Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) is one of the country's best institutions for undergraduate education, according to The Princeton Review, who features WPI in its new 2012 edition of "The Best 376 Colleges."
Only about 15% of America's 2,500 four-year colleges and three colleges outside the U.S.A. are profiled in the book. The reviews include detailed profiles of the colleges with rating scores for all schools in eight categories, including quality of life, academics, financial aid, fire safety, and "green" (a measure of school's commitment to the environment in its policies, practices and education programs). It also includes ranking lists of top 20 schools in 62 categories based on The Princeton Review's surveys of students attending the colleges; this year WPI rated 17th in the nation for Career Services.
"We are excited to be included in the Princeton Review's rankings again this year," said Edward J. Connor, '92, dean of admissions at WPI. "The Princeton Review bases its reviews upon institutional data, staff visits to the school, and student feedback. With such thorough research supporting their conclusions, their review is a testament to WPI's meaningful approach to education and positive experiences for our students."
The Princeton Review does not rank the colleges in the book academically or from 1 to 376 in any category. Instead it reports in the book 62 ranking lists of "top 20" colleges in various categories. As part of their assessment process, The Princeton Review conducts an 80-question survey of 122,000 students attending the colleges in the book (on average, this translates to 325 students per campus) during the 2010-11 and/or previous two school years. In that survey, students are asked to rate their own schools on several topics - including academics, administration, campus life, student body, and themselves - and report on their experiences. The Princeton Review explains the basis for each ranking list at www.princetonreview.com/college/college-rankings.aspx.
WPI students described WPI's project-based curriculum as "a good and realistic experience that is helpful for future career plans." Students noted that WPI's approach, "promotes a culture of cooperation over competition" and “emphasizes the understanding of technical concepts, the practical implementation of these concepts, and also an appreciation for how technological advanced can benefit mankind." Students also remarked that "the social life is unbeatable" and that WPI offers "incredible technological resources."
"This ranking illustrates WPI's commitment to students – not only during their undergraduate years, but continuing into their careers," said Jeanette Doyle, director of WPI's Career Development Center. "We are very proud of our successful track record for helping WPI students and graduates achieve great success in the business world, and it's heartening to know that our students think so highly of the services and expertise that we provide."
About The Princeton Review
The Princeton Review (Nasdaq: REVU) has been a pioneer and leader in helping students achieve their higher education goals 30 years through college and graduate school test preparation and tutoring. With more than 165 print and digital publications and a free website, (www.PrincetonReview.com), the company provides students and their parents with the resources to research, apply to, prepare for, and learn how to pay for higher education. The Princeton Review also partners with schools and guidance counselors throughout the U.S. to assist in college readiness, test preparation and career planning services, helping more students pursue postsecondary education.
The Princeton Review is an education services company known for its test-prep courses, classes, tutoring, books, and other student resources. Headquartered in Framingham, MA, with editorial offices in New York and locations across the U.S.A. and abroad, the Company is not affiliated with Princeton University, and it is not a magazine.
