<p>My son and I will be visiting Boston next week, specifically to see Olin (and MIT). I know school's not in session, but this is a good week to take off in my work schedule, and my son's - he's finishing up a summer research project this week, and he starts back the 28th. Will any of you be around? I'd hate to travel so far just to basically do a "drive-through."</p>
<p>Both he and I have emailed the school to set up tour etc, but have not heard a word back. I will call myself tomorrow and hopefully get through to a person, as we need to make travel arrangements/accomodations.</p>
<p>I know it's better to see any school while it's in session, but my son really has been psyched to visit, and of course, I'd rather him not miss so much school visiting places in the fall. At this point Olin is his first choice, and I want to encourage him in whatever he's interested in. Up until he discovered Olin, he really hasn't been excited about any school he's seen.</p>
<p>Any suggestions, comments? Anyone around Aug 21-23? Or will it be dead? Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>Yeah, about 50 students were on campus this summer, but we had to leave August 12 so the dorms could be prepared for the fall semester etc.</p>
<p>There are probably a few kids on campus (locals who are driving to Olin to work a few hours giving tours or something), but the campus is going to be pretty quiet.</p>
<p>I wonder if Admissions might give you a contact for any Olin alums living in the area, who'd be willing to give you a student-lead tour of campus and chat.</p>
<p>I got through, and we're set for an appt next week. The AdmOffice said it would be quiet, however we'll still get the official talk and the tour. my S is psyched regardless. At this point, Olin is his top/first choice, so I have a feeling even without many students around, our visit will only cement his dream. Sorry we can't meet you students... maybe one day!</p>
<p>Olin is great. I hope to get into Candidates week to see for myself though. I don't have the time or the money to go visit yet. If anyone knows whether candidates week is free or we have to pay for it ourselves, please mail me.</p>
<p>They will provide a travel subsidy if you are invited that increases depending how far away from the school you live. There is no fee associated with the weekend other than your travel costs.</p>
<p>If you get to Candidates Weekend, Olin will reimburse you a fair portion of your travel costs - other then that, the weekend is 100% free.</p>
<p>If you are admitted, Olin is investing more than $130,000 in you. Having to pay a small fee to pay your travel to an interview and meet with the school is a small, but incredibly well calculated gamble to make. (I think) out of the 180 kids who are invited to CW, 110 or so were offered admission. The odds are greater than 50%...</p>
<p>College is getting you closer to the real world, and in the real world, amazing opportunities require you to sacrifice time/invest resources/take risks. Out of fairness, Olin tries their best to minimize these risks/amount of investments, but they can't always eliminate everything.</p>
<p>How much do they reimburse though? Just wondering. I don't mind paying it, it just rankles me that I have to pay a few hundred bucks more to just get an interview, not even a firm guarantee. </p>
<p>Is the reimbursemt based on family income though, cuz then I'll probably not get any, since my family's doing okay financially. Just wondering, because I'll probably be under a lot of pressure from family and friends to go to other schools that they like, so I might have to pay for the travel costs myself, and I don't really have a lot of money, since I've been focusing more on academics and haven't gotten a job.</p>
<p>The amount reimbursed changes every year, so I can't give you a hard number. But it is based on distance from the school, not need. </p>
<p>Seriously, this isn't something you should be worried about. If you get invited to CW, and have extenuating circumstances, I am certain that you will be able to work something out with your family, or with the school.</p>