By Elizabeth LaScala, PhD
Located in Boston, Wentworth Institute of Technology attracts a promising B+ student who is curious about business, design, or technology and ready for rigorous coursework.
Wentworth appears to admit more on potential than actual numbers, with an acceptance rate currently at 85%. The average GPA for the class that entered last year was 3.5. Potential might be defined by grades, but it can also be evidenced by engagement in extracurricular activities such as robotics or drawing contests. Test-optional is truly test optional at Wentworth and only one-third of the students who entered last year submitted SAT scores, though test scores will be considered for those who submit them.
Wentworth’s academics are more technology/design focused than programs at many other universities. The Institute is organized around five schools: Architecture & Design, Computing and Data Sciences, Engineering, Management and Science & Humanities. The Institute offers 26 majors, some tough to find at other schools. There’s an interesting computer science & society major for students who want to apply computer science to solving real-world policy and social problems. Construction management is also a standout major.
Calculus is not required to declare in computer science or engineering. However, it really helps to be comfortable with higher level math to succeed in these majors. Wentworth’s engineering programs are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET), the same as other fine colleges of engineering, including nearby MIT and Northeastern University. So, the academic expectations and rigor in the curriculum will be quite high. Prospective design majors do not need to submit a portfolio to be considered for admission, but they should have skills at drawing in three dimensions and/or computer aided design software.
One important benefit to Wentworth versus a larger school is smaller classes, especially in the introductory courses in mathematics, design, and the sciences. Forty-four percent of all Wentworth courses taught during the 2023-24 academic year had less than 20 students. You will not be taught by teaching assistants as you might at a much larger school that relies on armies of graduate students. The professor that you get to know well might later become your best reference for employment.
Another important benefit is cooperative education, aka ‘co-op’, which is a period of employment that alternates with coursework to get real world experience. Co-op is required to graduate in every major, though more than half of students still graduate in four-years. Wentworth students do co-op during the second semester of their junior year and the first semester of their senior year. They take no classes, but they must take courses during the summer in between. Those who feel ready to tackle a co-op earlier in their education have the option to do so during the summer after their sophomore year. In fact, almost 40 percent of the class of 2023 were offered full-time employment by their co-op employers.
With smaller classes and early opportunities to test out possible career opportunities for life after college, Wentworth Institute of Technology could be a life changing experience for promising students who have the curiosity, enthusiasm and experience to pursue their desired major even if stellar grades are not part of their profile.
Private: 3,813 undergrads; 205 grad students
85% acceptance rate; mid-SAT: RW 570-655, M 570-660; ACT range: 25-31;
35% diversity; 5% intl.; 31% out-of-state; 16:1 student to faculty
Image Credit
Title: academic buildings CEIS and Watson Hall at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston
Author: Redsox82
License: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0
Source: Ceis and watson hall – wentworth.jpg
