Applying Early Decision

Early Decision is ideal for students who know that WPI is their first choice, and, after careful research and consideration of all factors (residential, academic, social, and financial), are prepared to enroll at WPI if accepted.

Early Decision is the best way for students to demonstrate their commitment to attending WPI. If accepted, students are also able to finalize their college plans early in their senior year, reducing stress and cutting down on the time and expense of submitting additional applications—all while having more time to prepare for college.

No. Early Decision is a binding plan that requires you to withdraw all other applications and enroll at WPI upon acceptance. Students who apply and are accepted Early Action may still consider other colleges and have until May 1 to decide where to enroll.

Students who aren’t offered admission cannot reapply in the same year, but are encouraged to consider a plan that would position them as a transfer candidate after one full year of coursework at another college or university.

Early Decision I applicants may be deferred to Regular Decision (their application will now be non-binding). They won’t need to reapply and will be notified of their Admissions decision before March 15.

Early Decision II applicants as well as those deferred to Regular Decision may also be offered a place on the waiting list.

Early Decision candidates are required to submit the Early Decision Agreement form.

It’s a document found within the Common Application that outlines the ethical agreement between the student, parents, school counselor, and WPI. It must be signed by all parties and submitted before the application deadline.

Yes, any student applying in any non-binding application plan (Early Action Round I, Early Action Round II or Regular Decision) can change to Early Decision. Depending upon the date of the request, you will either be moved to Early Decision Round I or II. Please contact WPI Admissions directly to submit your request.

Yes - Early Decision is a commitment. Because you are making a commitment to WPI, we are making a commitment to you; starting with students joining WPI in fall 2026, all students admitted under an Early Decision application plan will be offered a minimum merit-based scholarship of $25,000*.

*This merit scholarship cannot be combined with the Innovation Award scholarship

Yes. WPI requires the FAFSA and CSS Profile (international students are only required to submit the CSS Profile) to determine eligibility for need-based aid. All Early Decision applicants applying for need-based aid must complete these requirements by November 1.

While we work to provide the best possible financial aid package for each student through grants, loans, and the Federal Work Study Program, some students may still be unable to enroll due to financial constraints. In this case, students must review their financial aid award with the Office of Financial Aid and obtain an official release from their commitment to enroll.