Franklin W Olin College of Engineering essay prompts
2026-27verified Franklin W Olin College of Engineering admissions
These are the most recent published prompts. Final 2026-27 supplements typically land by early August.
Mission Alignment / Engineering Impact
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?
No limit listed · Required
Additional Information (Optional)
Optional short essay giving you an opportunity to share any further information about yourself that might be missing from your application.
No limit listed · Optional
Candidates' Choice Option 1
Olin’s curriculum emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and collaboration. Describe a time when you worked with a team to solve a complex problem. What did you learn from this experience?
300 words max · Required
Candidates' Choice Option 2
At Olin, students are encouraged to take risks and learn from failure. Share an example of a time you failed at something significant. What did you take away from that experience?
300 words max · Required
Candidates' Choice Option 3
Imagine you have the opportunity to redesign your high school curriculum for one year. What would you change and why?
300 words max · Required
Question You Are Trying to Answer
What is a question you are trying to answer?
100 words max · Required
Moment You Were Surprised
Describe a moment when you were surprised.
100 words max · Required
Optional Additional Information
Optional: If there is any additional information you would like the admissions committee to consider (e.g., unusual circumstances, additional context about your record), please share it here.
No limit listed · Optional
About the application
Applies via the Common App.
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Common questions
- What are the Franklin W Olin College of Engineering essay prompts for 2026-27?
- Franklin W Olin College of Engineering lists Mission Alignment / Engineering Impact (1 prompt); Additional Information (Optional) (1 prompt); Candidates' Choice Option 1 (1 prompt); Candidates' Choice Option 2 (1 prompt); Candidates' Choice Option 3 (1 prompt); Question You Are Trying to Answer (1 prompt); Moment You Were Surprised (1 prompt); Optional Additional Information (1 prompt) for 2026-27.
- How many essays does Franklin W Olin College of Engineering require?
- Franklin W Olin College of Engineering requires 6 essays based on the published group instructions for 2026-27. The page lists 6 required and 2 optional prompts.
- What are the word limits for the Franklin W Olin College of Engineering supplemental essays?
- The published word and character limits are 300 words max, 100 words max.