A Chance at Brown?

College Search & Selection
1

<p>I posted last month at the very beginning of my college search about my rather hopeless situation...I knew nothing about college and had no idea where to start or what to look at. I received a lot of helpful feedback and have done some research the last few weeks. From all this research, one place really stands out to me: Brown. So my question is, do I have a chance of getting in? I know, I know, you have no chance unless you apply, but realistically, do I have a prayer? Here are the facts I posted about my stuff in my first post:</p>

<p>"I live in a poor, rural area of Virginia where few people go to college. Only about a fifth of the students at my high school took the SAT, and the average is below 500 for each section.
Here are the facts:
I've taken the SAT twice and my combined score is: 700 on Math, 800 on Verbal, 710 on Writing (and a 12 on the essay on one SAT) for a 1500, or 2210 with writing.
I honestly don't know what my GPA is (I know, I know <em>slaps forehead</em>) but I'm guessing its around a 4.0?
I've taken three AP courses: Environmental Science, Statistics, and US History, and am taking three more this next year: English, Government, and Calculus.
Writing essays is one of my strengths.
My extracurriculars are weak. I'm a member of about 4 clubs, the only leadership position is Treasurer of the school literary magazine. I didn't have a whole lot of opportunities here to do some of the amazing things some applicants to colleges have done, like write books and be published in science journals.
I'm a white male.
I don't know our income...somewhere lower-middle I guess, but don't eliminate colleges just because they're expensive. Hopefully I can get scholarships.
I'm not the most impressive applicant ever, but I have a real desire to learn and lot of curiosity. I really want to get out of the place I'm living and go on to something better."</p>

<p>I'll add in a few things I didn't mention in that post:
I've taken all the AP classes available to me, and I've taken the highest level of everything else.
I've taken four years of French and did an independent study of Spanish last year, moving at roughly double the pace of the class. I'm continuing that this year, so it will probably end up the equivalent of three to four years of Spanish.
I'm probably ranked second in my class.</p>

<p>Tell it to me straight up! I can take it.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

2

<p>I think you can get in. Considering you mention that you come from a less-than-stellar high school you could mention your situation in your essay. The SAT scores, grades, ranking are really great. Say something like what you said: "I really want to get out of the place I'm living and go on to something better."</p>

<p>Your ECS might be questionable, and you didn't mention any community service. That may be your weak point.</p>

3

<p>Four clubs isn't shabby, depending on how much time you spend on them.</p>

<p>My daughter got into Brown with four ECs and no community service (her ECs kept her very busy).</p>

<p>I think you have the stats that will get you considered seriously. Do you have a particular passion that will stand out or a clear reason for wanting to go to Brown?</p>

<p>You will need SAT IIs unless you submit the ACT.</p>

4

<p>are you applying ED?</p>

<p>it seems that more and more kids are applying to Brown every year, so it's getting more competitive than it used to be. that said, and given the nature of browns student body, i think your essays will be very important. but you mentioned writing was one of your strengths, so that would create a positive position for you. my advice would be to start them early, and approach them a bit unconventionally. i mean, talking about your high school and surroundings is fine.. but has all the makings/potential to be bland and cliche.</p>

5

<p>You have a chance. But have plenty of backups. They have an open curriculum, so stress the intellectual curiosity and zest for learning. It's definitely worth a shot.</p>