Chance- Brown University

Colleges and Universities A-Z Brown University
1

<p>Hi guys,</p>

<pre><code>I’m interested in applying for pre-med for undergrad. The program that I am most interested in is the 8-year BA/MD program (with the new 2-year clinical skills course) at Brown.
I wanted to see if I would be able to get an estimate to see if I have what it takes to have a chance at this school. I love the environment and the program offered there, and I will do whatever it takes to improve what I have to appeal more to Brown’s admissions officers.
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<p>Academics:
I believe that I may end up with a 3.5, possibly 3.6 GPA combined for sophomore and junior year (my school does not count freshman year GPA. If it makes any difference, however, I would get a 3.7-3.8 weighted if freshman year grades were counted).
9th- all honors classes, except for math
10th- AP Bio + all honors classes
- AP Biology- score of 5
11th- all AP + honors classes; AP Lang, AP Spanish, AP US History, Chemistry, Health, Calculus, British Literature
- will be taking 5 AP exams: will be taking AP Chemistry, AP Calculus AB, AP Lang, AP Spanish, AP US History
12th- all AP + honors classes; AP Psych, AP Environmental, AP Calculus BC, AP Lit, AP Spanish Lit, Physics honors, AP Govmt+Politics</p>

<p>Test Scores:
I scored a 2350 on the SAT, a 780 on the Biology SAT II, and a 5 on the AP Biology Exam.</p>

<p>Volunteering:
I have had extensive volunteering experience in healthcare and the sciences, at a comprehensive autism diagnosis + care center, at a veterans’ home, and in a major interactive exhibit in a state science center. I am also in the process of working on a science research project that I hope to submit to national competitions.
I have worked with a group on Siemens “We Can Change the World Challenge”. We won’t know the results for a while…</p>

<p>Extracurriculars:
I am most passionate about the sciences, and have mainly been pursuing science-related extracurriculars. I am president of a science club at our school, a member of the Red Cross, and both a science-bowl and quiz-bowl player. I have taken a Chemistry class at a local college, and have received credits (both lecture & lab: A’s in both)
I also plan on attending the Harvard Summer School program for the summer of 2012.
I am editor of my school’s literary magazine, and have been published in a Spanish Literary magazine as well as a National Poetry Anthology.
I have tutored kids in Spanish, Biology, and Chemistry.
I have fenced, played tennis, done Tae Kwon Do (1st-2nd black belt); badminton club.
I am Student Conductor of my high school band.
I love learning how to play on musical instruments. Piano is my favorite, my “unwinding” instrument. I have performed in several local recitals for my music school.; I have learned to play the flute, and am trying to teach myself to play the guitar.</p>

<p>Awards:
CTY
4 time National Spanish exam gold medalist; 1 time 1st-place winner ($100)
Won a regional poetry contest
Won an essay-writing contest
AMC top-scorer
Volunteer of the Year- Autism Center</p>

<p>Other hobbies that may be good to mention:
As a hobby, I love learning languages. I have taken some courses, and have become proficient in Korean and Mandarin Chinese. I am most fluent in Telugu and Spanish, as those are the languages I have had exposure to for the longest time. I would love to travel to the countries of the native-speakers of these languages; I’d really love to be able to communicate in a different medium, and meet new people in a new way.</p>

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<p>Do you think that, even with my low GPA, it would be possible to still get into Brown’s program, with my classes taken, volunteering, extracurriculars, and test scores? What do you think I would have to do to increase my chances of getting in? I would very much appreciate any advice you may give me.</p>

<p>Thanks.</p>

2

<p>If you have an absolute passion for Brown, and can take a hit with financial aid, then apply early decision. While your GPA is certainly on the lower end for a school like Brown, if you hit a home-run with your essays, I could see them taking you.</p>

3

<p>Thanks a lot for the feedback. I will definitely be working on my writing; it may end up being my saving grace.
3.6 unweighted… yes, I know it’s low. But I’m going to do what I can to still show Brown that I’m a good candidate who is passionate about the school.
May I ask if you are applying to college, or perhaps are in college already?</p>

4

<p>^I go to NYU, I’m trying to transfer into Brown as a junior. If Brown doesn’t work out for you the first time, you can apply like me. Search my past threads. Good luck! If you need me to read your essays just PM me.</p>

5

<p>You have a really good resume! </p>

<p>I think that the weakest thing present on your transcript is the GPA, but they do consider your freshman year GPA, so a 3.8 is better. If you can, try your absolute hardest for straight A’s first quarter senior year. Brown asked for mine and a lot of my friends for the senior year update. It would really show an improvement of grades and motivation.</p>

<p>As for test scores, you’ve got that under control. They definitely won’t be the reason why you won’t get into PLME or Brown.</p>

<p>EC-wise, you also sound well-rounded, leader-like, and focused in science as well. Since you’re trying to get into the medical program, hound (and I mean that in the kindest way possible) some local doctors around your town to see if you can shadow them. It would personalize your PLME essays so much more and really let admissions know that you’ve not only got the brains but some experience. </p>

<p>Also, because of your test scores, it seems like you’re probably well-versed in the humanities as well… You shouldn’t have a problem conveying your interest in the liberal arts for the essays, either. </p>

<p>Good luck!</p>

6

<p>You have a stellar profile, with the exception of the GPA. Firstly, be sure to have a counselor or someone in your school admin write in your rec letter that you’ve tried challenging yourself with a rigorous AP schedule and that as contributed to some grade slippage (I’m assuming that’s the reason–if it’s not, disregard :D). Next, from a fellow Indian, don’t underestimate how adversely being in the South Asian pool can affect you, given your current GPA…so make sure your essays are AMAZING. And write about something unique too (I think it’s so awesome that you conduct you hs band!). I would also recommend a supplemental piece of poetry if you want to show that off too. PM me if you have any other q’s! Best of luck!</p>

7

<p>Chances are just that, purely improbable, esp since PLME is such a low acceptance rate. But you asked for advice:

  1. Get nothing but As (or whatever your schools top grades are) for the rest of your grades. This is probably more important than anything else.
  2. Continue to do something this summer that is medically related, and at a very in-depth, time and heart commitment level. The more it is directly related to medicine, the better. (this may also help you with your essays.) Esp if you can at the end of it get an incredible recommendation from an MD. Research is particularly a good plus.
  3. Retake your SATs and get the highest scores you can. (this is less of a problem, but if you only took them once and think they can go even higher, it won’t hurt).
  4. As above, if financial aid comparisons are not critical for you, apply ED, and even better, if you would be happiest being at Brown undergrad, even if you were not accepted into PLME, then apply as ED to regular undergrad also. Although Brown says that doesn’t matter, I really think that does matter, particularly with more “borderline” admits. And it makes sense: it is another sign that you have really looked into what Brown is, and really are committed to Brown as a school.
  5. Spend a lot of time on your essays, and really put your heart and effort into them.
    Best of luck!</p>
8

<p>@popcharlie93 Thanks so much for giving me feedback! I really appreciate you taking the time to look over my case and respond!
Yes, I know my GPA is definitely the weakest part of my resume… and of course, it’s my most alarming concern. I’m doing what I can to maintain A’s in my classes now, and will definitely keep (if not improve) the trend in senior year. Though hopefully, if freshman year grades are included, I may have a somewhat acceptable number (3.7-3.8 unweighted)? It will be better weighted, for sure! But thank you for the advice.</p>

<p>It is very flattering to hear that I sound “well-rounded”; thank you for the compliment! But to improve upon what I have now, shadowing a professional sounds like a great idea. I would actually really like to have that sort of experience, seeing more firsthand and observing an occupational routine. I will definitely look into it! (And don’t worry, I will find out how to be persistently without being downright obnoxious! Thanks for the tip)</p>

<p>It seems that it is a good idea to balance both the arts and sciences, even if you are really applying for one field over the other; as in this case, applying to PLME over a different liberal arts education? Is it part of being a well-rounded student?</p>

<p>And I see that you are a 2016 PLME student! Congratulations :slight_smile: May I ask how you got interested in medicine to begin with, and how you worked through high school to get credentials for applying to a medical school? I would really appreciate it.
Thanks again for all of your kind feedback.</p>

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<p>@ivynspire5 Whoa, “stellar”? I never expected a comment like that; thank you!
Yes, my GPA is by far the weakest- and it was because of a rigorous course schedule. I was also completing an independent study for Science Research- that was another part of it. I had much, much less time during the day to do anything. I will definitely make sure that that get mentioned in the application!! It is crucial, I understand.</p>

<p>Oh yes, I have been expecting the ethnicity issue to play a role as well… that’s the main reason why I am worried about my GPA, because I will probably look like I’m even farther behind my peers if my grades remain in this shape. (I know that there are SEVERAL other Indian kids within my school who have higher GPAs than I do- than an overall 3.7-3.8 unweighted. Which means that I will have to more than make up for that difference to have any chances at getting in.) I will most definitely put much of my efforts into the essays. I’m going to play up all of the uniqueness I’ve got!</p>

<p>And thank you, again, so much for taking the time to go through all of this information and give me constructive feedback from it. It means a lot.
I will definitely PM if I have any questions! Thank you kindly.</p>

10

<p>It would appear (as others have mentioned) that your biggest weakness is your UW GPA. That being said, everything else on your resume is great. If you want a chance at Brown PLME, try as hard as you can to get straight As throughout the rest of your high school career. Your test scores are great (I assume you will be taking more SAT Subject Tests in the future; Math Level 2 and Chemistry would probably be the most helpful) and your ECs show a variety of interests as well as a passion for science.</p>

<p>I was admitted to the PLME just last week, much to my surprise. I would say that my essays were probably the strongest part of my application, so make sure you really invest time and effort into your essays. Show Brown who are you as a person, don’t just list your achievements.</p>

11

<p>Alright, a few more things to add:</p>

<p>Testing:

  • Took the April ACT: Got a 35 Composite Score
  • Took the SAT II tests for Chemistry and US History in May (results will be out in about a week… hoping for the best!)
  • Will be taking SAT II tests for Math IIC and Spanish in June.
  • Took my 5 planned AP exams (Chem., Calc. AB, Spanish, English Lang., and US History)
  • National Merit Commended (PSATs)</p>

<p>ECs:

  • Spanish & French Literary Magazine asked me to be editors/layout designers for both
  • Consulting technician for English Department
  • Quiz Bowl: qualified for National History Bowl and a state science bowl competition. One of team captains; team has gone to Nationals & has won 1st,3rd place in a state tournament.
  • Will try running for a Student Council position</p>

<p>If I find anything else to add, I will definitely do so. :slight_smile: Thank you to everyone who has given me feedback so far, I really appreciate it.</p>

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<p>hey good luck I think you can get in</p>

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<p>You have good chances to get into brown, probably higher if you go Ed. With plme, it’s hard for everyone, but your ecs and stuff look pretty focused on med …(unlike mine :frowning: …)
As others have said, the fact that you have a rigorous schedule diminishes the negative effect of low gpa.</p>

<p>Chance a fellow prospective plme student back?
<a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1334147-chance-brown-williams-other-top-schools.html[/URL]”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/what-my-chances/1334147-chance-brown-williams-other-top-schools.html&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

14

<p>In addition: thanks to the previous suggestions I have received, I have begun to:</p>

<ul>
<li><p>Shadow a pediatrician, and continue over the summer and through 12th grade (and he has known me for a few years, hope to get a good recommendation from him!)</p></li>
<li><p>Intern at the science center at which I already volunteer; I have the opportunity to help with some organization, coordinate administrative events, and, most importantly, work with people in the exhibits, conducting small experiments and answering peoples’ questions about what they’re seeing (the last component is the one I’m most happy about). </p></li>
</ul>

<p>I certainly hope this all works out for the best! Thanks again for the feedback so far, guys!</p>

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<p>[I am also now CPR certified and have participated in a program at a local college that offered medical lectures and assessments for interested students)</p>

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<p>And how will that improve OP’s application? That he/she did well in honors classes, then went downhill after starting to take much more difficult AP classes? That will not look good at all to admissions. </p>

<p>What is your class rank or estimated percentile?</p>

17

<p>@cortana431
I’m in the top 15% of my school (school does not rank, unfortunately, so I don’t have much of a gauge of comparison. But the percentile I am sure of.). I don’t know how much it would help, but my school is ranked first in the state, and has been ranked within the top 25 nationwide.
Yes, that is true I did well in honors classes freshman year, and dipped in sophomore year when I first started APs. The main issue with sophomore year is that I was heavily engaged in a research project both in school and out of school, and I did not balance everything in that year the way I should have been able to. As a result, I got two of the worst grades I had ever received on my transcript… which leads to my current uw gpa of 3.7, and 3.8 or higher for weighted.
If it helps any, though, I have taken 3 APs this year, gotten A’s in all of them and have taken all 3 AP exams, and have self-studied two others. I hope that it becomes clear as a trend that the fact that I was taking classes with AP curriculi was not the problem- it was the amount of strain I had forced upon myself in sophomore year and needed to learn to cope with. If the AP rigor was the problem, I would not have done well in 3 of those classes this year, nor would I have the will to self-study others.</p>

<p>Would getting 5s on these AP exams, however, contribute to showing that the grade slip in sophomore year was a once-ocurring personal mismanagement, rather than a glaring long-term habit as an applicant?</p>

<p>I appreciate the reality check, and I know that I will have a hard time applying with these grades, as it is most definitely a major setback; but do you think that there is anything I might be able to do about the situation?</p>

18

<p>You are a highly qualified candidate…so congratulations on that!! Right now all you can do is focus on putting together a strong and unique application. I will be attending Brown in the Fall and honestly believe my essays and personal qualities made all the difference. The admissions staff wants to get to know who you are and what you can bring to campus. Be creative in your application and embrace individualism. Be bold. Take a risk. (Just nothing TOO over the top!) Don’t try to be something that you are not, but think about how you can stand out amongst the 29,000 other applications. Best of luck!</p>

19

<p>Any other advice, guys? Thanks very much for the feedback so far.</p>