Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) 2025-26 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) 2025-26 Application Essay Question Explanations 

The Requirements: 1 essay of 500 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why, Community

Worcester Polytechnic Institute seeks students who are the right fit for its academic and campus community. In what ways are you the right fit for the distinctive educational and campus experience that Worcester Polytechnic Institute offers? (500 words)

This is a classic why essay with a community twist. While most admissions departments want you to expound upon your academic interests, WPI wants you to take it a step further by addressing how you will make WPI home. This is a great opportunity to do some research on Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s offerings and prove you are an engaged and committed applicant. Once you’ve made a substantial list of aspects of a WPI education that appeal to you, make your case. And don’t be afraid to go deep! Beyond the classes and professors in your desired academic department, maybe bring up the other subjects you’ve always wanted to study that can inform or overlap with your main area of study. Learn about clubs and special events on campus to get a feel for student life. Read over the school’s mission statement to get to know the community both in and around the campus. By the time you’re done, you’ll have a whole list of reasons for wanting to call WPI your new home. Now all you have to do is arrange them. Think about telling a story that illustrates your path to WPI and shows admissions that this community is the perfect place for you (and vice versa!).