Hi,
Senior in high school trying really hard to choose between WPI and RPI. They are so freaking similar that it’s insane. But, I still cling to my goal of going to MIT and transferring. If I continue to want to transfer after starting college, which would be better: WPI or RPI.
Stats and Facts:
1510 SAT
750 Physics
800 Math 2
4.18 weighted GPA
7 APs by the end of the year (Calc BC, CS, Physics etc.)
Did two summer programs at MIT (not MITES thou) and absolutely fell in love with the college.
Are you admitted to RPI and WPI, and did you apply to MIT but were turned down? If so, the chances of being accepted as a transfer are low. I don’t think either school will “give you a better chance” of getting into MIT. You can always hope of course, but you should think about which school you want to spend the next 4 years as that is very much the most likely scenario.
RPI has the stronger reputation academically and in the industry, especially in engineering/CS. I’d pick it over WPI. But WPI is a fine school and some people prefer its particular its quarter system and approach. Go where you feel you’ll fit best. If you like both equally or don’t have the chance to visit, then go to RPI.
Choose wherever you feel comfortable staying for 4 years, not which one will be better for transferring from. MIT is virtually impossible to transfer to.
RPI and WPI are not similar. They are both good schools, but RPI is very traditional whereas WPI is about as non-traditional as it gets. From the 7 week terms, to the curriculum arranged around three projects, to foreign exchange where you actually do engineering, WPI is pretty unique. As others have said, don’t plan on transferring into MIT.
Thanks for the advice everyone, will keep in mind. Definitely still trying to transfer, but will of course stay realistic. Does anyone know what the competition seen is like? I am really interested in robotics competitions. Do both schools have good teams participating in various competitions? I know WPI prides itself on its robotics, and their national titles, but will I still find the same thing at RPI?
You might want to ask the question about robotics competitions on the RPI R-eddit forum (/r/rpi) - lots of engineering students hang out there.
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My son was down to WPI and RPI also, he decided on WPI after visiting and staying overnight. He preferred the smaller campus feel, and more cooperative student body. There is a very strong sense of campus pride and most students will say they love being at WPI, yes even with the rigorous work load. He had a friend that transferred to Yale after the first year, because it was her dream school not because unhappy at WPI. He had a friend that passed on transferring to Cornell because he is very happy at WPI. My son doesn’t regret his decision, is very happy at WPI and states that he would never transfer. His friend at RPI is very happy. Think about what we have learned in the last two years. 1) GPA - WPI only gives whole grades (A, B, C) thus if your final grade is an 89, the value is 3.0, very disappointing to drop from 4.0 value because of one point. Yes, WPI does not give a grade less than C you need to do the class over, but most students would do the class over anyway. RPI has the typical A, A-, B+…much more forgiving to your GPA. 2) Semester vs Quarter - depends on your learning style. WPI 3 main classes/semester is a fast paced/high stress environment…note the class content is NOT watered down, you have no room to fall behind or procrastinate and social aspect of college life will be more limited at WPI…yes even on weekends. 3) WPI is well respected in the northeastern area but very limited (if at all) nationally 4) COST - unless this is not an issue BEWARE. WPI was a few thousand/yr more than RPI for my son. At the time this was not an issue. Due to unforeseen medical issues, our total family income has significantly decreased. RPI financial aid is based on total family income evaluated every year = need more/get more. WPI WILL NOT EVER increase the financial aid portion once you are admitted. This is clearly stated in their website which I am sure most do not read or (like us) never think it will be their situation. WPI financial aid office clearly confirmed this, even with good academic standing, there is no exception. I hope this information helps you or anyone else in making their decision.