<p>I recently heard about Olin through a friend and after looking it over on the internet it sounds like paradise on earth for an engineering student, which I'm seriousl considering. I was wondering if it has a significantly larger number of applicants each year, as seeing how it's such a new college and how its acceptance rate is already down to 20% for last year, I'm afraid that by the time I'm applying, it will be wittled down to the low teens or single digits. Are my fears warranted, or will it likely still be possible for a human to get in by the time I actually apply?</p>
<p>It's highly selective but I'm sure you can get in if you're qualified. Just apply if you are interested.</p>
<p>I know it's highly selective, what I was wondering was if it was trending towards being ridiculously selective by the time I apply.</p>
<p>Ridiculously? No.</p>
<p>More selective every year? Yes.</p>
<p>How much so?</p>
<p>Look, none of us (and no one at Olin) know what will happen to the percentages in the coming years. As more kids, like you, hear about the school, undoubtedly more will apply. I am not familiar with the number of students Olin has or wants to have, and those will both be factors. It could also be quite simply that more unqualified candidates are applying. Acceptence rates are not all-telling.</p>
<p>Are you a sophmore? Your credentials and interests will most likely develop and change during the next two years. Keep your grades up, and follow your interests. In the spring of your Junior year visit as many schools as you can of all different types. Apply to a handful that you like and would be happy attending at a variety of levels of competition. </p>
<p>There is nothing you can do about the selectivity level, so control what you can control, and worry about things like selectivity when it really matters--when you're choosing schools and sending out applications.</p>
<p>Olin is crazy hard to get into. And I know you know that. My one point is that it's one of the most extensive processes for a non-specialty (music, art, etc) school. For example, one of my classmates spent the weekend in Boston competing in the final round of canidates (they're down to 94 at this point). And I do have another point- you have to know you want engineering strictly. And another point- don't be scared by admissions rate- go for it if it's the right school for you.</p>