Hey there, I created this thread for other RUE applicants.
Did anyone get a letter yet?
No. I spoke with someone in the Admissions Office yesterday, and they were firm on not being more specific than “early to mid-May.” I am shocked that they send determinations through the post. It definitely doesn’t give us much time to extricate ourselves from jobs and plan an interstate move!
The Financial Aid office requested additional information from me about a week ago, so they may still be processing things. Have you gotten any information to indicate that they have finished their decisions?
Update: I just noticed that the application checklist is no longer available, and I have a new tab to accept award offer with instructions on how to accept financial aid offers, but no detail of the offer is shown. I wonder if this is an oversight/nonn-individualized update to the portal, of if it is indicative of an acceptance.
Justsemnatics, I just noticed the same! My heart skipped a beat - something’s cooking for sure.
When I had my phone interview they said decisions would be out around May 10th.
@scareloki618
Oooh, I’m jealous that you got an interview. I requested one, but so few RUE applicants actually get one.
@Tenacious2 I think it is safe to assume that it is just a general change to the portal. It appears that all of the transfer applicants who applied for FA have the same changes. My heart was in my throat though, I was so hopeful!
What interested you all in Brown? What is your background? I had to withdraw from college for medical reasons, and subsequent financial hardships kept me from returning. By sheer luck and a matter of circumstance I ended up in a career in nonprofit finance. The open curriculum and the ability to be an active member of the community were the main draws for me. I hope to concentrate in both applied linguistics and poly sci. My eventual goal is to work toward replacing the rhetoric used in policy and legislation for language that is accessible and applicable to our society.
@scareloki618 - Wow, wow, wow! Good luck!
@justsemantics - First, let me say that I’m a million years old. I started at Berkeley (architecture/city planning), and was forced to dropout because I was broke. So, I made some money and got married. Nine years ago, I picked-up where I left off at UPenn. Divorce, ugh. But I managed to complete a certificate in nonprofit administration thanks to a wonderful advisor, who wrote a marvelous letter of recommendation.
I chose Brown over UPenn because I wanted to study at an institution that wouldn’t pollute my imagination. I don’t want a pass for life experience, I want to earn a degree in a rigorous field of study that demonstrates I can compete. I want to become part of a community that’s inclusive, not one that sidelines me to an evening program with B-list lecturers. My god, I’d rather have no degree than one from a diploma mill.
BTW, we have similar interests. I’m a former lobbyist and government press officer. Currently, I’m an elected officeholder. However, I have the most atrocious early transcripts you have ever seen. Seriously. I peg my chances at very, very slim.
God, @Tenacious2 if your chances are slim, mine are almost non-existent. I’m ex-military turn environmentalist. I did a semester in an Environmental-Peacebuilding institute in the middle of the Israeli desert. Started a non-profit environmental project in Brazil which is still under development. Today the only thing that I saw on the admissions page is: “Admission decisions are currently not available”
Is Brown everyone’s top choice? I plan on turning down everyone if Brown lets me in.
@NatashaLaPaz You’re very generous, but your global nonprofit and military experience is majorly impressive. I live in Berkeley, and most of my neighbors are professors who say Brown is working hard to expand their global presence, though they have a global MBA partner program and the Watson Institute. I imagine they’d welcome a candidate with your unique background, especially as it relates to environmental policy. Mos def!
One of my neighbors is a diversity officer for the UC system and he was pretty candid about my chances (a-hem), but I felt I had to try as it seems at Brown, there’s no secret sauce - everyone has a shot. That’s why I applied only to Brown, @neoscarecrue. I loved Penn, but it’s not for me long term (I’d love to slip into an advanced masters program). Yale and Smith don’t feel right either. And Berkeley is so unforgiving admissions wise and doesn’t offer any financial aid.
One other thing that may sound irrelevant, but is important to me: every individual at Brown with whom I spoke or exchanged email was patient, responsive and courteous. And just plain enthusiastic. Getting accepted would initiate a major life change, and it’s nice to know that folks there are both knowledgable and service oriented.
Question: To which other programs did you all apply?
Got into Berkeley, top choice is Brown, but also waiting to hear back from Duke.
@neoscarecrue Congratulations! Cal is very, very competitive - what a major feat! Fingers crossed for you…
Hello everyone, I also did apply to Brown’s RUE program. Had a phone interview a few weeks ago and still have not received any update as of today. Any news?
@gogetter237 how was your phone interview?
@gogetter237 I haven’t heard of many RUE applicants getting interviews from Brown, so that is probably a pretty good sign.
It was very casual, none of the standard questions, not even the famous “why Brown” opener. I thought interviews are conducted by Brown alumni. Turns out neither of the two people that interviewed me went to Brown. Guess that helped me to take control of the interview.
@neoscarecrue While its a good opportunity to make your case, I honestly don’t think having an interview means you are better off. Interviews can also be used to select among applicants that are equally qualified for the few remaining slots so not having an interview can be a good sign as well. Just depends on how you look at it.
Interesting, my interview went a little differently. Who interviewed you?
@scareloki618 I was interviewed by a gentleman named Peter and one lady, don’t remember her name because Peter did most of the talking. We talked mostly about my intended program and how the open curriculum will help me design a major suitable for my future endeavors. Also talked about ECs at Brown. I applied for financial aid and I’m heavily in need so I asked how adversely that could affect my application. They said though financial aid is a factor in the decision making process, it has become less of a defining factor in recent years due to donations to help RUE students with financial need so I’m keeping my fingers crossed. How was your interview?