Worcester Polytechnic Institute combines theoretical teachings with real-world practices. The small size allows for personalized hands-on interaction and students say “
it's not so large that you are just another number, and it's not so small that there is nothing going on.” The put-it-in-practice philosophy of WPI is packaged in the project-based curriculum. Students are required to complete three separate projects at one of the 25 project centers (domestic and abroad). An engineering junior writes, “
The project system is one of the best things I can think of in my school. It allows people not to study abroad, but rather the opportunity to grow and develop professionally and as a person as you work with outside organizations to really get something accomplished. Not to mention the fact that there are so many places abroad to choose from when considering the location you want to go to.”
The coursework is quite rigorous and students say it is intensified by the quarter system. “
The only thing that's kind of difficult is that the terms are so short that you really have to stay on top of all of your school work above everything else,” advises a sophomore. “
If you mess up at all, it could mean complete failure in that class for the term, so it's really important to do all your work, and get help if you need it.” Students say help isn’t difficult to get in small classes, and in big lectures you just have to be willing to seek out your professors since classes can be too large for one-on-one interaction. Another sophomore suggests, “
Class sizes are pretty large so many professors do not know you by name unless you make yourself known. The way to do this is to introduce yourself, go to office hours, email them, etc.”
Because of the renowned technical programs and unique approach to the academic curriculum, WPI attracts students from around the globe. One student notes, “
The student body at WPI is pretty diverse. I'm friends with students over a wide range of ethnic and religious backgrounds. I really don't think that anyone would feel out of place at WPI, except for technophobes perhaps.” It is true that the student body abounds with tech-oriented personalities, but students say it isn’t only Dungeons and Dragons addicts. “
Everyone can find a group of people to hang out with, study with, and generally have fun with. There are cheerleaders and football players, nerds and popular kids, loners and uber-involved students. Everyone can find something here.” They may be able to find something here, but students say the bigger issue is finding
someone. With far more fellas than there are females, guys complain that it’s slim pickin’s when it comes to the dating pool.
When students aren’t overwhelmed with the intense workload, there is a smorgasbord of extracurricular activities to choose from. The most popular activities are Greek life and intramurals, but there are clubs for just about any interest. An engineering major writes, “
Like at any college there are more clubs than students to fill them, so anything you could want from lacrosse to disk golf to medieval wannabes, it’s all available to you.” Students say Greek life here isn’t a make it or break it deal. The Greek community is inclusive of all students, and the social lives of those who choose not to join won’t suffer. A math student writes, “
Even if you aren't in a fraternity or sorority, you can still go to the parties and hang out with everyone. They really don't exclude you.” Many of the parties around campus go down at fraternity houses, though students say apartment parties are common as well. The party scene isn’t as snoozing as you would expect—there are parties every weekend, and Tuesday nights are ripe with social soirees as well, according to students.
The town of Worcester, MA is a big town, but students seem less than impressed with what it has to offer them. One student comments, “
The city itself is okay. There are things to do, but it's not stellar.” However, when these college kids get the urge for adventure they hop the train to Boston. “
In Boston there are so many things to do - pro sports, clubs, concerts - and it's an easy day trip on the weekend or a day off.” And with an academic calendar this intense, WPI students deserve a few days off.
