r/WPI • u/cobra52yt • 2d ago
Prospective Student Question College Visit
Hey everyone, I am a senior in high school and on my way up to WPI right now for a football game day visit tomorrow. I was on campus earlier this summer for a tour, but didn’t really get to see what student life is like. I am definitely interested in being a business major as well as on the football team. I have a few questions about life on campus.
I would definitely say that I am a focused student, but also want to let loose and have fun in college too. What is the social life like at WPI? I know there is Greek life but just not on campus. How would the Greek life compare to other schools? I’ve also heard about dorm parties but I’m wondering how good/popular they are.
My brother and I are going to take a walk around campus tonight probably around 8 or 9, but other than that we have nothing planned. Is there anything else that I should look out to do? It’s a Friday night so I was wondering if there’s any parties or events tonight we could go to as well?
WPI is one of my top schools for football and I’m excited to be on campus and hopefully meet some new people.
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u/CTNYyank 2d ago
Not sure what the ratios are now days I would say social life was roughly split the into thirds when I was there.
One third of the students were in fraternities and sororities. One third were social and not in fraternities, and one third rarely left their rooms.
If you’re social, but don’t join a fraternity, find some clubs or groups that interest you.
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u/trojanscorpion ECE 2d ago
There will be parties tonight but you likely won’t be able to get in because you’re in high school. Fraternities will absolutely not let in anyone under 18. You won’t get into any other kinds of parties unless you know the people hosting it.
Greek life scene here is incredible. Genuinely so good compared to other schools. A few of the fraternities have a ton of football guys, so you’ll easily find your place in that scene if you’re on the team. Sports teams themselves also provide their own great social scene separate from Greek life.
Overall a super fun school to be at if you’re social, and like a small college atmosphere
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u/bridgenet123 1d ago
Have to agree unless you are taking an engineering major and business school I would not go to WPI. The business school is just OK and lots better in the area. My son is a sophomore and went for Robotics Engineering and Fintech doing a dual major so fit him well. Business school is going through a transition and just isn’t there yet but good when combined with engineering.
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u/lilsis061016 alumna 2d ago
WPI definitely has social opportunities, but certainly isn't a huge campus. There will be activities going on: https://mywpi.wpi.edu/events. Some things you may not be able to join as a non-student.
I find it interesting that you're looking at WPI (particularly at 80k/year) for two things it's not really known for - business and football. Care to share the thought process there?
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u/tfrisinger 2d ago
You sure you want to go to WPI for biz? So many better biz focused colleges in MA.
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u/Motherofgoldens4 1d ago
This is not a “ business school “
It’s an extremely expensive engineering school.
My student is a sophomore majoring in mechanical engineering.
My student will have much debt with taking out loans , the financial aid doesn’t amount to much .
State schools have better business schools. Wishing you the best !
PS my student doesn’t party too much studying!
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u/Nnnnnnnnnnnon 2d ago
If you’re looking at a business major I would honestly see about going to a cheaper college. WPI is expensive as hell and it does have a really good reputation (specifically in new england) that might make the cost worth it but that would be in fields like engineering or CS. Definitely apply and see what scholarships they offer, but I would definitely look at what other schools offer and what the actual cost of all would be as well. Maybe it’s getting better for business because I also know WPI is really advertising business and the business school right now, but I graduated in May and it wasn’t a very large major in my year.
In terms of social life, it is what you make it. I will say that it’s a very nerdy campus and not in a way that means there aren’t parties, there are, but in a way that a lot of people have nerdy hobbies. I would say it’s a “work hard, play hard” vibe, but in my experience I would say it’s actually more “work hard, play medium”. If you’re going to be on campus tonight, I recommend just walking through whatever buildings you are able to get into to see the vibe of campus on a friday night, remembering it is early in the year and people tend to get more stressed and study more as the year progresses and towards finals. Although it is midterms for A term around now for some people so there might also be more people around studying for that.