<p>It might just be that WPI is a smaller school. If that doesn’t eliminate the difference, WPI might simply have a slightly weaker applicant pool than the other schools you listed. </p>
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<p>Recommendations: </p>
<p>-Keep your GPA strong. 3.5+. It really cannot hurt and if you choose at some point to go into patent law or medicine, it will save your life. </p>
<p>-Try to do advanced classes in your area of interest. </p>
<p>-Apply for REUs starting your freshman year. They pay good money, build connections in the field, and look good on your resume. I only applied to 2 my freshman year and one professor asked me to read his research paper (but ultimately choose someone else). Remember to apply to more than 2 and get your application in well before the deadline!</p>