The day after…
This is, by far, one of the hardest parts of our jobs.
After spending 6 weeks poring over essays and transcripts, recommendations and resumes, DVDs and newspaper clippings, we had to narrow the field from 850 applicants to 190 Candidates.
There are hundreds of truly deserving candidates.
There are hundreds of students who could be amazing contributors to the Olin Community.
You are all talented and incredible people.
As trite as it may sound, we wish we could bring you all to Candidates’ Weekends. But being the tiny institution that we are, we can only bring about 190 to campus.
We know many of you would like to know the EXACT reason why you were not invited to Candidates’ Weekend. And yet, as unsatisfying as it may be to you, it ultimately boils down to the numbers… 190 spots waiting to be filled by 850 talented, extraordinary people. We agonized over these decisions – there were tears and tantrums, and even some marathon team meetings. Please know that there was nothing “lacking” in you or your application. The letter from us should have no bearing on how you see yourself as a student or a person. In the end, it isn’t about what you “didn’t do” or could have “done better” but that there are just too many terrific students applying for only a handful of spots.
We hope that others are telling you this as well: you will have plenty of great college options this year. 
Next August you will be schlepping your laundry basket and your computer into a dorm room somewhere, and you will embark on a fun and exciting four-year journey. You will stay up late having philosophical discussions about crunchy Cheetos vs. puffy Cheetos and you will learn the true meaning of the “all-nighter.” It will be fun, and you will be happy. It’s hard to picture it now, but take it from us…your determination and hard work are what make you successful in life, not where you go to college for four years.
Take the same passion for learning that you shared with us, and carry it with you, no matter where you go in life. It will serve you well, and in the end, that’s way more important than a letter from a college.
Stay well, and best wishes from the entire Olin Admission Team.
~Emily and Caitlin
