<p>I’ve known more than a few people over the years who changed after spending some time in highly-selective colleges and graduate schools: they began to give off that “God’s gift to humanity” vibe, which took a lot of teasing and sometimes outright insulting to wear down. I’ve also heard that many tour guides at elite colleges present that smug “you’re probably not good enough to get in here” attitude.</p>
<p>I thus find it curious that Brown seems to like to engage in mocking itself. At ADOCH last week, my son got to see a series of TV and movie clips where the characters made fun of Brown. Today I saw an online video skit (which was an intro to a CS class, of all things!) that poked fun at Brown’s image of having hipsters and hippie-communists.</p>
<p>Did we stumble upon the two rare exceptions, or is this a re-occurring theme at Brown? I find it quite refreshing either way, and my son is absolutely in love with Brown.</p>
<p>I am in talks with the admitted students Facebook group, and I assure you all of us realize that there is that stigma. It has nothing to do with the university (drugs, sex, and liberal-thinkers are a part of any college); it has everything to do with the people. Everyone on the board appears to be incredibly humble, with that comes self-depreciating humor.</p>
<p>As for the superior mindset, you will find all ivies to have both extremes: those who believe they are a god and those that try to live as a saint.</p>
<p>I definitely think it is a reoccurring theme at Brown. In one of my classes earlier this week, a visiting lecturer used the example of “how many ____ students do you need to put in a lightbulb” jokes when explaining stereotypes in psychology. His list of schools and answers didn’t include Brown, so we shared the Brown version of this joke with him:</p>
<p>How many Brown students does it take to screw in a lightbulb?
Eleven. One to put it in and ten to share the experience.</p>
<p>That joke got all the better when the started Project 20/20(?) (the CFL light bulb installation initiative).</p>
<p>My son confirmed his desire to attend Brown over the weekend. Now when he logs on it says “committed to Brown.” Sounds like he’s been sentenced to an insane asylum. Yet another staff member with a wicked sense of humor?</p>
<p>My D’s tour guide at Duke definately gave of the “you really need not apply here” kind of 'tude. It was a huge turnoff. And, maybe that’s what they intend. May I mock brown now for being the “least among best.” or “last among the first”. Whatever. I’m sure students get a good ed. there if they “commit”. LOL. My D has a friend that got in on athl prowess…and we’re not hearing the end of the “I’m at an Ivy” routine.</p>
<p>MitchKreyben, “My D’s tour guide at Duke definately gave of the “you really need not apply here” kind of 'tude. It was a huge turnoff”, haha, Duke is Duke, maybe they belong to royal family… arrogant, snobby, snooty …</p>