is truly exceptional. The accessability of professors, TA (teaching assistants) and PLAs (peer learning assistants) is amazing. They not only go above and beyond the minimum requirement for office hours, but they will often meet you outside of their office, to answer questions you might have, or perhaps even just to talk about potential future jobs.
    WPI is also part of the Worcester Consortium, which is a collection of the 13 colleges in Worcester. By this connection, WPI students can take classes at any of the other schools in the consortium, completely free of charge and the credits are transferrable to WPI.
    WPI also hold three job fairs a year. One in the fall, one in the spring and another for the life sciences majors. These career fairs are for WPI students ONLY, and the waitlist for companies trying to get a spot in the career fair is just as competitive as the students trying to get jobs.
    Another great thing about WPI is that the lab equipment in all the labs is completely gutted out and redone every 3-4 years so that students are constantly using only the most up to date equipment. This is a huge selling point too when applying for jobs because students to not need to be trained in the new equipment because it's what they have been using already at WPI.
    Post graduation, WPI have above a 90% placement rate into either the work force or competitive graduate programs. This is a very high number to look at. It has to do with the way students are bred for success at WPI, and the dedication the career development center puts into helping it's students acheive their goals.
    Tips for prospective students

    My only advice is that you master time management skills, which regardless of where you attend, its a good skill to have. As long as you plan out your time well, you should have time to do everything you could possibly want to on campus. Also, take as many math and science classes as you can in high school. Even if you retake the material once you arrive here at WPI, having seen the material before really helps out in classes.
    Great for these types of students

    Students who are ambitious and driven do well here. We are a fast-paced engineering school so you have to want to succeed to do well here, but you will not be on your own if you struggle. Professors and other students want to see everyone succeed so there will be plenty of people to help you along the way. However, the desire to learn and create better products for a better world is a pretty common theme at WPI.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Sonya from Nashua, NH

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    In WPI, the teachers focus on making sure the students understand what they're teaching. But students have to meet halfway and want to learn. Take classes that interests you and/or are required for your major and you'll learn so much more. WPI has outside help sessions such as MASH (Math and Science Help) where students who have aced the class you are taking help you in your homework, studies, and whatever questions you have as long it's within their ability to answer.

    One thing that's unique to WPI is that their grading system is A, B, C, or NR. With this system, you don't have to worry about your score and it encourages you to learn without that grade breathing over your back. The other thing that's unique to WPI is the 7-week terms. You learn in a fast paced environment that's very similar to the corporate world and if you hate the class, don't worry, it's only 7 weeks.
    Am enjoying being here

    WPI is a small campus, yes, but in your four years, you won't learn who everyone is and you won't be able to recognize everyone by sight. Not only that, the clubs here are diverse and always have enough members to be active and since there's so many of them, you'll have an easy time to find one you like. If you don't, just start one. At WPI, you're not required to go anywhere on your free time, you can eat whenever you like as long as you make sure where you're eating at is still open.

    The people here are entertaining even if we are nerds. There will always be conversation about sophisticated topics like the string theory, but there are also everyday conversations because, honestly, who can keep up the act of sophistication? Here, we have fun and in your first year, you'll make friends with the people on your floor and in classrooms easily.
    Bang for the buck

    I don't have personal experience of what happens after graduation, but my older friends tell me that the experience they had at WPI greatly helped them land a job over most of their high school friends. Their resume was beefed up thanks to IQP (Interactive Qualifying Project) and MQP (Major Qualifying Project), both of with you need in order to graduate. The IQP and MQP are projects you usually do in your junior and senior year respectively where you team up with other students to try and solve local or world problems. Both projects can be taken abroad.
    Tips for prospective students

    Visit the campus and take the tour. Ask your guide to take you into classrooms if they can. This will help you make your decision in terms of location and environment. If you want to know what the classes are like, attend the overnight sessions WPI offers to prospective students. You'll get to shadow a student and see all the classes they're taking.
    Great for these types of students

    Students who are interested in Math, Science, and Engineering. Enjoy working in a group and actively working instead of learning by theory. Who wants to live in a small school with people who are like them.

  • John from Gorham, ME

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    WPI is an excellent school to attend. The course loads may be imposing at first, but you will come to appreciate them later on. The campus is beautiful, set inside a big city, but walking around campus still feels relaxing and conducive to learning and fun.
    Tips for prospective students

    Don't procrastinate; this is the most important thing to remember at WPI. WPI's courses are split into 4 7 week terms, meaning that midterms occur 3 weeks after starting a course and finals are only another 3 weeks later. If you fall behind, it will be difficult to catch back up.
    Academic Rigor

    WPI has an extremely demanding curriculum, but it is also very rewarding. Students have a wide variety of resources to help them keep up with the fast paced courses, the greatest of which being the professors, who are always willing to offer personal help.
    Dorm Life

    The dorms at WPI are very nice, and quickly develop small communities. The RA's are very good at helping members of their dorms to become closer friends. The dorms are (for the most part) clean and nice to live in, although individual rooms can always vary from the norm.
    Food and Dining

    The food at WPI's cafeteria is interesting to say the least, and I believe that it is better quality than most other college cafeterias. That being said, many people often wish to have some variety in their eating, and there are a wide variety of different places around campus that students can go to get something different to eat.
    What to do for fun

    WPI has an extremely wide variety of clubs and societies, ranging from Science fiction clubs, LARPing clubs, Game Development, Fencing, and more. Also, almost every weekend, a movie (typically shortly after they come out on dvd) is shown on a big screen in one of the lecture halls. These movies are not shown on a digital projector, but on an actual film reel. In addition, the social community committee, known as Soccom, arranges special activities throughout the year.
    Bang for the buck

    I believe that WPI is a very good quality for its price. It may be expensive, but at WPI a student can make the most of their college education both in learning and as a fun experience.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    Every year, there is a Freshman vs. Sophomore tug-of-war which culminates in the chase for the golden goat statue which always ends quite hilariously. As for locations, students will quickly learn that much of their time will be spent on the quad, which lies between the dining hall and some of the residence halls and the auditorium. On the quad is the Centennial Seal, which some think is cursed, and that anyone who steps on it will not graduate WPI in 4 years. Also, there is the fountain in the middle of campus, which many students congregate around, especially in the fall and spring.
    Clubs and Activities

    The amount of clubs at WPI is staggering, and there are several options for any given student, no matter the interests. If a club isn't for you, the events scheduled constantly by the different societies and committees can keep anyone busy.
    Campus Safety

    I believe that the campus police does an excellent job of ensuring the safety of the campus itself. That being said, reports are often received of incidents that occur on some of the streets adjacent to campus. In general, as long as you follow common sense and don't travel alone at night off campus, there is nothing to worry about.

  • Lauren from Holden, MA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Tips for prospective students

    If you like 7week terms and can focus and learn a large amount of material in a little time, this school is for you.
    Academic Rigor

    Classes are pretty difficult. I would suggest trying to go to as much extra help as possible along with the tutoring centers available.
    Dorm Life

    The particular dorm I was in, Stoddard was not very nice. The showers/bathroom set-up was horrific and always moldy/musty. The dorm echoed and you could pretty much hear everyone down the hall.
    Food and Dining

    Morgan Dining hall had a good amount of options but quality of food not very good. Dunkin Donuts and Quiznos in cafe area is nice, also outtakes is good quality food as well.
    What to do for fun

    Clubs, Greek Life
    Bang for the buck

    Classes are pretty expensive but definetely worth it because you will graduate with a degree that will allow you to get a good job.
    Great for these types of students

    Hard working students who like math/science/engineering
    Greek Life

    Pretty Big at WPI. Lots of frats, not as many sororities.
    Campus Safety

    Campus Police Right on Campus and always available.

  • Tori from Jefferson Hills, PA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    if an engineering degree is what you desire, wpi is the place to go. excellent academics and highly accredited programs. an emphasis on projects and hands-on learning provides real-life experience and preparation.
    Tips for prospective students

    stay strong in your math and sciences (that's big here!).
    wpi likes (and is trying to produce) well-rounded students, despite its recognition for being a geek school. they like extracurriculars and athletics. we take pride in our athletes too!
    Academic Rigor

    courses range from stimulating to quite difficult. completion of the courses, however, guarantees a thorough understanding of the material.
    Dorm Life

    freshman residence hall living is never perfect. housing ranges from singles to quads. however, if you make the most of it, and become friends with your floor, it can be pretty awesome. it's a great way to make friends.
    Food and Dining

    if you live on campus, you basically must purchase a dining plan your freshman year. there is a dining hall, a food court in the campus center, a restaurant in founder's hall, and a cafe in the library. the meal plan is really what you make of it.
    What to do for fun

    join organizations and student groups! really! some of the most fun i've had was working with my organizations. and you'll meet upperclassmen as well as freshman who are interested in the same things are you. life long friendships can be made this way. :)
    Bang for the buck

    as a private engineering university, wpi is fairly expensive. however, you are going to gain a great degree, and even better understanding, experience, and practice. wpi loves to get jobs for its students!
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    the goat's head trophy - gompei the goat is the mascot. years ago, the head of a goat was casted in bronze. the trophy is now a solid bronze replica (of course!), but a schoolwide, year-long competition between different student groups goes on to gain the goat's head every year. truly a coveted prize, and its always awesome to have your picture with it!
    Great for these types of students

    geeks! (just kidding! or am i?) no really, the school is great for a lot of people. while it is affectionately referred to as a geek school, anyone interested in technology, engineering, math, and and science is perfect here!
    Clubs and Activities

    there's a club for everyone! from the science fiction club, to habitat for humanity, student alumni society, student government association, etc etc, you're guaranteed to find somewhere you fit in - and probably multiple somewheres at that!
    Greek Life

    wpi tries to hold its greek life to a higher standing than the typical stereotypes. if it's your thing, i would definitely say to join. emphasis is on community service and well-rounding of character, and fun!
    Campus Safety

    campus police are very quick to respond. they patrol the campus at night to ensure no harm comes to students, however, they are not overbearing in the least. very friendly and helpful. call boxes are easily visible and accessible. worst case - duck into a campus building. they're locked to non-students past 5pm. snap is available for rides in a 1 mile radius of campus. police can escort you across campus at night. never a reason to be alone.

  • Kathleen from New England

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    wpi has a wonderful campus with teachers who are there for the students, and not just because they passionate about what they teach. the college is amazing!
    Tips for prospective students

    make yourself stand out; grades might be important but you want to have other activities with you. when you write your essay, write about something impressive and, as i said, stand out.
    Academic Rigor

    i sat into a class and that was fun! i feel as though everyone will be challenged but will enjoy it. the class room that i was in had a favorable set up. the rows were in tiers like a stadium which allows people to not get blocked by those sitting in front.
    Food and Dining

    yummy! certain foods are changed each day. meals rotate but they have pizza, pasta, cookies, sandwiches and other platters. it is in a buffet style and you can have as much as you want. i had the honor of having lunch in the campus dining area, and the food was great and the dining area was very comfortable. loved it!
    What to do for fun

    wpi has many fun things to do; there are clubs and sports. there is a ballroom dancing team and i believe that there is a pool. there are laboratories, too!

  • aurora373

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    so far, my experience at wpi has been nothing but positive. i love the term system and appreciate the fact that i can focus on three subjects at a time, which definitely makes me feel less scattered than some of my high school friends at other colleges. i definitely love the people here; i find most of my fellow students to be intelligent, driven, yet pretty laid-back, too. although there's a fair number of stereotypical tech students here, many manage to stay on top of their work and still have fun on weekends.
    Tips for prospective students

    give wpi a chance. it is not for everyone, but i believe you'll know if it is right for you once you look into what it can offer. research, visit, and compare wpi to your other options and decide for yourself what it is you want from your college.
    Academic Rigor

    i come from an academically rigorous, private high school, and so far in my time here, i have not had any major difficulties in keeping up with the workload. most of the problems arise from poor time management; even though the terms are short and the learning pace is pretty fast, it is far from impossible to get good grades and still have some time to yourself.
    Dorm Life

    as far as i know, as a first year student, you're required to live in the dorms. personally, i believe wpi dorms are no worse or no better than dorms at any average college, although it'd be nice to have a kitchenette and more conveniently-located laundry facilities. also, since wpi expanded so quickly over the past decades, there is not much on campus housing available for sophomores and up. in my experience, most people tend to go off campus after their first year.
    Food and Dining

    food leaves much to be desired. although it is certainly edible, most of it gets old over time, and all of my friends and i are definitely looking forward to being able to make our own meals next year.
    What to do for fun

    join clubs, sports teams and look into greek life. as a matter of fact, a very large percentage of students are in fraternities and sororities. having said that, it is definitely acceptable and not in any way detrimental to one's social life to not to go greek.
    Bang for the buck

    seeing how i am currently a freshman, i've yet to find out what kind of opportunities being a wpi graduate will open for me once i enter the real world. however, as most students would agree, the tuition here is relatively expensive, even after my sizable merit scholarships.

  • Mary-Beth from Chester, NH

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Worcester looks absolutely amazing. I was very impressed by everything I saw and could definitely see myself going here in the future.
    Tips for prospective students

    Definitely ask about dorms and things, and try to get there when the cafeteria is open. When I went for a tour, it wasn't, and I wasn't able to see what the food was like, which was something I had hoped to do.
    Academic Rigor

    No idea how academically challenging it is first hand, but I know that WPI has a reputation for requiring academic excellence.
    Dorm Life

    The dorm life seems to be alright. I have a couple friends going there that say they have had no problems with their room mates or the housing directors.
    Food and Dining

    I wasn't able to eat at WPI, so I can't rate their food or dining experience, unfortunately.
    What to do for fun

    Anything! There seems like there's so much to do at WPI. For instance, Boston is fairly close by, and that's a huge area for activity.

  • Stephen from Raymond, NH

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I am learning so much here it is incredible. This place is amazing.
    Am enjoying being here

    I love this school so much. They have so much to offer students from a range of assorted groups to join such as the Greek Life which I had joined. There is no hazing here at all and the Fraternities are so awesome and so much fun.
    Bang for the buck

    The school may seem expensive because of the little financial aid that it can give away sometimes but WPI graduates are rated as having one of the highest salaries in the work force compared to all other colleges. So this investment into WPI will definitely pay off in the end
    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure you do not slack off when you first get here. Try not to become lazy with work. I was lazy in high school about work but when i got to WPI I couldn't be lazy anymore or else I would receive bad grades. Do all the work that the professor gives you and you should be perfectly fine.
    Great for these types of students

    This school is great for science and math based students. There is no point to go to the school if you want to major in the Humanities and Arts since this is a Tech based school.

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