<p>Research at WPI is a bit weak, and since the professors are not at the top of their fields, recomendations from WPI carry less weight than recomendations from more well known institutions. However, there are some advantages to undergrad research at WPI. Because there is less competition for undergrad research, it is easier to get research oppertunities and publish. A friend of mine who goes there says that the more ambitious students can definatly publish at least once, if not two or maybe even three times. After you get a good grasp for your field, make sure to ask your professers if they would let you work with them on research every term until you get a research op. Also, you should take courses witch will give you more backround in the research projects going on at WPI when you are there. I know currently WPI is doing some decent AI research, so consider taking an AI course earlier than you may otherwise have in order to maximize your chance of getting an op earlier. If you do an REU or two, and try to get some on campus research done each year (and hopefully publishing), you can go to a top engineering grad school from WPI.</p>
<p>You seem to be a bit paranoid about your choice for college. Don’t be. Remember that in the worst case scenario of you hating WPI, you can always transfer to a different school. However, you will probably find that WPI is a great school with decent research opertunities, and won’t want to.</p>