Olin College of Engineering Chances

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Hello, my dream school has been Olin ever since I heard of them. I love their small atmosphere and project based learning. I am a rising senior. I just got my ACT scores back today but only got a 26. However my GPA is decent (3.82) and I am in the top 15% of my graduating class. I also have good ECs: FIRST, volunteering 300+ hours, have own small business and working on patent, band, etc. I have had leadership positions with each.
I feel that if it wasn't for my ACT, I would have at least a chance at getting in. Do you think I have a chance? Should I retake the ACT? Take the SAT? Something else? I don't really want to spend the money applying if I know I won't get in.</p>

<p>If I did not include something that would be helpful, please let me know.
Thanks, Chad</p>

2

<p>Olin is tiny and self-selecting. You would need some extraordinary qualifications to compensate for a test score that is well below their range. It is exceedingly unlikely that you could raise your scores sufficiently on a second try. Their median range of ACTs is 33-34. That means that only 25% of accepted students have composite scores under 33. It’s unrealistic to hope that you can add more than 2-3 points in a re-test. There are some other terrific, small, test-optional colleges that offer the same sort of independent, self-guided learning you seek. I recommend that you look into them. Start with the “fairtest” website for the list of about 800 test-optional colleges. Then, look at some of the “Colleges That Change Lives.” </p>