FIRST Class of 2014, Where are we going?

[Steven Donow]

Originally Posted by seg9585

Not a HS student anymore but I am amazed at the number of folks applying to WPI. A bit curious if FRC's control system affiliation with them has any bearing on that decision?

As an RPI alumnus, surprised not to see as much enthusiasm for my alma mater. Both are good schools. WPI was sort of RPI's dark twin sibling across the state border whom we didn't interact with much. Ultimately, all that matters is what gives you the best opportunity to apply your knowledge and skills outside the classroom (ie internships!!!)

I applied to WPI (and got in), and one of my main "exposures" to the school was through FIRST. Academically, I considered myself "good but not good enough for Ivies" and combined with their (perceived, at least) love of FIRST, I considered it an upper-level school that was definitely in my reach.

Originally Posted by DampRobot

Deferred at MIT.

Applying regular to Stanford, Princeton, Cal, UCSB, Cal Poly SLO, Boulder, Olin.

I think schools have grown tired of seeing FIRST on a extracurricular list. It seems, for better or worse, to look very pedestrian and not very impressive on college apps.

I'm not an admissions expert,but in my opinion, it all comes down to how you present your FIRST experience on your application. If you just say you were on Team XXXX and held XXXX position, that won't get you anywhere that any other extracurricular won't. It's the other aspects that FIRST participation can help; recommendations and essay. My essay was about FIRST, one of my recommendations was from a FIRST team leader, and I think some of my other teachers even dropped in mentioning of my involvement in their recommendations.