What Makes Candidates’ Weekend Unique?

A prospective student works on a project task during Candidates Weekend 2020.

Olin College of Engineering was created to be a cutting-edge and singular educational experience for engineers and as such, part of our application process includes an equally unique step: Candidates’ Weekend.

Image: A prospective student works on a project task during Candidates Weekend 2020.

Olin College of Engineering was created to be a cutting-edge and singular educational experience for engineers and as such, part of our application process includes an equally unique step: Candidates’ Weekend.

We are effectively the only institution that implements this as part of the admissions experience which speaks directly to our distinctive approach.

Most colleges and universities will ask students to:

  • Research the school
  • Visit campus
  • Interview (often optional)
  • Apply in the Fall
  • Wait for a decision to be made

At Olin, there is one more integral part to consider, which is where Candidates’ Weekend comes in. It is comprised of several parts: panels, activities, interviews, and social events.

This experience introduces students to our collaborative, project-based curriculum with an impact-centered mindset. One of our goals during Candidates’ Weekend is to get a feel for your potential to both contribute to and grow from the unique experience and community that is Olin, and we simply can’t do that on paper. In fact, the decision at Candidates’ Weekend goes both ways. Not only are we looking to see how you may fit in as an Oliner, but we also invite you to explore all aspects of Olin during Candidates’ Weekend so that you can decide whether or not Olin is the place you want to learn and grow for the next four years.

Students not currently living in the contiguous United States join a virtual program. Both outlets aim to offer the same insight and community-building, meaning every potential Oliner across the world will finish their Candidates’ Weekend with three key takeaways:

1. Embrace Being Non-Traditional

2. Passion Can Equal Purpose

3. Engineering is for Everyone

If you’re curious about learning more about what Candidates’ Weekend is and is not, below is a link to a previous blog post that you may find interesting. There are also tips regarding logistics for the weekend: https://www.olin.edu/blogs/real-deal-about-candidates-weekend

For any updated information or questions about the 2025 Candidates’ Weekend, please contact us at info@olin.edu.