January Entrance
First year applicants have the option to apply to join WPI in the spring semester, beginning in January, as opposed to the traditional fall semester start that begins in August. This option may be the right choice for students who have chosen to take a gap semester or gap year between graduating high school and applying for college, non-traditional students who graduated high school in the past but have not yet started their college journey, or students who will graduate high school early. Please read on for more information about January entrance.
Still have questions about applying for January entrance? Simply email us at admissions@wpi.edu and we'll be happy to assist.
January Entrance FAQs
Am I a first-year student or a transfer student?
A first-year student is someone who has, or will, graduate high school, and has not enrolled as a degree-seeking student at another institution. First-year students seeking to enter WPI in the spring semester should apply to WPI using the CommonApp. Follow this link to learn how to apply as a first-year student.
If you have previously enrolled at another institution as a degree-seeking student, you would be classified as a transfer student. Transfer students seeking to enter WPI in the spring semester should apply using the WPI transfer application. Follow this link to learn how to apply as a transfer student.
What are the key dates to know for applying for January entrance?
The key dates for applying for January entrance are as follows:
- August 1: First-year application opens on the CommonApp
- November 1: Application deadline for January entrance applicants
- December 3: Enrollment deadline for accepted January entrance applicants
What are the application requirements for January entrance?
All of the same application requirements for fall entry apply to January entrance:
- Completed Common Application & application fee
- Two letters of recommendation: one from the school counselor, one from a teacher
- Official High School transcript sent from the school
- Optional: Students may choose whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of their application
Please note: Students must be at least 16 years of age by the start of New Student Orientation/Move-In Day in order to enroll.
International applicants should refer to this page for additional application requirements.
Is financial aid available for students applying for January entrance?
Yes, both merit-based aid and need-based aid are available for January entrance students.
Every student who applies and is accepted for admission is automatically evaluated for merit scholarships.
Students who are interested in applying for need-based aid must complete both the FAFSA and the CSS profile. Both documents are due by November 1.
I applied as a first-year, January entrance applicant. When will my decision be available?
Application review for first-year applicants specifying January entrance will begin in September and decisions will be made on a rolling basis and released beginning in October.
Will there be a New Student Orientation for January entrance?
All incoming new WPI students are expected to attend New Student Orientation. For students enrolling for the spring semester, the January programming will take place on campus just prior to the start of C-term. Follow this link for more information about new student orientation, and note that this page will be updated for spring entry closer to the beginning of the spring semester.
I'm an international student and graduate in November or December. Am I eligible to apply for January entrance?
Yes! You are eligible to apply as long as you will receive your high school diploma before the January entrance.