Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Location: Worcester, MA (suburban, college town)

Size: 4,892 students

Avg percent need-met: 80%

Acceptance rate: 59%

Middle 50% ACT: 29-33 **Test Optional**

Middle 50% SAT: 1320-1450 **Test Optional**

Small, innovative, and undergraduate-oriented, WPI is anything but a stodgy technical institute. The WPI Plan is hands-on project-based, and takes a humanistic view of technical studies. WPI emphasizes teamwork instead of competition, and their global focus is unique for a technical school. About half of the students take part in some sort of international experience before graduating.

Popular majors / known for: Computer Information and Sciences, Engineering

Academic approach: Research university with project-based learning guided by the WPI Plan; students are encouraged to explore real-world applications and implications of their work in a global context

Campus tradition: Each year, students put on the Winter Carnival, a week-long festival that features games, shows, and a ton of fun!

Check out campus photos here!

Opportunities for Tech/CS

  • Students have many research opportunities in tech-related fields that often lead to publishing papers, gaining experience through internships, and making connections with big-name companies (domestically or abroad).

  • WPI ensures that students are able to problem-solve and consider the human element in their work so they are prepared for real-life situations.

  • There are cool opportunities in tech/CS like the Association for Computing Machinery, Women in CS, Cybersecurity Club, and Game Development Club

  • WPI has interdisciplinary programs such as robotics, data science, bioinformatics, and interactive media and game development.

  • WPI has a ton of labs and the newest software to make technical research possible. They also have opportunities for funded research projects.

  • Students can earn a Bachelor and Master’s degree in CS at the same time in 4 or 5 years.

Application Details

RD deadline: February 15th

Early Action deadline: November 1st, Early Action 2 January 15th

Supplemental essays: Yes

Application fee: $0

On Common App: Yes

CSS profile: Required, due February 15th

Interviews: Considered

School also featured in: None

Page last updated: March 2022