<p>Hey everyone, Olin is my top choice so far and has been for around a year. Just wondering where I stand compared to Olin students, but more importantly, what Olin really looks for in an applicant.</p>
<p>2170 on SAT (670 reading, 800 math, 700 writing, although I'm taking them again in November) (760 math II, 800 chemistry), National Merit Semifinalist, involved in tons of extracurriculars (Math team, First Tech challenge, band/jazz band for example, although there are many more), NHS, #4 in class of 200, etc etc. Prospective ME major. I've visited Olin a few times now and I'm also doing an overnight pretty soon.</p>
<p>Anyway, what does Olin really like to see in an applicant?</p>
<p>You have great qualifications, but Olin is a tough admit for everybody. So like everybody you should be applying to a variety of schools. </p>
<p>They like students that interested in more than just academics and are keen on their project-based learning. Work hard on your essays, and hope for an invite to Candidate Weekend. Best of luck!</p>
<p>Unless an admissions officer chimes in, no one on this board is going to be able to give you a crystal-clear idea of what Olin is “really looking for”. Qualifications-wise, you look very solid (the only minor issue being your SAT reading score, relative to prior years’ medians). So it’s going to come down to fuzzy stuff like what your EC involvements say about you, your essays, and recommendations. I understand your hunger for information or reassurance, but none of us can really offer much in the way of insightful commentary about the less quantitative side of your application.</p>
<p>Selective colleges (not just Olin) are usually looking for some sort demonstrated “passion” outside of your academics: not just breadth of EC participation, but depth. My guess is that Olin also looks for evidence in your application of intellectual curiosity and an ability to work well with others, but again, I’m really just speculating.</p>
<p>Hope that’s a teeny bit helpful–sorry I can’t offer you more. Good luck!</p>
<p>How exactly would I be able to show Olin some of my outside-of-school passions before (if) I get to CW? I noticed that they changed the “what is your passion” essay to something different…</p>
<p>dbc123 - Thank you for your interest in Olin. Would you mind telling us a bit more about yourself? Perhaps you can tell us about your math and physics background, the difficulty of your classes, whether your classes include any AP, IB, honors, college classes? Do you like working on your own or in groups? What is it about Olin that makes it your top choice? How have you spent your summers? Have you won any math championships? What have you done in First Tech? </p>
<p>As some of the others have said and as your research has shown you, Olin is one of the most difficult schools to get into. The class size is less than 90 and a strong attempt is made to keep the gender balance close to 50-50. The Olin website and the Common Data Set have historical stats that you can compare your profile with. </p>
<p>Show who you are on your essays. Olin is looking for people who are a good fit from their perspective and yours. Just be yourself. Where else are you applying?</p>
<p>The question that replaced “what is your passion?” Is something like… “30 years from now the Boston Globe will write an article about how you used your Olin education to better society. Write the opening paragraphs of this article.”</p>
<p>I’m currently taking 4 AP classes (comp sci, calc bc, physics c, stats) and I’ve already taken 5 AP tests and got 5’s on them. AP physics c is my first physics class and I’m currently getting a 96 unweighted. I’m ranked pretty high in my state’s math league. I love working in groups, as long as the other people in the group are passionate about what the group is doing. This year is the first year for our FTC team and I was one of the first members. Mainly I’ve been working with a few other kids on designing and building the mechanics of the robot. I spend my summers working, in an environment where everyone has to work together.</p>
<p>I’m definitely applying to Dartmouth, WPI, and my state university (safety school), and probably also Lehigh and Carnegie Mellon.</p>
<p>That sounds like a great essay question and something you can only use for Olin’s application.
It’ll be a challenging essay to write but will demonstrate your real passion and creativity through that essay.
Good luck with it!</p>
<p>I went to one of Olin’s receptions that was across the street from Stanford <irony>. It was very thought provoking. My wife a school teacher agreed so much with their teaching principles. But you know even with fantastic stats that might just get you into the preview or interview weekend. That still doesn’t guarantee admission. Good think you’re casting a wide net. My son also wants to apply. Not sure if its still on his list. But the school was very impressive even without visiting and meeting the dean of admissions and some professors and tons of students present and former that had amazing jobs and internships.</irony></p>
<p>That is an interesting and challenging essay prompt. Perhaps start a few different ideas, then pick a favorite after you upcoming campus visit. </p>
<p>Dbc123 - it sounds like you have challenging classes that you are doing well in and that your ECs support your strengths and interests. Keep up the good work as you develop your essays and put together your applications. Be sure to include affordable options on your college list. Have a realistic discussion with your family about the cost of college and how you are going to pay for it. Each school should have a financial aid section on their website to help you. I prefer to use the actual 2012-13 EFC Formula Guide on the Internet. Let me know if you have trouble finding it. Read some financial aid articles so you understand the process and lingo. Apply to every scholarship you are eligible for and be prepared to submit your FAFSA as close to January 1 as possible. Good luck.</p>
<p>In the past Olin has welcomed additional information from applicants. They are looking for students who are well rounded, not just in the sciences, and who are passionate about their interests. They also value creativity and curiosity. I know of a few applicants who have sent the admissions office videos of dance performances, short stories that they’ve written, video games they’ve created… The admissions office has a daunting task with only about 85 places to fill each year. Almost all of their applicants will have amazing academic credentials. Don’t be afraid to send them something that shows your creative/passionate side in addition to your application. I’m certain they will appreciate it, because it will help them get to know you even better, and help you stand out from the crowd.</p>