<p>I was introduced to this book by my creative writing teacher who warned me this book was more about how affirmitive action actually do more harm than good compared to anything else. While I recognize that, it portrays Brown’s atmosphere in general as very stressful and competitive, which makes me more than a little nervous about appyling to the school. For those who have read the book and go here, would you say that the portrayal is correct? Also, do any find that so much time is spent staying on top of/keeping up with academics that other aspects of college life (aka having a social life) is ignored (or at least put on the back burner)?</p>
<p>I read the book quite awhile ago and am not a student, but rather an adult in the community with many close ties to Brown. Several of the faculty members and administrators mentioned in the book are people I know (some as acquaintances, some as people with whom I'm very close), and they are portrayed in ways that make them nearly unrecognizable to me. I'm sure there are some Brown students who'd describe Brown in the way you fear, but I've never met any. As a psychologist in private practice who has seen quite a few Brown students over the years and served as an advisor to a student group concerned with mental health issues, I can tell you that even Brown students who are under some type of extraordinary stress speak overwhelmingly of how much they LOVE Brown. People sometimes feel stressed out for all the reasons they would wherever they attended school - exams, papers due, too much extracurricular activity crammed into the schedule, personal issues, etc. - but I'm hard-pressed to remember even a single instance of anyone describing the atmosphere at Brown as "competitive".</p>
<p>I think you have to remember the context of the protagonist's background. He came from a poor, inner-city school in Washington DC. I do think most students have an adjustment period to college (unless you went to Exeter...) but, it is both academic and personal and very individual based on one's home life and academic preparation.</p>
<p>The school has an open curriculum. If being responsible for your own education sounds a little daunting, good. You should approach your education with a certain level of seriousness.</p>
<p>But don't stress! Everyone around you is/was in the same boat. And chances are, they are very willing to help you. At Brown, you will have advisors, counselors, peer academic advisors, and motivated professors, not to mention (in an extreme situation) an all-star health-services department. </p>
<p>If you come here, you're in good hands.</p>
<p>Again, Everyone is NOT in the same boat. Some boats have far more leaks than others. If you seek help, you will find it. Still, there is a big difference in terms of adjustment between my friends who went to Groton v. something less preparing.</p>
<p>brown is an ivy league school. it's reasonable for it to be quite an adjustment for someone with an under-priviledged background. nonetheless (if i remember correctly), the protagonists works hard, quickly finds a niche, and rocks at life</p>
<p>+juan to fred. I had a bit of adjusting but not too much (surprisingly)</p>
<p>Oh man I'm reading this book now and almost finish. I've been pretty much obsessed with it. 379 pages, got it like Tuesday or Wednesday, and I've got about 50 pages left. After reading this, it's amazing how much the narrator and I are alike, it feels like such a "me" book. Though I didn't come from an under-priveliged lower class background, I did come from a single parent lower-middle-class background, and the way he dreams so much of getting out of high school and away from the naysayers and the Dreambusters got me hooked to the book, it's like the story of my life! And with every page, it makes me find out more and more why Brown is THE school for me. I can't wait til Spring Break (March 17th is when it starts here), I'm gonna visit Providence and Brown. Can't wait! :)</p>
<p>Although I don't come from that background, just looking at the way other characters [such as Rob] who were valedictorians/salutatorians of their high school and still seemed to stress just makes me more than a little nervous. I understand that Brown is an Ivy League so of course it's going to take a lot of work, but I wouldn't want to go to a school that completely overwhelms me either. </p>
<p>I've basically fallen in love with Brown, and it really helped settle my fears hearing about the laid back atmosphere. I'm really excited to visit because Providence seems like it has a small town yet Urban feel, which is good for me because I dont want to be in the middle of nowhere-but I don't want to be in a big city either.</p>
<p>My D is at Brown. She absolutely loves it as well. But there is a general misconception about its being laid back. I would say it is not, in the sense of relaxed and stress-free. However, it is absolutely not competitive. It is not cut-throat. The students adore the place. It IS high stress at times, and it can be very intense. It is, after all, an Ivy League school with very smart people there. So, of course it will be intense. The Open Curriculum allows each student to challenge him or herself in the ways that are appropriate for him or her. So, it is what you make of it. That can be daunting for some students. The social scene is very accepting, very diverse, and it also can be intense. I am reading "Hope" right now, too. And I would agree that Cedric's background may have made his first year difficult. From what I understand, the book ends after his first year (?). I think it got better for him as he grew up. Everyone is different. You will interpret things your own way. I know that currently my D has never worked harder. She finished a recent paper at 5 am. But, she has never felt such exhilaration at accomplishing good work.</p>
<p>BUNK</p>
<p>Brown is anything but stressful and competitive. </p>
<p>Know what we did in my furniture class last week? We went to dunkin donuts and watched Angry Beavers. Granted, I'll spend that time 2 fold in the studio, but my point is that much of it is relaxed and you get to do stuff on your own schedule and time.</p>