<p>I've been admitted to both. What are the reasons for going to one school over the other?</p>
<p>Assuming you’re a MA resident, $$$$ is a big factor in favor of UMass. School size is also a significant difference. (Back in the day when I was a MA resident and applying to schools, I refused to even consider UMass since it was bigger than my hometown.) More importantly, though, what is your intended major? How do the programs at the 2 schools compare? S is currently at WPI as an ECE major and is very happy.</p>
<p>I plan on doing mechanical engineering. Maybe dual majoring with mechanical and robotics. Will have to see what my schedule is like.</p>
<p>Do the WPI dorms have air conditioning?</p>
<p>WPI has a lot more going on in the area of robotics, see:
[Robotics</a> Engineering](<a href=“http://www.wpi.edu/academics/Majors/RBE/]Robotics”>http://www.wpi.edu/academics/Majors/RBE/)</p>
<p>Also, aside from cost and size, they have very different approaches to education. WPI has seven-week terms where you take only 3 courses at a time, so it is very concentrated. There is a lot of emphasis on hands-on learning, projects, some projects are done in teams, often partnerships with industry or non-profits. Great opportunities for doing project work abroad with WPI professors. It’s a totally different experience than UMass Amherst would be. The student body at WPI is predominantly “Geeky”, but they are happy geeks who enjoy their culture.
You need to visit both schools and talk to students and faculty.
My son hated UMass Amherst and loved WPI, but you could have the opposite reaction depending on your personality and what you are looking for.</p>
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S was in Daniels last year as a freshman – no A/C. Not sure about the newer “apartment” dorms. S brought fans and the lack of A/C really wasn’t an issue.</p>
<p>Agree with BeanTownGirl’s comments – the 2 schools are vastly different.</p>
<p>Yeah I visited UMass. Did not like the campus at all.</p>
<p>Also, what do you think the best hall to live in is?</p>
<p>None of the freshman dorms have A/C. Daniels and Morgan are typically the most popular.</p>
<p>How hot do the dorms get in the summer?</p>
<p>If I remember correctly it was in the mid 90’s the week of orientation. I remember sweating just sitting at my desk - even with my fan on full blast. The good thing was it only lasted for about 5 days. After that it dipped down into the 80’s which still seemed warm but not oppressive.</p>
<p>The way the school year is laid out you end up dodging most of the summer heat. I’d say count on at least 5 days in 90’s though.</p>
<p>Did you get into the engineering school at UMass? If so hands down that should be your choice.</p>
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<p>Why do you say this? I would disagree as I believe fit and affordability are the most important considerations so the answer would be “it depends”. The UMass engineering school is good and well respected but I don’t see any reason (except for a few fields like Polymer/Chemical Engineering and Computer Science) that it is better than engineering at WPI. Engineering is WPI’s strength and I believe the opportunities available to students at WPI are second to only MIT, Berkeley, Cornell, Stanford, etc.</p>
<p>IndianPwnerDude,</p>
<p>Haven’t seen a post from you in a while, and I was wondering what your current take on WPI is as you proceed with your education. Has your opinion on it changed since you started there?</p>
<p>Your posts had a significant impact on my elder son’s school selection (now a sophomore at UMass). He got into WPI as well as UMass, but didn’t get significant merit aid, so we opted for UMass. He is very happy there in the ECE dept., which you were correct in identifying as pretty good. Now my younger son is a senior and considering the same choice…</p>