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olin is a college on the rise. We have a new state-ofthe-art campus and a unique curriculum. We’ve put our vision into action, and we’re proud of our product: a superb engineering program that fosters hands-on learning, creativity, entrepreneurship and exploration. In just a few short years, Olin College has become a close-knit community with a student-centered culture of innovation, improvement and excellence. We’ll be growing steadily for the next several years, and we’re counting on the first groups of enterprising students to continue to mold our new college. Might you be one of these fearless leaders? Check us out….
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Olin’s curricular offerings are enhanced by cross registration opportunities with the following institutions: Babson College Brandeis University Wellesley College
an integrated, hands-on CurriCulum we believe in learning engineering in context. To be a technological leader, solving engineering problems as part of a diverse, global team, you have to be able to see the big picture. That means not only having a solid grasp of technical fundamentals, but also an understanding of the societal impact of engineering discoveries. What’s more, you need to have the creativity to envision solutions and the communication skills to convey them to others. at olin College,
Renaissance Engineers
Olin Majors: • Electrical and Computer Engineering • Mechanical Engineering • Engineering
Check out our website, www.olin.edu, to find more information about Olin’s curriculum, including course listings, major requirements and sample student programs.
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At Olin, you’ll receive an excellent technical education while being encouraged to develop the other sides of yourself. We provide curricular support for the pursuit of research interests and personal passions, such as music, dance and theater. At Olin, these activities are not frills. They are regarded as fundamental to educating the kind of creative, well-rounded people we want as graduates. Integrated, Hands-on Learning
How you learn is also important. We believe the study of engineering is optimal when students work in teams and tackle actual engineering projects. This hands-on approach makes it possible for students to apply their learning, right away, to real engineering problems.
We believe that the engineers best able to face the challenges of the future will be “Renaissance engineers” who can see problems from multiple perspecIt also makes it possible to tives. To educate integrate learning across disthese engineers, ciplines. A good portion of Olin’s curricular “triangle” we’ve built our your learning will take place curriculum around something we’ve in “integrated course blocks,” an dubbed the “Olin Triangle.” The legs innovation we’ve introduced to of the triangle—and the fundamental engineering education. These tenets of an Olin education—are integrated courses combine two topic engineering, entrepreneurship and areas—for example, physics and the arts/humanities/social sciences math—with a unifying project. At the (AHS). The legs are joined together beginning you’ll take on small-scale, by the common elements of design, but authentic, engineering challenges creativity and innovation. like building a robot, a water rocket, or a Van de Graaf generator.
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As you progress through the program, the projects will become larger and more like the problems you might face working for a corporation or doing research. In the sophomore year, you’ll undertake a major design project. Hands-on learning culminates in the senior capstone project, which may involve a real project sponsored by business or industry. The Olin Advantage
Will any of this make you a better engineer? We believe so. For one thing, our curriculum is built around reforms the engineering community itself has been calling for in the preparation of engineers. It is also built around the accreditation standards that have been established for engineering education by ABET, the engineering accrediting body. When you graduate from Olin, you will have an impressive résumé of actual engineering design projects
you’ve been involved in, and likely some corporate experience. You will also have learned to think on your own and innovate with a team. You will possess superior problem-solving skills, and you will be ready for the challenges of the “real world,” because you will have already faced them in your education. Or, you’ll be in a great position for graduate school, or studies in medicine, law, business or any of the many fields now being revolutionized by technology. In short, you’ll be the kind of multi-dimensional technological leader the Olin curriculum is designed to produce.
“The thing I like about the Olin curriculum is the support it provides for students to nurture their non-technical interests. You don’t have to give up your artistic side to study engineering.” —Jay Gantz, Class of 2006, cellist Iowa City, IA
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What is unique about the Olin curriculum? Here are just a few of the things that distinguish our educational approach: Integrated learning: Coursework is delivered in a highly interdisciplinary way that encourages teamwork, communication and viewing problems from different perspectives. Project-based learning: Hands-on learning is pervasive throughout the curriculum. This approach cements theoretical learning and reveals the connections among disciplines. Design-oriented curriculum: You will gain plenty of exposure to engineering design beginning in the integrated course blocks, continuing through a sophomore design project and culminating in the year-long senior design project/research experience.
What students say about the olin CurriCulum:
“The strength of the Olin curriculum lies in its integrated and project based classroom approach. We go from learning thermodynamics in the morning to building engines in the afternoon.” —Polina Segalova, Class of 2006 Addison, IL
Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences: These important elements of our curriculum enable you to develop your creativity and see engineering in a wider context. Entrepreneurship: The curriculum provides opportunities to develop your entrepreneurship and business skills. Flexibility: the curriculum enables you to engage in internships, pursue special interests through free electives and become involved in independent studies and “Passionate Pursuits.” The learning continuum extends outside the formal classroom through co-curricular activities, community service, clubs and student organizations.
“Nothing stays ‘in the book’ at Olin. Not only is it more fun to be designing new solutions and projects each semester, but it helps to make the academic material more real and practical.” —Erin McCusker, Class of 2006 Lillington, NC
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a neW Way to eduCate engineers
Introduction to Modeling and Control
OPTION 3 OPTION 2 OPTION 1
INTEGRATED COURSE BLOCK:
Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences 4
Passionate Pursuits (optional)
• Math, Found. of Engineering1 • Physical Found. of Engineering 1 • Found. of Mechanical Design (options vary by design project)
INTEGRATED COURSE BLOCK: Engineering Core 1 • 2 courses • Project (course selections depend on major)
YEAR 1
YEAR 3
Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences 1
Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences 2
Free Elective 1
Foundations of Business and Entrepreneurship
Signals and Systems
Applied Mathematical Methods
Free Elective 2
OPTION 3 OPTION 2 OPTION 1
INTEGRATED COURSE BLOCK:
OPTION 3 OPTION 2 OPTION 1
INTEGRATED COURSE BLOCK:
Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences 5
Technical Elective 1
Technical Elective 2
Passionate Pursuits (optional)
Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences 6
Technical Elective 4
Technical Elective 5
Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences 7
Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Capstone
Technical Elective 3
Advanced Math
Senior Capstone
Passionate Pursuits (optional)
Passionate Pursuits (optional)
YEAR 2
YEAR 4
• Materials Science and Appl. Chem. • Arts Humanities and Soc. Sci. 3 (History of technology) • Design Project (options vary by disciplinary content)
Passionate Pursuits (optional)
(POSSIBLY STUDY ABROAD)
Passionate Pursuits (optional)
• Math, Found. of Engineering 2 • Physical Found. of Engineering 2 • Found. of Electrical Design (options vary by design project)
INTEGRATED COURSE BLOCK: Engineering Core 2 • 2 courses • Project (course selections depend on major)
Software or Systems or Thermo
Sophomore Design Project
Biology
Passionate Pursuits (optional)
Senior Capstone
Passionate Pursuits (optional)
The above chart represents a sample course schedule.
Olin is not alone in calling for a new way to educate engineers. The National Science Foundation, ABET (which accredits engineering programs) and the engineering community at large have been urging reform of engineering education for years. They’ve been suggesting a greater emphasis on such things as entrepreneurship, design, teamwork and interdisciplinary study—exactly the elements around which we’ve built our program of study.
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Sampling of
student life
Co-Curriculars at Olin: • Amateur Radio • American Sign Language • Architecture and the Environment • Current Events Table • For Intelligent Lovers of Movies (F.I.L.M.) • Go • Introduction to Northeast Salt Water Fishing • La Vie Bohéme (French conversation) • Math Table • Olin Dance Project • Ornithology for Engineers • ¡Por supuesto! (Spanish conversation)
play hard and explore hard” could well be Olin’s motto. We purposely blur the borders between curricular and extra-curricular activities, and we value learning along a continuum of opportunities. Don’t be surprised to meet an Olin student who is earning non-degree credit studying Irish step dance, conducting research with a renowned astrophysicist, volunteering with a high school robotics team, participating in Olin’s French discussion group, taking weekend excursions with the Outing Club and giving yoga a try. Whew! And yes, she’s an engineer. For a small school, we have an extensive array of student life offerings. And the good news is that if we don’t have something you’re interested in, we’ll work with you to get it started! “Work hard,
Co-Curricular Offerings
Bridging the gap between extracurriculars and academic courses are Olin’s Co-Curricular offerings. Combining fun and intellectual awareness, these activities are led by faculty or staff members on a semester basis. Students who regularly participate in co-curriculars receive special transcript notation. Co-curriculars add up to a lot of fun, low stress, and official recognition for your effort. Good deal!
• Stammtisch (German conversation) • The Triumph of Individual Style • Yoga Stretching
“Olin encourages participation along the full range of opportunities in our Learning Continuum and helps students make connections among the eight elements: courses, research, Passionate Pursuits, Co-Curricular Offerings, community service, service to the college, clubs, and recreation.” —Rod Crafts, dean of student life
“I’ll never forget lying under the stars in New Hampshire the night before I hiked up Mt. Eisenhower with the Outing Club.” —Emma Goodman, Class of 2006 Warrenville, IL
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“I’ve really enjoyed performing with the Franklin W. Olin Players. Acting is my release—it’s my way of making sure that my creative energies keep flowing.” —Mike Curtis, Class of 2006 Cedar Rapids, IA
“ExpressO was a spectacular time to showcase the many hidden and diverse talents that Olin students possess and are not able to express in normal academic life.” Fun, Social Stuff
Whether planning a Hawaiian luau, a winter formal, a laser tag trip, or a mass viewing of Lord of the Rings, the Student Activities Committee (SAC) is always busy cooking up fun activities for students at Olin. Other favorite SAC events include the ExpressO open mic talent shows, featuring Olin students at their most creative, expressive and zany. ExpressO is an outlet for everything from poetry readings to Tina Turner impressions, Chinese yo-yo tricks to Dave Matthews Band covers. Other fun events at Olin include ice cream study breaks in the residence hall, spring barbeques, video game tournaments and egg fights with the faculty.
—Chris Chavez, Class of 2006 Houston, TX
“Leading a co-curricular activity has given me the amazing opportunity to get to know our exceptional students in a relaxed and fun setting. They are a remarkable group of individuals, and it brings me great joy to share my passion for cinema with them.” —Maruta Vitols, Admission Service Coordinator Leader of F.I.L.M. (For Intelligent Lovers of Movies)
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Current Clubs at Olin:
• Auto Enthusiasts Group • Bowlin’ Club • Broadcasting Club • Cooking Club • Christian Club
“Without the Passionate Pursuit program I would not have had the chance to explore my interest in car restoration. With the college’s support of time and money, I have been able to enjoy my passion.” —Jeff Satwicz, Class of 2006 Newton, MA
• Comic Book Club • Entrepreneurial Group • Franklin W. Olin Players (drama club) • Frankly Speaking (newspaper) • Game Club • Hawaii Club • In Decent Exposure (literary magazine) • Japanese Club • Jazz Orchestra Club • Many Faces of Engineering • Outing Club • W.H.A.C.K. (fencing club) • Sci Fi Club • Star Gazing Society • Student Martial Arts Club • Video Game Club • Yearbook Club
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Student Clubs
Olin’s student government, CORe (Council of Olin Representatives) helps students form and maintain clubs. In just two short years, Olin has developed an impressive roster of student clubs (see list on left). But if we don’t have the club you’re looking for, chances are our partner colleges do. You can participate in student organizations at neighboring Babson College, Brandeis University or Wellesley College. Or, better yet, in Olin’s entrepreneurial style, start your own club! CORe and the Office of Student Life will back you up all the way.
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Passionate Pursuits
Are you eager to explore a new interest or develop your ability in a certain area that falls outside the realm of student organizations? Olin’s Passionate Pursuits program is the answer. This program enables students to develop their interests with the support and guidance of a faculty member and, in many cases, funding from the college. Participating students complete a final project at the end of each semester and receive non-degree credit for their efforts. Examples of recent Passionate Pursuits include The Art of Glassblowing, Build Your Own General Lee (car restoration), Jewelry Making, Russian Studies, Flute Performance, and Rock Climbing with Physics.
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Community Service
Olin has an active community service program, reflecting the philanthropic roots and mission of the college. Volunteer opportunities are facilitated by SERV, a group committed to Support, Encourage and Recognize Volunteerism. Students have participated in service programs for organizations such as the Broadmoor Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary, Needham High School, the Charles River Association for Retarded Citizens, FIRST and Habitat for Humanity. Olin students have also founded their own philanthropic organizations such as the Needham Olin Technology Exchange (NOTE), which collects and refurbishes used computers and distributes them to families identified by the Needham Public Schools. Intramurals
Olin's intramural program offers two sports each season (Fall, Winter, Spring). Sports vary depending on student interest, but have included ultimate frisbee, volleyball, softball, and basketball. Olin has two outdoor fields as well as access to Babson's extensive indoor facilities. Students can also take part in intramural offerings at Babson College.
“Students have 24 hour access to facilities, can take tests from their computers outside the classroom, and are trusted with other privileges because of the Honor Code.” —Susan Fredholm, Class of 2006 Hudson, NH
Honor Code Olin’s honor code is more than a document. It is the core spirit of Olin. All students sign the code, agreeing to embody Olin’s core personal values: integrity, respect for others, passion for the welfare of the college, patience and understanding, and openness to change. The “do something” clause gives students primary responsibility for upholding the code. 11
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olin student Profile
is exceptional on just about all measures, in and out of the classroom. Academic achievement is an important criterion for admission to Olin, but other characteristics such as leadership experience, communication skills, creativity and passion in an area of interest also figure prominently. We value diversity in the broadest sense – in terms of interests, talents, backgrounds and geography. olin’s student body
Where did olin students attend high sChool?
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3
6 1
2
1
1
5
2 4
3 2
1
3
2
8
1
2
18
3
3
4 1
10 2 1
3
6
12
1
3
1
1
District of Columbia: 1
1
Costa Rica: 1
12
2 6
Hawaii
Alaska
2 7
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Class of 2007
The Class of 2007 includes nationally and regionally recognized musicians, athletes and scientists. From a novelist and a choreographer to a state chess champion and a FIRST Robotics MVP, the Class of 2007 will surely help Olin fulfill its aspiration to cultivate “Renaissance engineers.� In addition, nearly 20 percent of the incoming students identify themselves as students of color, adding to the variety of perspectives and life experiences in the Olin community. Forty-one percent of the students in the Class of 2007 are women.
75 Students
11 Valedictorians
44 Men / 31 Women
8 Salutatorians
26 states & DC represented
Middle 50% of SAT scores: 1440-1540
39 recognized by the Advanced Placement program
3 elected president of student government
29 National Merit Scholarship Program Finalists
10 editors of high school publications
14 AP Scholars with Distinction
21 captains of academic teams
3 National Achievement Scholars
53 members of community service organizations
15 AP Scholars with Honor
15 captains of athletic teams
10 AP Scholars
1 has a patent pending
Average GPA: 4.41/4.0 scale
Aerial photo: Tony Cammarata/Aerial Boston
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Olin Campus Olin’s new campus encompasses some 300,000 sq. ft., including an academic center, a campus center, a residence hall and the Olin Center, which houses academic and administrative space. The next phase of construction will add another 200,000 sq. ft. of state-ofthe-art facilities. Our campus is wired to the max, offering the newest technological amenities. Students also have access to the facilities at neighboring partner institutions: Babson College, Brandeis University and Wellesley College. The Academic Center • 27 major classrooms and labs • Media center that sends and receives signals all over campus
boston: ameriCa’s number one College toWn there’s alWays something to
do in Boston, home to more than 60 colleges and universities, plus world-class museums, cultural institutions, sports teams, and entertainment venues. The historic Freedom Trail, the Public Garden with its famed swan boats, the Boston Symphony, the Boston Ballet, the Kennedy Library and Museum, Fenway Park, and the Museum of Science are just a few of the virtually limitless amenities in this big city with a small-town feel. And it’s all just a short ride away by car or public transportation. Closer to home, the Needham area offers plenty of opportunities for shopping, dining out, entertainment and community service, as well.
Campus Center • Dining hall with working fireplace • Student services • Student activity rooms • Meeting and conference space
• • • • •
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Olin Center Administrative offices Faculty offices Library 300-seat auditorium Computer lab
Photo: Mark Flannery
Residence Hall • Double rooms with private bath and central air • Voice, data and fiber-optic outlets at each desk • Common living rooms with working fireplaces • Student kitchen
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the admission ProCess
The admission process at Olin College is unique. Here are the highlights: • Applicants must apply online at www.olin.edu by January 9, 2004. In addition, applicants download and print counselor and teacher recommendation forms, distribute them, and return them via postal mail. • Olin offers no early decision or early action option. • Approximately 150 finalists in the application process, or “Candidates,” are required to come to campus for one of two weekend events which include participation in design projects, individual interviews and collaborative team exercises. Candidates’ travel is subsidized by Olin College. See dates below. • For the Class of 2008, we will seek about 75 students. • Applicants are notified by mid to late March via overnight mail and email of Olin’s final admission decision.
What we look for in applicants • Exceptional academic ability and performance, especially in math and science • Strong written and oral communication skills • Excellence in co-curricular and extracurricular activities • Evidence of leadership and collaboration • Understanding of Olin College’s mission • Adventurous and entrepreneurial spirit • Energy, commitment to high standards, perseverance and a sense of humor
Olin Scholarship Olin’s generous scholarship policy stems from one of the college’s founding principles: to offer a world-class engineering education at a significantly reduced cost to students and families. All admitted students receive scholarships covering tuition for the four years of the baccalaureate program (currently valued at more than $125,000). Costs for 2003-04 Tuition $ 28,000 (covered by Olin Scholarship) Room Meal Plan Computer purchase Health Insurance Fees Books and supplies Travel, incidentals Total
$ 7,000 $ 3,550 $ 1,250 $ 600 (if needed) $ 100 $ 750 $ 1,500 $ 42,750
*Need-based financial aid is also available for students who demonstrate eligibility for expenses not covered by the Olin Scholarship.
2003-2004 Admission Calendar December 2003 - SAT I and II/ACT testing must be completed January 9, 2004 - Deadline for submitting applications and supporting materials February 6, 2004 - Applicants notified if they have achieved “Candidate” status February 27-28, 2004 - Candidates’ Weekend #1 March 5-6, 2004 - Candidates’ Weekend #2 March 19, 2004 - Notification letters are mailed March 22, 2004 - Notification letters are posted on the Web May 1, 2004 - National Candidates’ Reply Date Tours and information sessions are available by appointment only. Please email visit@olin.edu or call the Office of Admission at (781) 292-2222 to make a reservation. Photography: Michael Maloney (unless otherwise noted)
Olin College admission team (left to right): Charles Nolan, dean of admission; Susan Johanson, assistant to the dean; Maruta Vitols, admission service coordinator; Melissa Trotta, assistant dean of admission; Jeannine Lalonde, assistant director of admission