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What kinds of students are we looking for here at Olin College of Engineering?

Bold, entrepreneurial risk-takers!

We are a vibrant community of talented, curious, energetic students and faculty, and we look for students who share our passion for engineering.

When weighing applicants’ applications, we certainly look for high achievers who have demonstrated course rigor, academic mastery and impressive test scores. But we also look for students with character and creativity.

If you’re considering a future at Olin, we encourage you to challenge yourself as much as possible academically and to enroll in the most rigorous courses available at your high school. A strong calculus and physics foundation is essential to success at Olin and is therefore a requirement for admission.

We are extending the temporary suspension of our standardized test requirement through the 2025-26 application cycle (for Fall 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026 enrollment). Please read more about application-related changes in our Frequently Asked Questions.


Enrolling the Class of 2029

We will enroll top students from all over the world for the Class of 2029. As always, we look for a multidimensional student body, representing a broad range of cultural, economic and geographic backgrounds.

You may apply to Olin using the Common Application. We require you to submit the application, including Olin-specific questions, and application fee online through the Common Application website.

Please let us help you learn everything you need to know about our one-of-a-kind admission process, including important dates and deadlines and our admission requirements.

Learn more about our Admission Process


Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about our application requirements, current senior grades, standardized testing, etc? Check out our FAQ.

Learn more

Affording Your Olin Education

The Olin Tuition Scholarship

The merit-based Olin Tuition Scholarship benefits all admitted students. Offered for eight semesters of full time study, this scholarship recognizes achievement inside and outside the classroom and represents our confidence in your ability to succeed in this unique academic environment. Our goal is to attract talented students committed to making a difference in the world, and partnering with them to make an Olin education a reality.

Need-Based Financial Aid

In addition to this merit scholarship, the College is committed to meeting full demonstrated financial need for up to eight semesters of full-time study for those who apply by the appropriate deadline and are eligible for additional assistance. 

Eligibility is determined by completion of the FAFSA. Currently, full need-based aid is awarded to U.S. Citizens and Eligible Non-Citizens.  

Learn more about financial aid at Olin 


What we are looking for in an applicant

At Olin, we practice holistic admission. Holistic admission means that when we evaluate an applicant, we look at all parts of their application in order to understand the whole person. So while there are certainly “things we are looking for” as noted below, there is not a specific formula for success in the Olin admission process.

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