Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI)

Worcester Polytechnic Institute brings an international lens to its project-based STEM curriculum, beginning with first-year students in the Great Problems Seminar (GPS), where they are challenged to think “outside their disciplines to solve problems focused on themes of global importance” and present research-based solutions to an issue of their choice. One student enthuses about a “project I did for seven weeks in Istanbul studying impacts of earthquakes and possible search and rescue solutions,” while another loved working with their GPS group to explore “how transportation of donor organs can be improved to increase the number of organs that are transplanted into patients.” Because the “entire curriculum is built around projects, students naturally share ideas, test things out together, and turn class concepts into something tangible.” Every student completes two signature projects during their time at WPI: an interactive qualifying project (IQP) and a major qualifying project (MQP). Both provide “an incredible depth and breadth to the learning experience at WPI. With the IQP, students gain a global perspective of how technical skills can make a difference solving real social issues…The MQP is a major-specific qualifying project that gives students the opportunity to innovate new solutions in their field of study.” One student shares, “I have been able to work on projects from chemical engineering to machine learning, in both Worcester and Italy, and with people of all different backgrounds and perspectives.” Ultimately, students are drawn to WPI so they can “innovate, push boundaries, and constantly improve themselves and the world around them.”

Without a doubt, WPI attracts “engineering students who are passionate about learning,” as well as individuals who are “vibrant, entertaining, intelligent, and kind.” One student explains, “Almost everyone at WPI is unapologetically nerdy, in the best way. We embrace each other’s quirks and celebrate them.” Academics are important, but students are also supportive, sure “to help build each other up rather than compete to be the best.” Students appreciate not having “to fit in just one box, there are so many opportunities to try everything possible,” with one adding, “[We] have a large portion of students who are dedicated to sports and other activities.” Another student shares, “Many of us are very social and like to join clubs or party. And that’s not something I fully expected from this school,” adding, “We have a really well-rounded group of individuals who all like different things.” As one student observes, “Everyone is always busy, but it’s an active and happy campus,” while another states, “At WPI, my peers are some of the most collaborative and curious people I’ve ever met.”

WPI’s campus offers a dynamic mix of personalities and passions, with students generally falling into two broad groups: “those focused purely on school and those who balance it with the large, Greek life scene.” One student adds, “There’s a pretty big chunk of students that are very homebody/introverted, but there are also plenty of people that are super involved in clubs and campus life, especially those in Greek life.” For many, Greek life plays a prominent role in shaping social connections, providing “an amazing way to find a great group of people with similar values and then to be able to network with other Greek-like organizations.” At the same time, outside of the Greek scene, “most students have real hobbies and real interests, and there are a multitude of student clubs and organizations where students find their niche.” Another student emphasizes, “Most of our campus is…involved in many different organizations,” highlighting a community where students can pursue academics, hobbies, and social life in ways that suit them best.

Due to WPI’s emphasis on real-world experience and applied science and technology, it’s not surprising that the students are a career-focused bunch. All students participate in three projects, some with external sponsors, before graduation. The Career Development Center is generally well regarded, offering career fairs and company presentations, services like résumé building and interview prep, and advice for students on how to use networking and social media to their advantage. A WPI education is “about preparing students for successful careers in their respective fields upon graduation through practical applications of the knowledge and skills that are taught,” and “a large percentage of the student body will leave WPI with a fairly good job when they graduate.” Evidence seems to bear out that observation, as WPI has been frequently cited for graduating their students into high-paying careers. Beyond the finances, 53 percent WPI alumni visiting PayScale.com report feeling as though their job has a high level of meaning.