<p>Our child got into Brown, but we are not getting a warm cozy feeling. There doesn't seem to be the same kind of "hand-holding" from Brown as we have seen from some of the other schools. It seems the students really like it there, but it's starting to strike us as though you really have to figure out every detail for yourself, rather than being led through it more like the other schools. Does anyone have experience with Brown along these lines.</p>
<p>I do not have direct experience, but have read it. If a person is not set on a path going in, he or she can flounder. The lack of requirements can be overwhelming. I would not rule it out though. It depends on what the other options are.</p>
<p>I think Brown grows on you. My close friend's daughter has some initial adjusting but now is extremely happy and has has amazing opportunities and experiences. It is a great school.</p>
<p>I think you're largely correct...I did a summer program there, and during that time, spoke to many Brown undergrads who were working as our RAs, etc, as well as those in my classes. One thing all of them said that they loved about it was the degree of freedom, but they made it clear that you needed to be motivated in order to succeed. Also, they frequently said that there were lots of opportunities for advising and guiance...if you sought it out yourself. </p>
<p>So, for outgoing and motivated students, Brown can be an environment in which they thrive. However, I, too, feel like I want some hand-holding in my college experience, and the self-motivation required from Brown students, even at the start of their college careers, is something that turned me off of Brown to a significant degree, and has me starting at a small LAC this fall.</p>
<p>And of course, this is simply anecdotal evidence, and not my direct experience, so others might chime in with a different view. That is simply the imression received.</p>