Do I have any chance at all?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Brown University
1

<p>I’m a rising senior and I’m absolutely in love with Brown. But my stats are low and my EC’s are really really weak /= As of now, it’s definitely my first choice. If it continues to remain at the absolute top in the fall (which it probably will be), I’ll apply Early Decision. </p>

<p>Chances for ED? and RD too considering I’ll probably be deferred or rejected, haha. Thanks a bunch(:</p>

<p>Stats
Female, California, Caucasian, cousin legacy (not that this counts for anything, haha)</p>

<p>Cumulative G.P.A.
U/W: 3.81
W: 4.08</p>

<p>Rank
My school doesn’t tell us our rank until senior year, but my guess is top 15%, if not higher</p>

<p>Classes
I’ve taken the most rigorous schedule my school offers.
Freshman: Advanced Geometry, Advanced English, Advanced Bio, Spanish III, World Studies, Gym (required).
Sophomore: Advanced English, Honors Chemistry, AP Modern European History (scored a 3 on the exam, long boring story that no one cares about haha. short version-- unqualified teacher, only one person out of 80 that she taught scored a 4, most people failed), Algebra II / Trig, Spanish IV, Gym (required).
Junior: AP US History (4), AP Environmental Science (4), AP English Lang (4), Student Leadership (my school is incredibly student run; this is basically a period to do all that. Very similar to a class officer position-- the officers are in the class. I, however, was not an officer), Foods & Nutrition, Pre-Calculus, and an AP level Spanish class at a local college.
Senior (next year): AP English Lit, AP Bio, AP Stat, Psychology / Anthropology, Government / Econ (my school doesn’t offer APs for these), Student Leadership, and possibly Latin I (I want to continue to study a language, but I’ve completed all the Spanish options at my school and due to budget cuts, the local community college doesn’t offer the next level).</p>

<p>Scores
SAT reasoning: 2100
I would try to raise my SAT score, but since I’m probably going to apply ED and I haven’t taken SAT subject tests, there isn’t time before the application is due. Maybe I’ll take it in November and send it afterwards to be considered. But anyways, I’m planning to take Spanish, Literature, and either Biology or US History on the October date. I’m also taking the ACT in October. Also, not sure if this counts for anything, but my PSAT scores were really great and I got national merit scholar recognition.</p>

<p>ECs (as of the end of Junior year)
Academic:
CSF member – 6 semesters
Clubs:
Math club – 2 years. (Sophomore-- Secretary, Junior — President)
Spanish Conversation club – 3 years. (Sophomore-- President)
Octogan club (community service club)-- 2 years
FHA Hero – 1 year.
“Go Green!” committee-- 1 year (lead)
Other:
Principal Advisory Board
Global Student Aspirations Team (This is really difficult to explain, haha. Basically, I’m part of a handful students across the globe who regularly work with the Quaglia Institute of Student Aspirations, “an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and putting into practice the conditions that foster student aspirations in schools and learning communities around the world.” It’s an institution designed to better student / teacher relations and encourage students to make the most of their education.)
Volunteering-- 100+ hours
Tutoring</p>

<p>Summer Programs
I was accepted into California State Summer School of the Arts (CSSSA) for Creative Writing and I’ll be attending in two weeks(:</p>

<p>Also, not sure whether this helps, but I’m a published poet.</p>

<p>I’m hoping for a concentration in cognitive neuroscience with a focus in linguistics. </p>

<p>So do I have any chance at all? I know it’s a long shot, but would it be worth it to apply? also, is there anything I can do to raise my chances? Thanks so much(:</p>

2

<p>Theoretically your objective stats aren’t too low, but they aren’t as competitive as they could be. I think your SAT only needs another 50-100 points to be in a competitive range. However, Brown admissions is somewhat notorious for taking students with SAT scores slightly lower than its peer institutions. I’d say if you wanted to increase your chances you’d have to get in the top 10% of your high school class, but being in the top 15% won’t keep you out. I think if there’s one thing I’ve learned about the application process it’s that you need to give yourself a reason to be accepted. If that reason isn’t strong academics with a hook, then it needs to be a passion that you have that you will pursue at the next level and pursue more effectively than your peers. </p>

<p>When you go to craft your application (and be careful to craft it, not just write a number of random essays) you need to have a theme, something that makes you different. That starts from your intended concentration on the first page of the Common App, to the Brown supplement. Pick a theme that you can back up with both your academic and subjective stats. If you do that, you’ll give yourself a decent to good chance of positive news.</p>

3

<p>Your ECs are great and I would say they fit your major well. However, you do need to raise your other stats. There’s no official cutoff SAT score, but 2200+ is usually competitive. Also your AP scores are not spectacular. I suggest that you take your SAT I in october again and maybe ACT in september. Study for the rest of summer and focus on improving your score, SAT is not the most important factor of your application, but it still needs to be competitive. SATII can be taken in november and still sent in EA. I would suggest taking three of your strongest subjects and hoping you do well. Some schools don’t require that you have these, I’m not sure if Brown is included. </p>

<p>Sorry for being a bummer :frowning: Don’t think of yourself badly, you’re still an amazing and smart person, no matter what school you get into. (Cheesy, but I hate how CC brings ppl down -.-) </p>

<p>Good luck :D</p>

4

<p>In itself, a 2100 isn’t the issue. The problem with all Ivies is the competiton is so fierce. Many will have 5’s in those APs, competition clubs and deep and broad comm service, responsibilities and impact. They want to see you can climb out of the usual hs comfort zone. Etc. Not “passion,” as much as a sense of purpose and drive.</p>

<p>You should take AP calc, not stats.</p>

5

<p>SeekonkWarrior-- Thanks for responding! Okay, 50-100 points seems pretty doable. And I might be top 10%, I really have no idea. I said top 15% because I’m absolutely certain that I’m at least at that point, but it’s entirely possible (maybe even probable) that I am in the top 10%. (I just don’t want to make that assumption until I know for sure). Thank you so much for the advice about having a theme when crafting the application! I’ll definitely do that(: Thanks again!</p>

<p>Wendeli-- You’re not being a bummer at all! Thanks so much for responding and giving me advice. Brown does require that you send in SAT II’s. For early decision, it says “applicants should complete the SAT Critical Reasoning and Subject Tests by the October test date. Results from the November administration of the SAT may be submitted and will be added to your file for consideration.” With this in mind, the best thing to do would probably be to take the subject tests in October and the reasoning retake in November, right?
Again, thank you for responding and offering advice(: And thank you for saying that I’m an amazing and smart person-- CC does tend to bring people down. so thank you for that(:</p>

<p>lookingforward-- Okay! Yea, the competition is really tough. I’m actually trying to get enrolled in a calculus class at the local community college (AP Calc through my school is notorious for being a complete nightmare). Thank you for the advice!</p>