How to Apply

So you have decided you want to study away? Here are the steps you should take.

1. Research what program you would like to attend
Look online or visit the study away office to find out about the various programs that are available. Even if you know you want to enroll directly in an institution, it might help to look on the websites of some of the pre-approved programs to get a sense of the options.

2. Discuss your plans with both your adviser and Carol Kelley
It’s never too early to start talking to your adviser about your plans for study away! It can be helpful in deciding what courses to take at Olin. Also, if you are thinking about a particular program, it never hurts to run it by Carol Kelley to get a sense of whether or not it is realistic or feasible.

3. Fill out the Olin application
Please keep in mind that a study away application does not materialize overnight (even if you pull an all nighter!). You need to discuss your plans with various people, get signatures, etc. Please start this process a few weeks before the deadline and check-in with your adviser and Carol throughout the process.

4. Apply to the external program, if necessary
If you are doing a pre-approved or student-designed program, apply once you have heard back from the Away Committee about your approval.

The Application

A study away application has two parts. The first is reviewed by the Away Committee and consists of a) a listing of the courses you have taken and those you plan to take; b) an essay; c) your transcript; and d) information about the institution you plan to attend (if not a direct exchange). The second part of your application is a form for each course you plan to take and gets reviewed by the Away Committee and goes to the CSTB (Course Substitution and Transfer Board). You fill out the Transfer Credit Pre-Approval form for each course you plan to take and the CSTB decides if the course will be approved for the type of credit you request. (For example, you might apply for Introduction to Japanese to be transferred back to Olin as an AHS course.)

Thus, if you are approved for study away, your approval comes in two parts: first you will be approved to study at the institution of your choice and receive general credit for any courses taken there. Second, you will be approved for individual courses by the CSTB. Even if you are denied the particular coloring you had requested, you can reapply to the CSTB for a different coloring.

Forms