Momom2

Hi all -

We have a visit coming up and I wondered what sorts of experiences others have had on their visits. One of my concerns right now is that the other schools we have arranged to visit have been extremely friendly and helpful in coordinating our visits, sending maps, making arrangements for us to meet with folks, etc. WPI, however, has not. We have a tour and info session arranged as well as a meeting with an admissions counselor. The folks on the phone were not particularly friendly, they seem to cater to already admitted seniors (my son is a jr.), there's no seeing a dorm except in April, there have been no confirmation email or even a map for campus and parking guidelines.

Is this typical? Are they more helpful once you get on campus and/or actually decide to attend? This will be only time my son gets to visit before making a decision in the fall since we live in MO.

I can't help but to begin to develop a somewhat negative frame of mind (NOT to be shared in any way with my son!). Is my experience unusual?

Thanks

gsmomma

I think that your experience is very unusual. My D attends WPI and has had nothing but positive experiences from the day she first visited as a HS junior. The tour does include a tour of a typical freshman room. There is parking right next to the Admissions building (Bartlett Hall) on the quad, specifically for visitors.
Here is a link to the campus map.
Campus Maps - WPI

Feel free to PM me if you have any questions.

CowtownSlim

Go for the visit. S and I went last year around this time. We had a great visit and everyone was friendly. i guess we didn't expect or need much in advance. We got a nice tour, lunch with some student ambassadors, and a good summary of the curriculum from the admissions folks. We live in TX. ironically have MST on the list as well.

Momom2

Thanks for the responses, they are very reassuring. We are definitely going for the visit. WPI is in the top 3 (and these are the only schools we are visiting). I downloaded the map and we're looking forward to our time there!

4getit

I recall we struggled a little bit to arrange a visit for our son around this time last year. I think it is a busy time and seniors probably do get preference since this is decision time for many. Once he got there, he was hosted by a great guy and had a very positive experience. It was definitely worth the effort and sealed his decision to go there.

Now he is a freshman and loves it. The term system suits him well and he's involved in many groups on campus.

HPuck35

We visited over the summer. Called a couple of days before our visit to get info and confirm the tour times. Everyone was very friendly. Administration briefing was the best of all the schools we visited and the student tour guides were also quite well informed and very friendly.

She is now a sophomore at WPI and really likes the college. People are friendly, profs are very helpfull. We are glad she decided on WPI.