Change in Olin's Scholarship Policy

susgeek · 10-23-2009, 11:24 PM

Olin College : Admission : Costs and Scholarship Information

Well I guess it couldn't last in this economy...

colorado_mom · 10-29-2009, 11:06 PM

Have you seen any statements about future years for students accepted under the new plan. In other words, could tuition go up to full tuition in future years?

lotsofquestions · 11-02-2009, 08:13 PM

As the parent of a current Olin junior, I can assure you that the decision to charge some tuition was an agonizing one. The administration was very above board with parents about the thoughtful decision making process. I don't believe that I've seen anything suggesting Olin would go to full tuition; I think the hope is that eventually Olin will be able to go back to their current policy of free tuition.

pieisthebest · 11-28-2009, 05:01 PM

I am going to be honest here, I am ridiculously ****ed off at the change in policy as this was my target school due to the amazing full-tuition scholarship. Now I am going to have to go to Cooper Union instead, but it doesn't have the same campus feel as Olin.

colorado_mom · 11-29-2009, 11:45 AM

Were current students affected by the tuition/scholarship change? Or will it just start with next year's freshman class?

lotsofquestions · 11-29-2009, 04:49 PM

Current students are not affected - I believe it all starts with next year's freshman class.

ELorax · 12-25-2009, 10:53 PM

My impression is that once the scholarship is awarded, it's yours. So 2014's half scholarships should be safe for all four years at Olin, just as my full tuition scholarship is safe while I'm at Olin.

I would email admissions with specific questions about scholarships and aid. They're awesome, and can answer questions more definitively than students/parents can.

nrg91720 · 01-07-2010, 03:53 PM

Current students will get the full for all 4 yrs. 2014er's and beyond will get half for their 4 yrs. unless they are able to bring it back to a full tuition scholarship. They are trying to bring it back to a full tuition scholarship but the reality is that it might be a good couple of years before they have the money to do so. Please just apply anyway and see what financial need based aid they award you. There are also a million scholarships out there which you can apply to and receive a lot of money from. Don't be downcast, be positive.

colorado_mom · 01-08-2010, 01:52 AM

Even at half tuition, I think that Olin is a good deal if it is the right fit. But ah, figuring out the right fit for a teen that does not talk a lot can be a tough chore.....

nrg91720 · 01-09-2010, 04:37 PM

Haha...I'll admit figuring out what school to go to is a huge dilemma. Olin helps a lot though because of their Candidate's Weekends.

colorado_mom · 01-10-2010, 12:57 AM

Funny you should mention Candidate's Weekend. It sounds like a neat thing. There are a lot of applicants, but we are hopeful that my son might be lucky enough to be selected. We are trying to plan a Boston trip that will have a lot of time at Olin if selected.... or if not, then more time at other schools (esp Northeastern and RPI, and maybe the other longshot MIT too).

nrg91720 · 01-11-2010, 05:44 PM

What grade is your son in again?

colorado_mom · 01-11-2010, 09:02 PM

My son is a senior who has applied to Olin. We've visited in the summer, and he did a Denver interview.

siusplau · 01-11-2010, 10:30 PM

The cutting of the full scholarship was a disappointment for everyone, but I certainly hope it wasn't the only appeal that Olin had for applicants! (It wasn't even a factor for my son, actually.)
As far as figuring out fit, Colorado Mom--if your son gets invited to CW, I think he'll let you know how he likes it, whether he talks or not!! It's actually a good opportunity for parents to observe from a distance, and you will be able to see whether he is feeling "in his element". I hope you have that chance!

colorado_mom · 01-12-2010, 12:51 AM

Thanks suisplau. I worry about Olin being sooooo tiny. But my son really has enjoyed his experience with about 80 serious IB students in his year, with lots of projects. (Many projects were academically oriented. But some were just fun energizing music stuff, with composing and conducting. I think Olin could give him the possibility to continue that.) I'm glad CW is fairly early so we know if Olin will even be a possibility.

What is the involvement of parents at CW? I considered just sending my husband, and he has the opportunity to spend time with his brothers on Cape Cod. Or perhaps we would both go and hang around Boston. There are some cheap flights available.