The goal is not to meet a soulmate at 18, but to become comfortable interacting with potential soulmates.
You have a really strong point here. I guess my argument would be that most of what happens with the opposite-sex is detrimental and unpleasant, and can derail a young man from actually learning and getting some work done.
In an environment where earnest dating still exists, respect between the genders is the norm, men are prized for their intelligence, character and culture rather than shallow traits such as social status "game", and sleazy hookups don't happen, I'd argue in favor of entering the dating scene as soon as possible. In that arguemnt, I'd argue that everyone (who's single) should jump in. Unfortunately, that's not the type of environment that exists on most college campuses (although I know nothing about Olin).
I don't know what to say other than to quip: you're doing it wrong.