Brown Engineering Supplemental Questions

Colleges and Universities A-Z Brown University
1

I just realized that Brown requests that prospective engineering students answer 2 questions:

  1. The School of Engineering offers 9 concentration options, including Sc.B. degrees in Biomedical Engineering, Chemical & Biochemical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Materials Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering, as well as an A.B. degree in Engineering, and a joint program with the Department of Physics leading to an Sc.B. degree in Engineering and Physics. Since there is a common core curriculum within Engineering, students need not select a specific area until their junior year. We are curious to know, however, if any particular program within Engineering presently appeals to you.
    1. What experiences and/or courses beyond school work have broadened your interest in Engineering?

However, is it just me or are these two incredibly similar to:
Why are you drawn to the area(s) of study you indicated earlier in this application? If you are “undecided” or not sure which Brown concentrations match your interests, consider describing more generally the academic topics or modes of thought that engage you currently. (150 word limit)

I feel like my essays will be pretty repetitive. Would anyone happen to have any advice on how to answer these so that the answers will be more original, or are they meant to be repetitive?

Thanks in advance!

2

Skip rather than be repetitive is my advice. My dd did not declare a major or fill out the science essays because. Didn’t know. Didn’t care.

Edit to add that this was an all round good student with a really obvious science EC. Just was not sure yet, which thing.

3

@BrownParent Thanks! Do you think it’s also possible that the “area of studies” question could be referring to why engineering in general? That way I could specify with the “9 concentration options” question?

4

This very question has been asked every single year for quite a long time. I recommend seeing if you can find previous discussions of it for some perspectives on how to answer it.

If you are confident you want to concentrate in one of the hard sciences/math, and have the grades and experience to back up your intent (this part is crucial), then you should complete the supplement. I don’t see the benefit of avoiding it.

5

Okay thanks