<p>We visited WPI this past weekend, and my (high school junior) son was excited by the Global Perspectives Progam. I've reviewed the information on the WPI website, but I've got a few questions if someone with experience would like to answer.</p>
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<li><p>How many of the students who wish to travel abroad are accepted in to the program? In other words, what is the likelihood that you want to be part of the program but aren't able to be?</p></li>
<li><p>I notice on the application sheet that the student lists preferred locations. What is the likelihood of getting one of your top destinations?</p></li>
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<li><p>Many of those who wish to travel abroad are accepted. Some locations are more competitive than others. But it is also expensive; it is a good idea to save enough money if you plan to go abroad; living off campus is a great way to save $$$.</p></li>
<li><p>The likelihood varies depending on student interest in the location, the number of people who want to go, and the match between the student’s interests and the project description. If you really are want to go to a place and are willing to do the prep work, I think it isn’t very hard.</p></li>
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<p>IPD, thanks. That’s about what I suspected. I just wanted to make sure my son didn’t go to WPI for the GPP, then discover it wasn’t as advertised. It sounds like it is about what they say it is.</p>
<p>By the way, I’ve followed your posts for the last several years, and I find you one of the most reliable posters in this corner of CC. My eldest son is a freshman ECE major at UMass. He was also accepted to WPI (with a measly $6K/yr merit aid), and we made the decision to go to UMass, in part because of your perspectives on WPI/UMass. I can say you were spot on. The ECE and Physics instructors he’s had so far have been excellent; the M5 center is a great opportunity, and the ECE department offers regular 1-credit courses and seminars on everything from digital camera hacking to Ruby-on-Rails for those interested. It does have the big-college feel (which my eldest likes), and you have to be pro-active about your education, but that’s also one of the things you should learn in college. But, at least in ECE, you can push your undergraduate education as far as you’d like at UMass. The opportunities are there.</p>
<p>Saturday my younger son and me took the WPI tour/info session, then went to UMass and toured the engineering labs/campus center/library/dorm room with my elder. My younger son is definitely turned on by WPI and not UMass. Different strokes/different folks… (personally, I like the small town/intimate feel of WPI vs. UMass - but it’s not about me!)</p>
<p>By numbers it appears MQP locations are more competitive than IQP locations (IQP acceptance rate ~80% and MQP at ~70% for 2010-2011). I wouldn’t be surprised if the this year’s % accepted numbers are somewhat lower. However, from what I have heard they almost entirely base acceptance on your GPA, so a serious student has a very good shot of getting into really any location.</p>