The admission process at Olin College is unique to college admission.  Each year approximately 600 applications are reviewed on traditional selection criteria and 150 of these are designated as finalists or “Candidates” for admission.  The 150 Candidates are invited to the College on one of two weekends in late February and early March. Candidates are grouped into 15 teams of five to design and build a structure in two and a half hours.  All teams are provided the same materials, tools and instructions.  Candidates are not graded on this project, but they are evaluated in collaborative exercises and individual interviews.  The result is that the freshman class is ultimately chosen on the strength of personal attributes of leadership, cooperation, creativity, communication and enthusiasm for Olin College.