Brown/RISD Dual Degree Program??? chances of getting in (if any...)

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

<p>Hi, I'm a junior in high school and I'm really interested in getting degrees at both Brown and RISD.
Problem is... although I am fairly academically strong, I am more of an art person. This program is pretty much the only option for art school for me, since my parents have always stressed academics more than art (regardless, I chose art over academics since I liked it so much more and since I was better at it anyway). </p>

<p>To be perfectly honest, I don't think I can get into Brown. I think I can get into RISD, but the main problem with getting into this program will be my Brown application....
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GPA (unweighted): 3.82
GPA (weighted): 4.43
ACT (composite): 29
ACT English: 33
ACT Math: 29
ACT Reading: 24
ACT Science: 30
Class Rank: Most likely top 10. If not, top 15
AP Classes: English Lang., Art III, Photo II, English Lit., Calc AB, Biology, Art IV, Photo III
By the time I graduate, I will have been an intern with hundreds of hours of professional work experience (still not sure what/who i'm interning for, but I'm already in the program and am scheduled to start next school year)
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Extra Curriculars and Honors/Awards:
-over 100 hours of community service (and counting)
-AP Scholar
-Math Honor Society board member (there is no president/vp/secretary/etc., just the board)
-National Honor Society member
-Art Honor Society president (founder at my school... I initiated it)
-Student Government Association member
-Silver Medalist (National winner) - Scholastic Art and Writing Awards (less than 1% of all applicants receive this award; winners are attend ceremony at Carnegie Hall, which is broadcasted live online)
-Artwork featured in Cicada Magazine, The Claremont Review, and Amazing Kids! Online Magazine
-Artwork featured on SparkNotes and deviantART.com
-Artwork displayed in public facilities multiple times
-Artwork has received multiple local/state awards
-5 years of piano lessons and competitions
-Varisty Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field
-Varsity Cross Country
-Member of an environmental awareness team
-Tutor
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And as a bonus:
-I am planning to start a local charity next school year involving auctioning off wildlife artwork for environmental awareness... I need to talk to my environmental awareness team and my art teachers before I get started on it though
-I am planning on applying to the YoungArts awards, where the best applicants spend a week in Miami being taught by some of the best master artists of the century... the top award receivers win $10000 and receive an additional award from the president of the US, I believe...
-I am planning on reapplying to the Scholastic Art and Writing Awards next year. As a senior, I will have the capability to win the top award, which is a Gold medal in the portfolio category. winners of this award receive $10000 in cash
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please be honest and tell me whether or not I have a chance... I was hoping that my extra curriculars and my honors/awards would make up for my not-so-great test scores and grades...</p>

2

<p>zaktam, I think you’ll be a person of interest for the Brown/RISD program, but as you’re aware the acceptance rate is very low and chances for everyone are slim. What you need to do is follow the prevailing wisdom and put together a balanced list of reach/match/safety options. Brown/RISD should be on there, but so should some less selectives that you’d like to attend.</p>

<p>First, what is your financial situation? Do you need financial aid? If yes, does your family qualify for enough need based aid?</p>

<p>Second, either take the ACT again or try the SAT. I think with some test prep your math and reading scores should improve.</p>

<p>Third, plan to submit an art portfolio as a supplement to your application, even if you end up majoring in something else. You want to create a comprehensive “package:” The portfolio; a resume that lists accomplishments, awards, classes; an additional recommendation from an instructor or mentor; an essay that shows (not tells) what art means to you; selected (2 max) media articles about you.</p>

<p>Fourth, if you are able or willing to participate in track on a varsity level contact the coaches now. This could be a big plus in admissions.</p>

<p>I’d leave the idea of attending an art school open for now. Perhaps you could apply to RISD and some others like Parsons, and then discuss further with your parents when your acceptances come in.</p>

<p>Some other “full service” colleges and universities that have good studio art programs and good academics.:
Brown (separate from RISD), Yale, Williams, Wesleyan, Vassar, Hamilton, Haverford, Conn College, Skidmore. Smith if you are female.</p>

<p>A special note on Williams: They really like artist/athletes. </p>

3

<p>Thank you so much, momrath. You gave me a lot of good advice; there is one last chance to take the ACT this year, so I will go for a higher composite score while focusing mainly on math and reading. I don’t really plan on running track/cross country in college, but it’s not a definite no at this point. And thank you for the list of good academics/art colleges at the end; this will really help me out.</p>

4

<p>Hey. I’m applying this coming year too! From what I’ve learned, I think the hardest thing is seeing how you will combine your concentrations from both RISD and Brown. You need to show that in your essay.</p>

<p>Really, One would need to see your ethnic profile as well to really chance you. Usually URMs get into Brown a little easier, but otherwise, it’s gonna be tough. </p>

<p>You can try to double major at colleges if you need to for art. A lot of colleges let you. The dual degree program is harder to get into than Harvard in some cases. Just be aware of that.</p>

<p>Also, if you could look at my profile and give criticism, that would be awesome :wink: </p>