Wow. Here we are: it’s late March and we’ve released our admission decisions. It feels both like a lot of time and no time at all has passed since the Candidates’ Week.
Reflecting on Candidates’ Week (CW), what I feel most is gratitude. I am grateful for every member of the Olin community that contributed to events and communications throughout CW. I am incredibly grateful for the outstanding CW planning and execution by the Admission and Financial Aid team. And I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the Candidates who interrupted your regularly scheduled lives to join us on Zoom.
I am simply awed by our amazing Candidates! You came with us on a virtual journey: you learned about Olin, you sent us videos telling us why Olin and why engineering, you cheered on Olin Fire Arts (OFAC) from afar, and you asked thoughtful question at every turn. You thought deeply about the case study and shared moments from your lives, both wonderful and challenging. I met many interesting, humble, kind, funny and brilliant students throughout the program. While exhausting, CW is still absolutely my favorite part of the admission process, if not the year. Thank you to every Candidate for Zooming into virtual Olin and sharing yourself and your story with us.
After CW, my job shifts dramatically from perhaps the one of the best, most fun deanships in higher education to one of the most difficult. Olin is a small, even tiny, college. We are so fortunate to have a deep and talented group of applicants and Candidates. I have seen every file, read every CW reflection from our interviewers. This reality makes every decision personal and especially poignant. The Admission Committee made every decision with great care and consideration.
Some Candidates received happy news, some sad news, and some that may take a little more time to process. Regardless of the decision you received, know that we here at Olin are so thankful to count you among our Candidates. If we didn’t admit you, know it’s more about us and our size than it is about you and your future. If you’re hanging on the waitlist, read this.
I know you have many excellent options for college. If Olin is among them, check out your Admitted Student Portal for all the details about visiting and engaging with Olin as you reach your final decision. And reach out- as often as you need. We are here to help.
I wish you all the very best of luck!
ERD