Olin College of Engineering 2025-26 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Olin College of Engineering 2025-26 Application Essay Explanations

The Requirements: 1 essay of 500 words; 1 essay of 250 words

Supplemental Essay Type: Community, Additional Info

Olin is a community striving to change the world and positively impact people’s lives through engineering education. How does Olin’s mission align with your own values? How do you hope to use your engineering education to change the world? (500 words)

The admissions committee wants to accept ambitious students who want to change the world for the better. So, if you could change anything in the world, what would it be? Think about your own values and what social, environmental, or other causes keep you up at night. Then, review Olin’s mission and see where your values align. Maybe, if you had the power, you would make sure that no one in your city goes to bed hungry. Why is this particular issue important to you? What steps would you take to enact this change? And how would an engineering degree from Olin help you get there? (Remember not to let the logistics give you paralysis—these are just ideas and don’t have to be rock solid in practice yet!) As long as you are giving admissions better insight into who you are and what motivates you, you’re on the right track. Let your imagination run wild and show the Olin admissions committee that not only are you not afraid to dream big, but you also have the foresight to put your dreams into action.

Think about all the things we will learn about you throughout your application to Olin, from your application materials and recommendations and through your own words in your other essays. Is there anything missing? If there is, you may share a specific story that tells us something about you that we don’t yet know. If not, don’t worry: this question is optional. (250 words)

We love this prompt because it not only provides you with the opportunity to fill in any blanks in your application, but it’s also the perfect place to recycle a strong supplemental essay you may have written for another school on your list. Maybe you wrote an essay on an activity that is meaningful to you that you think admissions should read. Perhaps you penned an essay on the role diversity plays in your life and education or maybe you want to adapt a Why Essay you wrote for another school so admissions officers know that your interest is strong. The options are practically limitless! If, however, you don’t have an obvious essay to recycle here, think about what you would want an admissions officer to know about you before making a decision regarding your candidacy. Maybe you want to tell a story that demonstrates your tenacity and drive. Perhaps you have a special connection to the school (your parents are alumni!) or you want to tell them about a community that shaped the person you are today. Whatever it may be, be sure to share your draft with a trusted friend or mentor to get a second opinion before you submit!