WPI over RPI: why did you?

<p>This question is only for students (or the parents of students) who chose, or will choose, WPI over RPI. </p>

<p>Why did you? </p>

<p>What were the key factors? Feel free to admit even if it was something minor or unusual that tipped it for you.</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

<p>We visited both schools, and my D wants to minor in Spanish. When she asked at RPI, she was told that she would be able to take a language class at Troy Community College, since RPI did not offer language classes. She also had a much better fit in the student body and overall campus at WPI. She liked the project based curriculum at WPI, the 7 week terms, and everyone she spoke with and that she knows at WPI truly loves the school. She ended up not applying to RPI, but did apply and got accepted to WPI as her first choice.</p>

<p>S was accepted at both and, after visiting, felt like WPI was a better fit for him socially and academically. Since he decided to major in Game Design, it was the better choice. He also liked that WPI’s IQP program allows students to go abroad, a rarity in engineering colleges. I was also not thrilled with what I had been reading a few years ago about RPI’s president and administrative decisions.</p>