<p>I agree with Skithesteeps!! As a graduate of WPI and a mother of a daughter who is a H.S. senior, students are more focused on what their classmates are getting for grades and what their class rank is than learning what is going on in the classroom. </p>
<p>In the “real world” I want someone who will work with others to get a project done NOT someone who is lookng to impress me by competing with their coworkers. It creates a very nonproductive environment. Focus on learning and cooperating and you will “shine” as a byproduct.</p>
<p>Actually the Compentency Exam was a character building experience… but was not graded consistantly throughout the departments. Chem Eng was the worst (and I was an EE). I actually had similar experiences in the “real world” where a report and presenation was needed in a short period of time…</p>
<p>The project work at WPI is an excellent experience and really gets your foot in the door after graduation. </p>
<p>The grading system did cause problems when classmates applied to Grad Schools however. Other schools (i.e. MIT and Cal Tech) use a similar Pass/Fail grading policy but I don’t believe it is for the entire 4 years.</p>
<p>Good Luck to all.</p>