Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Date: Apr 25 2013
Major: Physics (This Major's Salary over time)
The school itself is pretty good. It has a good academic reputation. I've found it to be pretty easy(but I am only a freshmen), so take that with a grain of salt. I feel like it won't get much harder though. The school really likes to baby everyone, and professors want you to pass. There is a lot of ignorance, arrogance, and general douchbaggery here. Everyone is rich as hell. Many kids dress like they just parked their dad's yacht 10 minutes ago, not that dress-type really matters to me. Just the general attitude of 80% of the kids here really sucks. Most kids have never done anything against their parents or society's will. A lot of them are "perfect" kids. They never did drugs, most played sports in high school, got good grades, had a job, workout every day, etc. A lot of kids fit this mold. They're the stereotypical New England rich kid. Like most comments stated before, not many people think outside the text book, which is a shame. There are a lot of bright kids here that have a lot of good ideas, but they are too rapped up in getting A's and getting a job immediately after graduating. A lot of them really are racist(surprising in MA). I think the racism is just a product of their arrogance. Most kids think they're the best, and like to make it known to people. Most of them think the school is a lot more prestigious than it really is. Don't get me wrong it's a very good school, but kids think just because they're here that they are geniuses or something. In reality, most are here because their parents have money and they want to continue to make that much money when they graduate. Everyone here is so conservative. Not necessarily in a political sense, but as a lifestyle. I grew up in small town PA and I always did my own thing. I had friends, got into a little trouble, goofed around. Stuff that kids should do to support free thinking. Kids here don't ever want to do anything "sketchy". Normal teenager stuff you know. Going exploring, drinking on a school night(or even just staying up late on a week night), smoking, getting into sticky situations, going to concerts etc. Kids were so sheltered growing up and it shows. The school caters to it as well. The school is really strict about parties and greek life in general. No liquor, kegs or drinking games. The drink card thing is fucking stupid. The school doesn't want fraternities "giving out" beer, so you have to bring your own, give it to someone at the door, and get a card that you can take to the bar in the basement. There, you can get as many beers as you brought. I think a $5 cover charge would be a lot easier, but the school's got someone to fool, probably themselves.

As for the actual school, it's ok. Not the most aesthetically pleasing school, but they try. It is a tech school after all. Professors are approachable and encourage office hour visits. Most of the intro classes have conferences, which are smaller classes taught by a T.A or another professor, that create a more personal learning environment. There is plenty of extra-curricular

Here's my summary:

Try to talk to kids

If you're like me, you won't fit in.

Find a good group of friends.

Do teenager things. This is your time to "experiment"

Stay open-minded. It will help you stay sane

Consider greek life. I can't emphasize this enough. I was so anti-frat when I got here. There are a few houses that aren't typical "frats"(AXP, PSK, Sig Pi)

Most of all, enjoy it.