Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is a pioneering private research university in Worcester, Massachusetts, New England’s second-largest city (just 40 miles outside Boston). As one of the nation’s oldest schools dedicated to engineering and technology, WPI is home to approximately 5,500 undergraduates and operates on the unique, intensive WPI Plan, which uses seven-week terms. This system drives a project-based curriculum where students take 3 classes at a time and dive straight into solving problems—a philosophy that is at the true heart of the student experience. Impressively, WPI was the first in the U.S. to offer a Bachelor’s degree in Robotics Engineering. Beyond engineering, campus life thrives with over 280 student clubs, fostering a close-knit community. Ultimately, WPI seeks the passionate, innovative self-starters who see a tough problem and immediately figure out how they can ‘fix it,’ using their expertise to impact people and the planet.
In our latest College Spotlight, we sat down with Mariesa Negosanti, Assistant Director, Regional Recruitment (Northern California) to learn what makes WPI so special.
The Nest: Tell us a fun fact or about a tradition that is unique to your university.
Mariesa: WPI is one of only two college goat mascots in the country. Gompei the goat was named for Gompei Kuwada, a member of the class of 1893 who served as WPI’s first goat keeper. The beloved mascot has a widespread presence on campus, including two bronze sculptures: the “Proud Goat” overlooking the WPI Quadrangle, often seen wearing a WPI sweater in the winter, and the “Charging Goat” greeting rival athletic teams outside the Sports and Recreation Center.
The Nest: What is the most unique major you offer?
Mariesa: WPI was the first school in the United States to offer a Bachelor’s degree in Robotics Engineering, a field that blends mechanical engineering, computer science, and electrical engineering.
The Nest: Who is the best-fit student for your university?
Mariesa: We’re not your average tech school—we challenge students to solve real-world problems by taking the hypothetical and bringing it to life, meaning that you’ll start creating change from day one. Our project-based curriculum isn’t just our signature approach to education; it’s at the heart of the WPI experience as WPI students combine theory and practice to become effective leaders who can change the world. Our students embody WPI’s mission—they’re passionate, innovative self-starters who elevate “what if” to “here’s how.” They’re willing to ask tough questions while crafting solutions to even tougher problems, using their talents and expertise to impact both people and the planet.
The Nest: What application plans do you offer, and how should students determine which plan is best for them?
Mariesa: We’ve got three application options for you to choose from: Early Decision, Early Action, and Regular Decision. The WPI application deadline is different for each option, so be sure to review this information closely. While the college application process can be long and full of back-and-forth before the final decision is made, sometimes you just know when you’ve found the right place. Students who are confident that WPI is the place for them can now take advantage of our Early Decision admission option—if you apply Early Decision and are accepted, you’ll enter into a binding agreement where, upon acceptance, you’ll withdraw all applications to other colleges, not file any new ones, and enroll at WPI. Early Decision is a commitment. Because you are making a commitment to WPI, we are making a commitment to you; starting with students joining WPI in fall of 2026, all students admitted under an Early Decision application plan will be offered a minimum merit-based scholarship of $25,000 per academic year, for up to four years.
Applying to WPI Early Action is a great way to show your interest in WPI without the full commitment of Early Decision. WPI offers two rounds of Early Action with application deadline of November 1 or January 5. You’ll receive your admission decision by late January (November 1 submission) or late February (January 5 submission). Applying Early Action does not commit you to the university if accepted.
Regular Decision’s later application deadline gives more time to perfect your application and show the Admissions team additional achievements and what you’ve been up to during your senior year. The application deadline is February 1 and you’ll receive your admission decision by late March.
The Nest: What is your best application advice for prospective students?
Mariesa: Now’s your time to brag and share not only what you’ve accomplished so far, but what you hope to do in and after college. Don’t be afraid to use your application, essay, and letters of recommendation to show us the real you and what makes you a perfect fit for WPI. Here are a few suggestions to make sure your application is as strong as possible:
- Fulfill WPI’s academic requirements:
- four years of math (including pre-calculus)
- four years of English
- two years of lab science
- Check out our college application timeline to stay on track and put your best foot forward in your application.
- Fill out all sections of the Common Application to share who you are, your passions and talents, and what makes you a good fit for WPI (and don’t forget to check over your answers)
- Make sure you connect with us on- or off-campus and let us feel the love for WPI!
Application/College insights from The Nest:
- WPI is on the Common Application
- Early Decision: November 1, 2025Early Action: November 1, 2025Early Decision II: January 5, 2026Early Action II: January 5, 2026Regular Decision: February 1, 2026
- Test-optional
- iPEDS 25th/75th percentiles:
- ACT: 29 – 33
- SAT: 1300 – 1460
- 91% Retention Rate!
- Check out this article to learn more about engineering degrees by type
WPI’s innovative project-based curriculum makes it a can’t miss for any aspiring engineers!
Helping you soar sooner,
Carrie
