Olin College

FAQ

Can I apply to a program before I seek approval from Olin?
No. In order to ensure that you will receive credit for your semester away, you must complete the Olin application process first. Should you apply to the specific program first, you risk losing the application fee you paid if Olin decides not to approve your application (and Olin will not reimburse you for that fee), as well as the time you spent on the application.

How many programs should I apply to?
If you are applying to a pre-approved program, unless your academic record is below the program's minimum requirements, you generally do not need to apply to more than that program. However, some programs have rolling admissions, and once all spaces are full they will no longer accept applications. Be sure to monitor all program deadlines and contact the specific program administrators to be sure that space is still available.

When is Olin's application deadline?
To study away in the spring, the application deadline is roughly October 1; for fall study away, it is roughly March 15. Please check the main page for updated deadlines.

Do I have to take technical courses while I'm away? If I apply to do an entirely AHS semester, will it be approved?
That depends on how far you have progressed towards your major requirements prior to your away semester, and how many AHS courses you have already taken. You should consult with your adviser and go over your individual course plans when determining the courses you will take while away. In order to study away, you must still be on track to graduate within eight semesters (including your away semester). Also, if you receive any scholarships beyond the Olin tuition scholarship, please consult with the Financial Aid Manager as some aid programs require students to enroll in a technical course each semester in order to remain eligible for the funds.

Why don't we have more direct exchange agreements, and why have we chosen the locations currently available?
In order to develop partnerships, it is necessary to have a contact at a foreign university who knows Olin and knows our faculty and staff. We are currently working with institutions abroad that have a strong tie to Olin already through a faculty or staff member. As we develop more relationships, we will work to add more institutions to the list.

Why doesn't my Olin Scholarship cover study away?
To be good stewards of the College’s endowment, Olin counts a semester of taking courses while on study away as a semester of your scholarship. Because your seat at Olin cannot be filled by another student, and since you are receiving the same number of credits as you would at Olin, the College has determined that your semsester away will count toward one of your scholarship semesters.

What will my status be at Olin while I am studying away?
This policy applies to study away programs that are approved by the Standing Committee on Study Away.

Consistent with the Board of Trustees definition of the Olin Scholarship, a student's study away status will be classified as full-time enrollment for Olin College. This status allows for enrollment verification and specifies that the student will be enrolled as a full-time student at the host institution. Full-time is a minimum of 12 semester credits as defined by colleges in the United States. The student is expected to transfer a minimum of 12 semester credits back to Olin College from the host institution. It is the student's responsibility to obtain the proper Olin approval prior to enrolling in selected coursework at the host institution.

Can I go away during the summer?
Absolutely. If you wish to receive credit for courses taken during summer study away, you need to apply to the away committee and the CSTB for approval, as you normally would for summer courses taken.

I am interested in studying at another college in the United States. How do I go about doing that?
First, contact the school's admissions office and ask if they accept “visiting students.” If they do, complete the student-designed away application for Olin. You should not apply as a transfer student, because that would signify that you were intending to enroll permanently.

Contact Carol Kelley if you have any further questions about studying away.