<p>what the hell right? i’m bored and got 3 weeks to kill. so i’ll answer any questions you guys might have. i hope i have answers to them. so let em roll…</p>
<ol>
<li>how hard is it to maintain a 3.5+ gpa?</li>
<li>how intellectual is the average student? </li>
<li>what is the campus feel?</li>
<li>what is your favorite/least favorite part about brown?</li>
</ol>
<p>Thank you!</p>
<p>ditto question 4... thats a good one
if there was one thing you could change about brown, what would it be....</p>
<p>Can you paint us a picture of one typical day at Brown?</p>
<p>Which residence halls are best, and what do you think is the most important item to bring for a dorm?</p>
<p>Also, which classes are the most interesting and great for freshmen?</p>
<p>Who actually does the Egyptology major? (I want to; this is why I ask.)</p>
<p>Well since no one is answering these questions, and I'm rather bored, I'll answer a few for now. I'm a freshman so I don't know everything, but I think ill be able to give decent answers to at least a few of the questions:</p>
<p>1 How hard is it to maintain a 3.5 GPA?
Well, in actuality, its impossible, because Brown no longer calculates GPA. Since students have the option to take as many classes as they want pass/fail, it doesn't really make sense to determine GPA. In terms of grades, however, most students are able to get B's without incredible amounts of work, and usually the top 1/3 or so of each class will receive and A. To put this in perspective, in my chem class this semester, about 50 out of 144 students received A's. As the lowest grade possible is a C, many students would rather fail a class (as failures don't show on your external transcript hehe) than get a C.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>How intellectual is the typical student?
Well my dear watson, ....I'm just kidding. Actually, there is incredibly wide range of students here. Although some may not seem it at first, almost everyone I've met is extremely intellectual, or at least passionate about several different things. During orientation next year, you'll likely find yourself having intriguing conversations with people of all different opinions and backgrounds late into the night. Yes, some students dont' like to get all philosophical (in fact I myself am like that), but its easy to find students you click with, and who will talk about anything.</p></li>
<li><p>What is the campus feel?
Well this is kind of a vague question, but I'll see what I can do. In terms of aesthetics, I think Brown is absolutely gorgeous, especially in the wintertime. It's awesome to have a huge open campus, with several large grassy fields, but still be minutes away from Downtown Providence. As such, Brown has neither the feeling of a city school, like NYU or Columbia, or a very rural, isolated school, such as Williams. Instead, it has its own unique feeling, which I and most other students quickly come to adore. In terms of the people at Brown....well, one of the reasons I decided to come here instead of other schools I had been accepted to was because of the incredible student body. Upon visiting, I was immediately overwhelmed at the overall sense of friendliness that pervaded the student body. Almost everyone I met wanted to sit down and get to know me, and it seemed as if friendships developed almost effortlessly. Yes, there are kids here I find annoying, but I nonetheless find the people here to be (overall) magnificant. In terms of personality, everyone is a tad bit eccentric. I'm gay (i guess that's not personality haha), I love to cook, I have an extensive collection of gems, I'm probably the loudest most spontaneous person you'll ever meet. My roommate is 6'10 (HAHA I KNOW), does crew, loves to play smash brothers (I always beat him). My friend down the hall is obsessed with the Swedish culture and he's not even swedish, he probably know's more astronomy than students taking geological studies classes. Another person down the hall is not afraid to say that he doesn't want to play video games at the moment because he's horny and he wants to....well....you get the idea. The point is that everyone has their own interests, their own unique personality, their own set of opinions. This is true of every college, no doubt, but these attributes seem to be more pronounced (and students are less hesitant to be themselves) at Brown.</p></li>
<li><p>What is your favorite/least favorite part about Brown?
Hands down, I love the fact that we get to shape our own education. That was a huge factor in my deciding to come to Brown. I love that I never have to take another history class if I don't want to (I don't) and I could take all chemistry classes and nothing else If i desired ( I don't). The fact that Brown trusts their students enough to allow them to shape their own education means a great deal to me, as well as most students at Brown. In terms of what I like the least....hmm...I honestly don't have many complaints. I'm naturally a very hard worker, and as such I spend a great deal of my time doing schoolwork. Sometimes, however, I feel as if I'm the only one working so hard, and everyone else is off having fun. No, I don't do work all weekend, and everyone does work, just some more than others, and that can be frustrating at times. I realize that this is simply a personal matter. Other than that, I've heard that the housing lottery is a nightmare, but I haven't had to deal with that yet...</p></li>
</ol>
<p>Anyway, I'm going to eat dinner so that's it for now. Feel free to ask some more and I'll try to help</p>
<p>PS - Sorry for typos I wrote this rather quickly</p>
<p>-Charlie</p>
<ol>
<li>Can you paint us a picture of the typical day at Brown?
Well, there isn't really a typical day at Brown, as everyone takes different classes and has various extracurriculars. I can tell you what my general day is like however. I usually wake up somewhere between 8:20 and 10:30, depending on when my first class is. Classes run anywhere from 9 AM (some may start at 8, but very few) to 7ish (once again some are later, but even classes that end past 5:20 are few in number). Between classes, students generally go with a small group of friends to one of the dining halls to get a bite to eat. After classes, most students spend a few hours doing hw in their room or in the library, and then relax or "do casual hw" as I like to call it (aka study in bed with the tv on in the background). Wandering is also popular in my dorm. Students are constantly walking through the hallways popping their heads into friends' rooms, seeing what they're doing. It's a decent way to pass the time. N64 is really popular, so a lot of people play video games in their free time (especially mario kart and smash brothers in my dorm). Very few students go to bed before 12PM, with the majority going to bed somewhere between 1 and 3 AM. Don't worry, this isn't because everyone is working on hw far into the night.....you just start to develop a different "schedule" at college. I used to go to bed around 11:30....now its more like 2AM.</li>
</ol>
<p>2.Which residence halls are best, and what do you think is the most important item to bring for a dorm?
I personally think Hope (my dorm) is the best. When I first found out I was in hope, I was rather upset, as I thought it had the smallest and dingiest rooms (it is the oldest dorm on campus). But when I got hear, I was pleasantly surprised. First of all, Hope is on the main green, so you can pretty much wake up, roll out of bed, and be in class. The rooms are among the largest on campus. Even the smallest doubles are definitely more spacious than the majority of the freshman doubles at brown. Yes, the walls are concrete, but its no big deal. Also, living in the smallest dorm on campus (only around 55-65 people) is a plus for me, because I quickly made several close friends, and I know everyone in my residence hall relatively well. Second to Hope, Andrews is really really nice. They also have large rooms, and they even have their own sinks. The disadvantange of Andrews, however, is that it isn't on the center of campus. The most important thing to bring to a dorm.....hmmm....well if you're used to a comfortable bed, definitely bring a decent mattress topper....it makes a huge difference ( I personally like the memory foam ones). Other than that, lots of tape (for setting up the room), a printer (you dont' want to have to go to the library all the time to print papers), and enough power strips to plug everything in to (remember that extension cords aren't allowed).</p>
<p>3.Which classes are the most interesting and great for freshmen?
Sometime before you register for classes you'll get a packet in the mail of all the freshman seminars going on next year. Definitely try to take one of these classes. They're an excellent way of getting to know one of your professors, as the classes are capped at 20 students. I'm a science person, so I took "the biological effects of radiation" which I loved, but I haven't really heard anything bad about any of the seminars whatsoever. If you're into music, definitely take Choral Conducting - I took it this semester and it was incredibly enjoyable - a wonderful break from my other more demanding classes.</p>
<ol>
<li>Who actually does the Egyptology major?
I'm not sure what you mean by this....I'm pretty sure the major is open to everyone. It isn't super popular however. I dont' know anyone majoring in Egyptology, but I do have one friend who just took an intro to hyroglyphics class. I think she enjoyed it, but it certainly was a lot more work and memorization than she hoped for. She had a gigantic stack of flashcards she had to memorize on a regular basis. But if you're interested, definitely check it out....having a shopping period (another one of my favorite parts of Brown) is a great way to explore classes you're interested in, or know absolutely nothing about.</li>
</ol>
<p>-Charlie</p>
<p>Thanks for answering. Do many undergraduates get to do research? I would really like to work in a lab on an actual project (if not during the school year, maybe during the summer). Do PLME kids have more opportunities when it comes to this? Also, when I applied, I put that I was going for a B.A., but that was stupid of me, and I really want a B.S.. Is it possible to change once (and if) I get there? Thanks!</p>
<p>Are there any professors you recommend to defintely try to get or to avoid?</p>
<p>1.Do many undergraduates get to do research? Do PLME kids have more opportunities when it comes to this? Also, when I applied, I put that I was going for a B.A., but that was stupid of me, and I really want a B.S.. Is it possible to change once (and if) I get there? </p>
<p>Yes, if you talk to professors, and show interest, its definitely very easy to do undergraduate research. In fact, my chem professor last semester strongly believes that you'll never learn enough from a textbook, and to truly discover science, you have to research in a lab. He told me extremely early on in the semester (maybe the second week), that he lets students do work in his lab all the time, and they dont' have to be upperclassmen. You may not be guaranteed pay, but as early on as your freshman year (not even the summer!) you can be doing work in a lab if you so desire and show the interest. Even if you can't get involved in professional research, you may be able to get access to a lab to do your own proposed research, or to help synthesize compounds for various labs (always a good experience). I'm going to try doing some of the above this coming semester. All that being said, I would strongly advise against trying to do research first semester....its very important to give yourself adequate time to adjust to college life. As for PLME kids, I don't believe it is any harder or easier to get involved in lab research. And yes, you can change from BA to BS whenever. In fact, majors aren't even set in stone till the end of your sophomore year I believe, and even after that, students change them on and off. It's not like your record says BA or BS and you can never change that</p>
<p>2.Are there any professors you recommend to defintely try to get or to avoid?</p>
<p>Well I've only had one semester so far haha. If you're taking chem 33 (intro chem, regardless of if you've taken AP or not), I strongly reccomend taking Moulton's section if he is teaching it. Yes, you will work much harder than the other two sections, and you may struggle throughout the semester, but you undoubtedly leave the class with a much better understanding of chemistry and its underlying principles. Plus, the averages for the 3 sections are normaled at the end of the semester so that the average grade is constant. Other than that, if you have basic knowledge of music and music theory, and you're interested in conducting, I loved choral conducting, taught by Fred Jodry, the university's choir conductor. There is also something called the Brown Critical Review, where students rate classes and professors. That is always rather useful in deciding classes to take. However, it is important not to put too much weight in these evaluations, as they are rapidly written at the end of the semester and most students rush them without putting much thought into it</p>
<p>-Charlie</p>
<p>I'm a freshman, too, so similarly, I don't know everything about everything, but I can offer a few impressions and opinions, in no particular order.</p>
<p>Of the freshman dorms, I've heard that Hope is great. I'm in Littlefield, which is very similar to Hope -- it's very small (64 freshmen) with large rooms, older architecture, and right on the main green. I don't know a ton about the upperclassmen dorms, but of the freshmen dorms, there aren't any BAD ones. Perkins is a pain to live in because it's so far away, but the kids who live there become really tight and seem to have a lot of fun.</p>
<p>Bring or buy a used mini-fridge. The Brown Student Agency will try to rent you one, but it's cheaper just to buy your own and keep it for four (or more) years. Bring a laptop, if you can. I love doing work on my bed... or on the green... or in the lounge while my roommate's boyfriend is over... or at my boyfriend's dorm out of town for the weekend.</p>
<p>Yes, as has been said on this forum many times, once you get into Brown, it doesn't matter at all what major (or degree type) you put on your application. You can change up until the minute you graduate, as many times as you want, as long as you fill the requirements for at least one major.</p>
<p>My favorite thing about Brown is the people. I think the open curriculum draws a really unique and fun group of people. From the second I stepped onto campus at ADOCH last spring, I was overwhelmed with the friendliness of the students here. Sure, there are some people who aren't as outgoing, but for the most part, the people here are incredibly friendly, fun, and caring people. I was afraid that when I got here, I would be intimidated by how brilliant everyone is, but I've found it to be very inspiring and invigorating rather than intimidating, because people are modest about their accomplishments while still being able to have amazing intellectual discussions about pretty much everything under the sun.</p>
<p>I'm not sure I really have a least favorite thing... I'm definitely jealous of the "college" / "house" systems at schools like Yale and Harvard, and certain dorms in schools like Univerity of Chicago, but housing here's not bad.</p>
<p>About GPA... as catsrus says, Brown doesn't technically calculate GPA. I think one consequence of the no + and - system is that a "B" becomes something of a catch-all grade. The very best students in the class get As, the worst get Cs, and probably the majority of students in a lot of classes get Bs. It also depends on the department and on your specific skills, and on how hard you're willing to work. I did really well this semester, but I'm thinking that certain more intimidating classes are going to hurt my non-existant GPA in the near future (Music Theory, Economics...).</p>
<p>I'm not sure exactly what the "campus feel" question was getting at. Physically, the campus has definitely grown on me. When I first visited, I didn't care much for the brick. I liked neo-gothic stuff better. But now I think it really reflects the attitude of the school -- brick seems less formal and less pretentious to me than the neo-gothic stuff. The campus is pretty small, which I love. It took me several weeks of being early to EVERYTHING to get used to the fact that I didn't have to allow 15 minutes to get anywhere (the farthest on-campus point from my dorm is probably 10 minutes at a relaxed pace or in bad weather, 7 or 8 with a quick walk).</p>
<p>Anything I could change? Hmm... I really don't like our motto, "In Deo Speramus" (In God We Hope). I don't think it reflects the mission or vision of the school. I thought about leading a campaign to get it changed, but I thought maybe I'd wait until I've been here a little longer and figure out exactly how these things work.</p>
<p>I think all freshmen should take Psychology 55, Introduction to Sleep, with Professor Mary Carskadon. This class literally changed my life. It's a fantastic class for freshmen because it's fairly easy even if you don't know much about psychology or biology. It's also great because your sleep habits are about to change dramatically, and it definitely got me to take a good look at how I was taking care of my body and how I could be healthiest and happiest (and smartest) at Brown. In addition, it serves as a good introduction to (or review of) scientific research methods, how to read a scientific article, how to criticize flawed research, experimental design, etc. Plus, Prof Carskadon is a pioneer in her field and a very funny and entertaining lecturer.</p>
<p>In addition to that, definitely try to take a CAP class (where your advisor is your professor) and a First Year Seminar.</p>
<p>Wow, this ended up being really long... sorry for intruding on your thread!</p>
<p>Damn, is anyone else drooling yet? :D</p>
<p>Thanks Charlie and ILoveBrown. Hope you guys have a fantastic 3wk break.</p>
<p>Something to change: </p>
<p>Many people at Brown are booksmart and all. However, the number of truly open-minded people is less than one might think. For the record, being liberal =/= being openminded or realistic. Also, a few more pragmatic poets never hurt anything.</p>
<p>Overall, I couldn't imagine a better school for me. Brown treats you like an adult from day one which reflects a set of values that translates very well into the real world. I consider myself very lucky.</p>
<p>About undergrad research:</p>
<p>There's a program called UTRA (no idea what it stands for) where Brown pays you $3000 to work during the summer doing research with a professor. You basically work up a proposal with the professor for either a research project, a revision of a course, or design a new course. You get to know the professor really well, you get to help design the project so it's something you're interested in, and hey, it's undergrad research and it's PAID. Pretty great deal.</p>
<p>your welcome! :)</p>
<p>What is the dating scene like a Brown?</p>
<p>1.What is the dating scene like a Brown?</p>
<p>As seems to be true of any college, people are either absorbed in a serious relationship, or just engaging in casual hookups. One guy on my floor practically lives with his gf (who he met at Brown.) They are essentially inseparable, and go everywhere together. I know a few other couples like that. Otherwise, you hear about casual flings etc. Unfortunately, there seems to be little inbetween. I know this is a generalization, but it's certainly what I've seen thus far.</p>
<p>hey guys sorry i was lagging. ut vs usc killer game...nuff said!</p>
<p>ok so gpa question:</p>
<p>we don't have them...so i don't worry about them!!! (some classes are madatory s/nc..so that throws everything off)</p>
<p>thing i would change:</p>
<p>prolly more computer areas at brown...like more 24/7 spaces with computers. but i hear they are on the go with that....</p>
<p>thing i love:</p>
<p>the people. everyone has something to learn from each other and the faculty are ****en awesome. always willing to talk.</p>
<p>research opps:</p>
<p>yeah brown has a lot of opps. for Udergrad. teaching research projects (don't quote me on that title) but yeah they are pretty good with that. b/c it's up to the student to go to the professor and be like hey "i like this and this and i hear u are researching this and that..." lets work together and make something happen... and that's how it goes down (in a nut shell)</p>
<p>dating scene:</p>
<p>yeah...random hookups suck but i mean they happen....</p>
<p>egyptology?</p>
<p>yeah i so far haven't heard of anyone doing it. </p>
<p>who else is posting from brown here?</p>
<p>uhhh... so basically, Brown turns me on.</p>