Computer science/engineering at Brown? 1930 SAT/2.9 HS GPA?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Brown University
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<p>How good is Brown’s computer science/engineering program? Good is an arbitrary adjective but I guess what I’m trying to ask is whether it’s computer science program is as reputable or respectable as its other programs? Also, does Brown have a pass/fail grading system, and if so, how is a student’s grade point average calculated? And how is Providence? Is there lots to do? What is the skate scene like (I am a skateboarder, not an ice skater just to clarify any misunderstandings), and how “hard” are the classes? I would imagine that they’re very hard, compared to high school AP classes?</p>

<p>Anyways, enough out the quality of Brown. (I already know Brown is the best ivy/school in the world) My 2.9 high school gpa is certainly not impressive, and nor is my 1930 SAT, but even so, my SAT and gpa aren’t consistent with each other. In any case, I want to attend Brown badly, and would like to transfer the end of my freshman year. Does Brown accept college freshmen for sophomore spots? Will Brown still look at my hideous high school records? Do I need to retake the SAT and take the SAT subject tests?</p>

<p>I think the strength of my application comes from my EC’s and my international background (and even my strenghts may be considered normal in context to the average student attending Brown). I worked/am working for an award winning web development/software development company called Janmedia (Janmedia.com), and began since I was 16 years old when I was a junior. I basically handled the small project requests that Janmedia wasn’t interested in (they were too busy sealing deals with government agencies and other notable clients). I also volunteered for the Smithsonian as a research assistant in paleobotony, and have down manual labor work for the Habitat for Humanity in Bolivia, building houses for the needy. Apart from my international background, I also have many interests: computer science (built my own computer and server when I was 14), business, music (guitar), movies (filming for skateboarding, indie movies - understanding and being able to relate to the unusual), psychology (my family is pretty dysfunctional in many ways, and not in that Royal Tenebaums way), soccer, football, basketball, baseball, skateboarding (I’m very anti-authority), politics (international experience/father’s background. he’s conservative but his extreme conservatism has repelled me into molding my own liberal perspective), philisophical/classic literature (essential to every intellectual), art (graphic design), photography (pictures can depict a stronger emotion than any set amount of words), and history (i love how twisted and hypocritical america is). </p>

<p>Again, I’m sure none of this really matters and won’t really help my admission as a transfer student, but I just want to face the facts and be practical. If anyone can give me a rundown on my chances/how I might improve my chances as a spot in the very limited transfer population, I would be so thankful!</p>

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<p>Bumperoogins...</p>

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<p>Hi. You've got a lot of questions here. A lot of them have been answered in previous threads, so I'll take them one at a time and give brief answers, and if you want elaboration, feel free to ask.</p>

<p>--How good is Brown's computer science/engineering program?
Those are two different programs. Both are very good.</p>

<p>--Also, does Brown have a pass/fail grading system, and if so, how is a student's grade point average calculated?
The Open Curriculum has been described many times on this board before, so I'll just answer the question briefly here. You can chose to take any class for a grade (A, B, C, or No Credit -- no plusses or minuses) or Satisfactory / No Credit (pass/fail). A small number of classes (for example, some writing seminars, music classes, etc) are mandatory S/NC. Because of this option, Brown does not calculate students' GPAs.</p>

<p>--And how is Providence? Is there lots to do?
It's no New York or Boston, but it's pretty nice for a city its size. There are concerts, clubs, restaurants, etc. It's also really easy to get to Boston from here. But most social life takes place on campus -- there's always a LOT to do here every day of the week!</p>

<p>--What is the skate scene like (I am a skateboarder, not an ice skater just to clarify any misunderstandings)?
I have no idea.</p>

<p>--and how "hard" are the classes? I would imagine that they're very hard, compared to high school AP classes?
Workload has also been discussed a lot on other threads recently, but the general consenus is that it depends on the class. Overall, classes here are definitely harder and a lot more work than AP classes, but if you've challenged yourself in high school, then you shouldn't be incredibly overwhelmed here.</p>

<p>--2.9 / 1930 transfer chances.
Honestly, I'd say your chances to transfer are extremely low. Yes, Brown does take transfers, but you'd have to do incredibly well during your first year at college and have some pretty amazing reasons why your GPA was so low in high school. They do look at your high school record, and so you'd have to show a pretty dramatic turnaround in college in order to get in. I'm not sure about re-taking the SATs.</p>