chance me and recommend schools?

Chance Me / Match Me!
1

I am really looking to see my chances at Brown, NYU, and Penn State Honors College. I know you guys have probably seen this type of thread ad nauseam but I am just so curious as to what other unbiased people of my chances. So let’s get right into it.

INTENDED MAJOR: Business, Entrepreneurship and Organizations//Marketing

BACKGROUND: White male from Massachusetts; I go to a vocational-technical school and am the first student applying to Brown from here as far as I know. I am in a program that focuses on graphic design, photography, video, and web design.

SAT: 1410 (730 Math, 680 English)
SAT ESSAY: 6 Reading, 4 Analysis, 6 Writing - I know this is a weak point
SAT SUBJECT TEST: 780 Math 2, 780 Chemistry

GPA: 104.66/100
Rank: Top 7% (21/302)
COURSEWORK: Took all AP classes offered at my school (excluding APUSH) and self-studied AP Macroeconomics.
AP Lang (5); AP Chemistry (4); AP Macroeconomics (5)
SENIOR YEAR: AP Literature, AP Calculus AB, AP Physics, AP Spanish Language and Culture, Honors American Government

ECs: President of DECA Chapter; Competitor in SkillsUSA and State Voting Delegate; NHS Executive Board, Ski Club, Art Club, Yearbook
WORK: “Team Leader” at a local ice cream shop

ESSAY: Pretty strong, wrote about a transformation in my character from being a middle school bully to the person I am today. Some people (including my literature teacher) LOVED the essay while others thought it was strong but not overly unique.

LETTERS OF REC: #1 AP Lang Teacher; 11/10 recommendation, my friend teared up when she read it. Highlights my scholastic and leadership abilities in contrast to my loving personality.

2 Guidance Counselor; 5/10 Pretty typical essay, pretty much a verbal resume. She hardly knows her students.

3 AP Chemistry Teacher; Unsure, she never let me read it, but I am assuming it probably talks about my "outstanding chemistry student award" and once again my goofy character

4 NHS Advisor; Unsure, she has known me for 3 years and is my current Spanish teacher. She watched me take the challenge of one of two students to move from traditional Spanish to an immersion program and is also an advisor for NHS which I am on the executive board for.

POINTS OF INTEREST: One interesting part of my application is my attendance at a vocational school, which are traditionally not seen as college-preparatory schools; though, I am not sure if this will have any effect on my application.
I also have a pretty immense following on the trivial app known as “TikTok”. By that I mean, I have 160,000+ fans who watch me lipsync songs, from which I have made several hundred dollars.
I took a college class at my local community college where I received an A- in biology. I specifically noted on my application that I am not interested in pursuing biology, but rather I took the class because my science teacher recommended I take at least one biology class before graduating.

SUMMARY: I have regional achievements in a variety of areas, but my main intended major is business. I am looking to own my own advertising/design agency after graduation, and I try to tie it all together by noting that I already know the fundamentals of design from my vocational education, and what to learn the business part from Brown (or the other schools). I am also looking to expound upon the Brown-RISD relationship to further my skills in both fields (if I were accepted). Not sure how well this is conveyed in my application, though. My SATs and GPA are subpar, but I am hoping that my character references can win them over.

2

Congratulations on all your achievements. You clearly have eclectic interests you pursue with passion…a big plus at Brown.

With that said please keep in mind that last years regular decision acceptance rate was 5.5%. That will likely go lower this year as ED applications were up 21% and as a result 769 acceptance offers were made, 32 more than the 737 for the class of 2022. Keep in mind these ED acceptances yield 100% so will likely lower RD acceptances by approximately 50. In addition RD applications are likely to increase given the apparent effect of Brown Promise on the ED pool. Not inconceivable that RD acceptance rate will be right around 5%.

You are a compelling candidate but you will have to standout ahead of 19 other candidates. Frequently CC threads suggest “it’s a crap shoot”. It’s actually not. First you will have to be perceived as being able to thrive academically based on your past scholastic and standardised test performance. Then you will be evaluated on your potential to contribute to the Brown community in a unique way. From there among the three or four remaining candidates of an original 20 it’s a crap shoot…

So your question was do you have a chance? Yes but as described it is a long shot. Do your best but make sure you have other options that you are both confident and happy with. Not trying to shatter your dream but ensure you are realistic and approach it with your eyes open. Good luck!

3

That is a very good perspective. Thank you!

4

Have you looked at Lehigh? It’s strong both in business and in art/design; and it encourages interdisciplinary majors and pursuits. And your stats place you close to he 75th percentile mark which positions you well. The Business Administration + Design combined major at Northeastern could be a nice fit too. The New Media Marketing major at RIT might be up your alley too. And the Whitman/Newhouse dual degree program at Syracuse sounds nearly perfect for your interests https://whitman.syr.edu/programs-and-academics/programs/whitman-undergraduate-experience/curriculum/dual-programs/newhouse-school.aspx - this would be competitive to get into but I think your strong stats, relevant background, and personal qualities would make you a great candidate.

Are NYU and PSU out-of-state both financially viable for you? (Brown would meet full documented need if you’re eligible, but the other two would not.) I agree with the analysis upthread, that Brown is a high reach but not impossible… but you need to have matches and safeties that you’re excited about (and can afford - run the NPC’s!) as well.

5

@aquapt I did actually apply to northeastern with that intended major. I have not checked out Lehigh or RIT, but I will be sure to as well. Thank you!