Spotlight on WPI, the Worcester Polytechnic Institute

This week's spotlight takes us to central Massachusetts where we find WPI, the Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Founded in 1865, WPI has the distinction of being one of the country's first technological universities.

WPI is well regarded for its programs in engineering and the applied sciences, but prospective students should realize that the school is a comprehensive university with programs in business, social sciences, arts and humanities.

WPI places well in national rankings of student engagement and career prospects, and the school also does well with financial aid (the great majority of students receive grant aid). Admissions are selective, but applicants don't need to worry about a low SAT score sabotaging their applications -- WPI is one of the country's test-optional colleges.

If you'd like to learn more about the Worcester Polytechnic Institute and what it takes to get accepted, visit my WPI Admissions Profile and the college's official website. If you have visited or attended the WPI, please share your experiences below.

Every week I spotlight a great college that might be off the radar of college applicants. If there's a college you'd like to see featured here, please post your ideas in the College Admissions Forum.