Hey folks! For this essay prompt, is it usually advised to write about both areas of studies? Since the word limit is only 150, I feel like writing about both might be a bit hard to actually get into enough depth for either.
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Brown Essay---Why are you drawn to the area(s) of study you indicated
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Confused about Brown's SAT deadline submission?
So I took the October Sat subject test but I have not sent the scores yet (I can't until the oct 27th). And I'm also applying ED for Brown which requires all necessary test scores to be submitted before November 1.
If I send the score on the 27th (the same day the scores are revealed), will Brown still be able to see it? I know that CollegeBoard takes 7-10 days to send it, but will I be safe anyway? Or should I just rush send it?
and yes, I did look at their FAQ, but I'm still confused. Thank you so much for the help!
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Moved: Chances for Brown ED!
This discussion has been moved.
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Class Rank at Brown
How much does Class rank matter at Brown?
I go to an extremely competitive public school and barely missed the top 10% cutoff, putting me in the second decile.
However, I have a 3.95 UW GPA with 7 weighted classes (5 APs) from my freshman to junior year.
How would this affect my chances?
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Brown ED - Worth It??
I see that brown's ED acceptance rate is much much higher than it's RD acceptance rate. I also realize that they encourage recruited athletes and other hooks to apply during ED. Is there any advantage to apply to brown ED as an unhooked, white applicant from the pacific NW?
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Brown Fee Waiver Policy?
I am interested in attending Brown ED, and I contacted their admissions office. They said that the fee waiver (in physical letter form) should be sent to them 14 days before November 1. I literally just decided to try applying to Brown, and it's 10-11 days until Nov. 1. Is it too late to send it? Can my counselor send the explanation via email? Finally, is a letter or that NACAC fee waiver form better?
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Brown chances?
Hi all - if anyone could chance me that would be great! I am applying to Brown for class of 2021
I am a white American female, although I am going to school in the UK and have been for all of high school
4.4 GPA
29 Composite ACT (32 English, 31 Math, 27 Reading and 25 Science)
- I am retaking the ACT on Saturday for a higher score, aiming for a 31 or 32
I am doing the full IB diploma, I'm applying from an international school in London (don't know if that means anything for admissions)
- I won't be sending my IB scores because they don't come out until July
EC's:
- theatre (lead-roles in every school production since freshman year)
- varsity softball for all four years of high school
- editor-in-chief of the school newspaper
- travelled to Namibia (southern Africa) for a service project, fundraised for this for all of junior year
- national honors society
Working on my supplements now but I think it will be pretty strong, LORs are also strong
Any thoughts?
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Results Posts - Accurate?
Are people who post stats on cc results post above average of the major of students accepted to brown (or other schools)? I feel like they can't be the average accepted student! Correct me if I'm wrong
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Performing Arts Program
As a prospective actor, does anyone have any insight on the Brown Performing Arts program in comparison to other Ivy's? Is it a top/well-known program? Thanks bunches
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Brown interview FAQ and answers
I am a Brown alum who has been interviewing students since I graduated more than 25 years ago. Here are some common questions, and my answers.
Who gets interviewed?
Brown wants everyone who applies to get interviewed. There is absolutely, positively no connection between who gets interviewed and who is going to be accepted.
The only students who don't get interviewed are those who go to certain prep schools.
Athletic recruits: Yes, we want to interview you, too, even if you have a likely letter.
What's the process?
Your information is put into a database. Every geographic area has alumni chairs who match applicants to alumni interviewers. They use the database to assign you to an alum, who gets an email with your contact information. This alum then contacts you to arrange an interview.
It's all computerized. You file your application, it gets into the computer system, and is uploaded into the database.
I haven't heard yet; what does that mean?
The database goes live sometime in mid- to late October, so even if you sent in your ED application in September, you won't hear anything until late October.
Not all alums act promptly. If you haven't been contacted, it may mean the alumni chair hasn't made the assignments, the alumni interviewer hasn't looked at his/her email, or the interviewer got the email and hasn't contacted you yet. Some area chairs may make assignments the moment a name pops up; others may wait until most of the applicants are in the system. Some interviewers might call right away, others might not. And some are busy or lazy or forgetful and don't call.
In some geographic areas with few alumni, we try to arrange phone interviews. Some areas with large numbers of applicants have mass/group interview sessions -- I don't know anything about these.
If you don't hear by around Nov. 20 for early decision and by Feb. 1 for regular decision, then call admissions.
What does the interviewer know about me?
Interviewers do not see applications, transcripts, recommendations or standardized test scores. We know your name, high school, contact info and get a very brief list of extracurricular activities (i.e., "literary pubs," "music") and the academic area you are considering. We know if you have a legacy connection or are a minority.
What should I bring to the interview?
Nothing, unless the interviewer asks you to bring something. If it helps you to have your activity sheet with you, or a paper with your questions on it, then bring those.
I don't expect the applicants to bring anything to the interview. Sometimes they bring things, and I usually glance at them to be polite. Brown does not want its interviewers to base write-ups on information that Brown already has, like transcripts and resumes. If an interviewer specifically asks you to bring that stuff you should, but technically the interviewers should not be asking for it.
What questions will they ask?
Interviewers are supposed to cover these areas: Why a student wants to go to Brown and how thoughtful/genuine the reason is; intellectual qualities; and what the student will bring to the Brown community outside of academic experiences.
Some have lots of questions, others are more casual. My interviews typically last an hour and are pretty casual, although I ask some standard questions. At some point, maybe 45 minutes in, I ask if they have questions. (If the answer is no, I'm not impressed.)
Interviewers should not ask for your GPA, your SAT scores, where else you are applying and whether Brown is your first choice (or what school is your first choice). Your interviewer may ask one of these questions -- because not all interviewers are perfect or even that good at doing interviews. We're all volunteers with minimal training. If your interviewer asks you questions that are really inappropriate, then you should report your experience to Admissions.
Every interviewer is different -- some have a list of questions they stick to. Others are fine if the conversation is more freewheeling. Some will ask "hard questions" ("if you were a color, what color would you be"), but that's their personal style and not a directive from Brown. Some interviewers are very old (I'd love to know how you would define old -- I guess I am old) and have been doing this for years; others are recent graduates.
What should I wear to my interview?
This will vary depending on where you live, who is interviewing you and where the interview is taking place.
I tell my applicants to dress casually, and I mean it. I often wear jeans to interviews. I expect students to wear clean clothing. I don't want to see underwear or excessive cleavage, nothing ripped, no shirts with writing on them. I don't want to remember what you are wearing.
If you are meeting a lawyer in a downtown office, I'd dress a little nicer. I honestly don't think a Brown alum would expect a high school student would wear a suit and tie to an interview (but I could be wrong). Khakis or cords, button-down or polo shirt for guys; khakis or cords or skirt for girls. Dark-wash clean jeans can be OK too. Be comfortable.
How long will the interview last?
Interviews can last from 15 minutes to three hours. It depends on the interviewer. Mine typically last one hour.
What does my interviewer do after the interview?
We go back to the same website where we got your name and fill out a form, which is electronically uploaded to admissions. Three to five days after you learn about your acceptance/denial, we learn. We are not told why.
What are the due dates for the alumni interview reports?
Early decision reports are due Dec. 1 and regular decision reports are due Feb. 15.
Are interviews a waste of time? Meaningless?
Many people feel the interview means nothing. I disagree.
The admissions office tells alumni all the time how important the interviews are, that they are crucial to the admissions process. Brown spends a tremendous amount of money, resources and manpower arranging interviews. We interviewers are volunteering our time, but there are staff people involved. And there are a lot of Brown alums who do this. I personally don't feel that Brown would devote so much energy to interviews if they meant nothing.
Most students have really good interviews, which is why it is rare for good interviews to improve the chances of acceptance. But I could see an instance where something comes up in an interview which wasn't explored in-depth in the application, which gets the attention of the admissions officer, which might help the student get admitted.
A really bad interview can have an impact. Here's an example -- let's say a student says during an interview that s/he has never spent a night away from home, is really scared about living away, and is very shy and quiet during the interview. That would raise a red flag about the student. What Brown might do in that case is call the guidance counselor to learn more.
Here's what an interview will NOT do: make up for a weakness in your application. If you have not taken the most rigorous curriculum in your high school, a fabulous interview will not erase that problem. So don't go into the interview thinking -- If I do an awesome job here, it will make up for my low SAT scores. It doesn't work that way.
Since almost 90 percent of students are not accepted, I suppose interviews could be considered a waste of time. But Brown views alumni interviews in other ways, as a PR tool, and a way to put a friendly face onto what can be a cruel process.
What's a good interview?
Be articulate, enthusiastic -- and keep the conversation going.
I had an interview with a student where I hardly got to any of my questions because he was a brilliant conversationalist, who had had some interesting life experiences. He would take a question, and just run with it and take it in many directions, but leaving enough doors open that prompted other questions on that topic. He took control of the interview, and in doing so I could see how smart he was, see how quick his brain worked. He had penetrating insights to share and different perspectives on his experiences. He was not a typical student because of his experiences, what he did with them, and his well-expressed opinions.
Very few interviews stand out. I've done dozens over 3 decades, and I have forgotten almost all of them. I remember one student, an actor, who was very expressive about why one particular role meant so much to her. I could tell from her comments how intelligent and reflective she was. I vividly remember another student who came from an incredibly poor family, and was struck dumb by the herculean efforts she made to support them while expanding her own horizons. I remember the student who talked perceptively about what he learned from his job at a fast-food restaurant.
The students who stand out do so because they've either done some truly impressive things, or because the quality of their intelligence or depth of perception shines through.
Of the 4 students I mentioned above, one got in.
What questions should I ask?
Make sure the questions aren't easily answered by the website. Familiarize yourself with Brown so you sound like you know something about the school. (The student who never heard of the open curriculum -- not a good thing to come out in the interview.)
Your questions reflect you. I learn about students by what they ask.
Why Brown?
Try to make your answer to "Why Brown" specific to Brown. There are dozens -- hundreds -- of schools that will challenge you academically and provide diversity. That is not unique to Brown. Do some research on the website. Find professors or classes or programs or activities that are special to Brown.
(Yes you can talk about the open curriculum -- but remember that's what everyone talks about. Try to be more original.)
How do I prove I am interested in Brown if it doesn't track visits? (Not an interview question, but thought I'd throw this in)
By interest, I think Brown means two things.
First, it hopes to glean from your essays and interview that your interest in going to Brown is sincere. So the more specific and personal you are, the better. If you talk to a professor, mention that (i.e., saying something like "I spoke to Kurt Teichert of the environmental studies department and learned that the way the department uses the local community for research fits the type of efforts I do now in HS and want to do when I get to Brown" -- and be even more specific than that). In other words -- do a lot of research, get to know about Brown more than just the superficial "I like the new curriculum because I never have to take French again" and convey that -- that shows interest.
Second, Brown is looking for fit. For example, because there is no core curriculum or distribution requirements, students have to be self-reliant and active in pursuing academics. Brown isn't for everyone, and part of your job is to convince them that you can succeed there -- and contribute to and enrich the community.
While Brown does not track visits, if you live close and don't visit, and that comes up in your interview -- that's not a good thing.
All this said -- there will be plenty of students who express a lot of interest who will not get in, and some extraordinarily strong students who might have shown indifference and even told an interviewer that Harvard is their first choice who will get in. With an 11% acceptance rate, Brown can afford to be pretty picky.
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Considering Transfer- chance me?
Hi everyone,
This may be a bit early, but I am a current sophomore at a rank 30-40 USNWR school, considering transferring for next Fall 2017.
In high school, I did not try, having around a 3.6 GPA, which places me in around 30-40th percentile of my high school (top 50ish in USNWR high school, similar to Stuy in NY) with 7 APs. My SAT superscore is 2350, with highest single score being 2300.
However, in college I have tried a lot harder, having done 3 internships, all for big international banks (ex: Merrill Lynch, ICBC), school honors program, along with currently having a 4.0 GPA (my college's average GPA is around ~ 3.1-3.3) and 4 leadership positions in clubs. I expect it to remain about 3.9 by Spring 2017.
I'm currently a business major and econ minor, but I've realized that I am much more interested in learning economics and liberal arts in general, and, so I intend to be an economics major. One of my strengths is writing, so I would say my writing supplements would be above average.
Do I have a good chance of getting accepted as a transfer? I feel my stats are fairly strong, but having a "technical" resume could hurt me for Brown, which is a more liberal arts-based school?
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Indicating concentrations -- does it hurt/help chances?
I know that Brown isn't an admit-by-concentration school, but I was still wondering if applying with a certain intended concentration in which the school needs more people helps chances. I'm not trying to get a leg up or anything, but I'm applying with an intended concentration in Literary Arts/Architecture. Here's the thing: architecture is a new concentration, and there aren't many students in it (proportionally speaking). So would applying with this intended concentration help in any way? Or does admissions assume that students are prone to changing their concentrations so they don't take it much into consideration?
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Brown Housing
After researching and researching, I'm still so confused! How does first year housing work?? I really want to be in a social dorm with a really good community.
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Why Brown essays
Hey, does anyone know how to do essays such as the "Why Brown" essays? I've been told to include specific courses and professors and so on but I'm not really sure. Can anyone help me out?
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Do you have to be well rounded to get into PLME
I am really attracted to PLME, I've asked a few questions on brown/PLME before, but do you have to be "well rounded" to get in? I have a heavy heavy point towards science and medicine extra curriculars (95% as of my sophomore year), and I'm not so interested in pursuing other things. But the reason I like PLME so much is that when I get to college, I can take other classes (not in the sciences) without any stress! I'm super worried I won't get in with my science pointiness, as PLME is all about LIBERAL medical education. Please help!
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Stressed junior looking for advice on how to get into brown
Brown is an amazing premed school and it is my dream school so I am looking for any advice on how to improve my stats/ecs to maximize my chances of getting in:
I'm at a junior top high school in California
GP A- 4.0 uv, 4.6 weighted,
Sophomore year course load: Ap calculus AB/ BC(5 on both) Ap Computer science, AP Chemistry(4), AP World History(5)
Junior Year Courses: AP Biology, AP Physics 1, AP US History, AP Psychology, AP Environmental Science, AP English Language
SAT: Old sat 2290- retaking, PSAT 1480 (750 m 730 r/w)
ECS: President of multiple clubs including- girls who code, bone marrow drive, research club, started a nonprofit to help cancer patients, got funding to start a middle school STEM outreach/teaching STEM to girls with autism,etc..
Research: Internships in biomedical research from freshman year, paid research internship this year as part of a rigorous life sciences program, publishing clinical research
Assist with a healing arts workshop for cancer patients-hope to write about in essay
Any advice? I would absolutely love to be accepted to PLME but that is so insanely competitive, I would love Brown as an undergraduate school as well- Any alumni advice on how to improve ECs/chances would be extremely helpful. I am very stressed out about college right now and any guidance/direction would be appreciated.
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Brown Engineering (comparison to Duke)
I wanted an updated view on this topic. What is it like to study engineering at Brown? How will the stress and work load compare to Duke? Do they have a lot of resources for this area?
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Senior applying to Brown as ED! What are my chances?
Hey guys,
I am applying to Brown for class of 2021 as early decision and I want to get some advices!
I am a Korean Asian, currently enrolled in a small christian international school in Korea.
GPA: 4.1/4.0 (I seriously messed up my 9th grade GPA, which is around 3.2-3.3 (2 C's), however, it went up to 4.0 in my sophomore year and 4.15 in Junior year)
SAT: 2360 (Reading:800 Math:800 Writing:760)
SATII: Bio-M 800 Chem-800 Math ii-800
I only took three AP's so far, Psych, Stats and Bio.
EC:
- playing a sport in a national level (enrolled in junior national team)
- running my own project in Philippines
- enrolled in NHS
Any thoughts?
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Prevalence of Protest at Brown
How are prevalent are student activist groups around campus usually.
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Will my application be considered?
So I'm applying to Brown University through early decision (common application)
I made my payment on 30th October but didn't submit till earlier today (local time 09:00 2Nov, Eastern time 21:00 1Nov)
Will brown university still consider my application? Common application said my submission date is 1Nov ET and it was downloaded already just now (2Nov ET).
ARE THEY GOING TO CONSIDER ME FOR EARLY DECISION?:(
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