Brown's X factors :)

Colleges and Universities A-Z Brown University
1

<p>I read brown’s common data sheet and it stated the most important factors as:
Rigor of Secondary School Record
Talent/Ability
Character/Personal qualities
Level of applicant interest</p>

<p>What do they mean by talent/ability? I’ve played the violin since I was 8, participated and ranked in quizbowl/collegebowl… I have no idea what they’re asking. I am so limited in that area because I don’t play sports (more like my parents didn’t allow me to play sports)</p>

<p>I am skilled in several forms of magic! does that count? (I’m not talking just 1-2 tricks, I’m talking upclose/street, big illusions (I don’t own any of the big illusion props though), “mind reading”, cup and ball, basically anything.)
However… bad news, I haven’t joined any type of society/club for that. So there’s absolutely no way for me to put that down since I can’t document it.</p>

<p>I’m also a great cook! But there’s also no way to document that either, unless I decided to send some food to the adcoms :P</p>

<p>I feel I’m lacking stuff to put down for talent and ability… should I just state my reasons for not having any? :P</p>

<p>Another thing, how does one show level of interest? Should that just show through my essay by pointing out various things I know about Brown or like say how honored I would be if I was in so and so’s class since they’re the premier authority on a certain subject? </p>

<p>Maybe I should send a letter stating my intention of them being my 1st choice. =(</p>

2

<p>good question- I was wondering if it's ever OK to state a school is your first choice
especially if you are hoping for any merit or finaid</p>

3

<p>You can write your essays about magic/cooking! There are still ways to get across your interests.</p>

4

<p>Sounds like you have many talents!
Particularly playing the violin. Quiz bowl is more of academic ability / extra curricular activity.
Don't worry about documenting magic - if you can describe some of your illusions of prestidigitation you should be fine! Maybe you can even make the other applicants disappear! ;)</p>