WPI versus Stevens Institute of Technology

<p>You hardly ever see the two compared it seems. Can anyone who has checked out both compare them?</p>

<p>Those are S’s top two choices. Can only speak as a dad who has toured both and read everything on their websites and brochures. WPI: slightly better reputation among those who rate these things, emphasis on collaboration and projects, more architecturally appealing campus in a subpar town. Stevens: good job placement and ROI in spite of purportedly lower ranking, stress on connection to industry with big coop program and emphasis on design and product deveopment, proximity to NY with pros and cons which that brings. Not sure I’m saying anything that isn’t known already to anyone who’s looked.</p>

<p>Thanks, my son has applied to both Stevens and RPI and many it seems apply to WPI and RPI but not all 3. I wondered if it was more of regional thing or other variables that I was unaware of.</p>

<p>S’s list includes WPI, Stevens, RPI, Rose-Hulman and some more regional choices closer to home in the SW. Son looking for hands-on, collaborative place and we’re willing to have him travel if finances work out.</p>

<p>So I read some of your old posts and you have been doing some fine research.:slight_smile:
I read about the Design Society major for my son at RPI as he had contemplated both Architecture and Industrial Design before swinging towards engineering. Have you learned any more about that major at RPI? I was going to contact them. I wish it was a minor instead of being a double major as you have to decide right away in order to not lose time. </p>

<p>With WPI, the modified quarter system sounds a bit intense. I prefer the semester system myself. Drexel is also on the quarter system but they take 5 classes a quarter which I guess is worse.</p>

<p>Local alum didn’t know anything about rpi design and society. They certainly dont do anything on their website or tour to push any sort of unique teaching approach.</p>

<p>A shame really, it sounds so unique. Could be a real selling point.</p>

<p>BTW, Stevens has some type of Masters program that incorporates design with engineering as well. You enter the program either as an engineer or designer. It also isn’t well defined as I could tell from their site but it might be another option.</p>

<p>My D looked at WPI, RPI, and Stevens. She liked Stevens campus and the overall program, but was not impressed with the surrounding area after you leave the 2 blocks around the campus. She also wanted to minor in Spanish. Neither Stevens or RPI offer any language classes. RPI told her that she coould go to Troy Community College to take Spanish and Stevens told her that she would have to go to NYU.</p>

<p>She is a freshman at WPI and loves everything about the school.</p>

<p>Can’t help with any info about Stevens, but re: WPI – S is a junior. I was concerned the 7 week terms would be too intense for him, and “reminded” him several times before he started as a freshmen that (1) he could NEVER skip a class, and (2) the minute he didn’t understand something, he had to go for help. My concerns were unfounded – he loves the term schedule. Oh, he also loves everything else about the place.</p>

<p>Thanks for the input!</p>

<p>Stevens Institute of Technology has a lot to offer, including 29 majors in engineering, science, computer science, business, liberal arts as well as research laboratories and a cooperative education program to foster experiential education. 40% of undergraduate students participate in the COOP program (established for 25+ years) and many secure jobs with a company they’ve worked for prior to graduating! This program provides students the opportunity to take what they learn from the classroom and apply it in the workplace to solve real life problems alongside professionals in the industry. </p>

<p>Even in the classroom students have the opportunity to gain practical, hands on experience. What makes a Stevens degree so distinct? At the heart of the engineering core curriculum is a series of eight intensive design courses (one each semester) known as the Design Spine. The design courses are closely linked to engineering science courses taken concurrently each semester. Students learn how to apply knowledge from the classroom and use critical thinking, problem solving, team work, and project management skills on a hands-on experimental project. </p>

<p>Aside from academics, there are 150+ clubs and organizations on campus that students actively engage in to stay involved. There is a strong sense of community here! Students are constant planning something to do; comedy nights, cultural celebrations, and residence hall social functions, etc. </p>

<p>Overall, the best way to judge for yourself is to visit both schools. At Stevens, hour-long walking tours are provided every hour from 10AM to 5PM (last tour at 4PM) on Monday - Friday. Just walk into the Office of Undergraduate Admissions on the 8th Floor of the Howe Center at Stevens.([Stevens</a> Institute of Technology: Undergraduate Admissions: Visit Us](<a href=“http://www.stevens.edu/sit/admissions/visit/index.cfm]Stevens”>http://www.stevens.edu/sit/admissions/visit/index.cfm)) While you’re here, you can also sit in on classes that you find interesting, meet professors, and connect with current students.</p>

<p>Hope this is helpful!</p>

<p>Thanks RChung. Did you also visit WPI before going to Stevens? What is your major and why did you decide on Stevens?</p>

<p>I graduated from Stevens with a B.S. in Chemical Biology and am now pursuing a M.E. in Biomedical Engineering. In recent years, I’ve developed a serious interest in orthopedics and hope to steer my career into the medical device industry. </p>

<p>I chose Stevens for several reasons but here are the top few:
1-The student to faculty ratio here is 7:1 and that’s exactly what I was looking for as a prospective student. I wanted my professors to know who I was. When I applied for internships, they wrote my recommendation letters. I will be using them as references when I apply to jobs upon graduating with my Master’s degree. In the classroom, my professors always made themselves available whenever I needed assistance with coursework.
2-Stevens emphasizes experiential education. Throughout my academic career, I’ve been involved in numerous research projects on campus, specializing in biomechanics. My work has been accepted and presented at various conferences, and hopefully many more in future years. I could not have accomplished this without the guidance of my professors at Stevens.
3-There is such a strong sense of community here. I like the events organized by the Entertainment Committee. It’s a student-run organization that plans events for the entire student body to enjoy. I’ve attended comedy shows, auto shows, Broadway shows, and NBA games. Check out some of the upcoming events EC has organized for the Stevens student body this semester: ([Stevens</a> Entertainment Committee](<a href=“http://www.stevens.edu/entertainment/cgi-bin/index.php]Stevens”>http://www.stevens.edu/entertainment/cgi-bin/index.php))
4—Location was another important factor. Hoboken is such a beautiful town. It is also very convenient; everything you need is within walking distance. Transportation is easily accessible via PATH, bus, ferry, or light rail. On the weekends, I often stay on campus for activities, hang out in Hoboken, or go across the river to visit museum exhibits or listen to live music. There is so much to do around here!</p>

<p>Thanks RChung. Sounds like you had a great experience. Good luck in your future career. As a nurse, I find biomed engineering really interesting.</p>

<p>S is freshman and finishing up his second term. He finds that he likes working on just three subjects at a time. Scheduling classes for 4 terms can be challenging, but he’s learning the system.</p>

<p>The school seems to take great effort to support freshman success. They also communicate regularly with parents. The small compact campus is easy to navigate and it’s easy to get involved in campus activities, as well.</p>