Do I have any chance at Brown?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Brown University
1

So I’m an upcoming senior, and I’ve been slimming down my list of colleges in preparation for application season. My target schools are Providence College, Salve Regina University, and possibly Boston University. My guidance counselor advised that I add a reach school or two onto my list, just incase. Of course Brown is quite a reach, but I’m considering applying.

Here’s some general info:
-No SAT scores, never took it

  • Only took ACT once without studying and got a 26 overall composite and 29 on writing. Planning on studying and taking it once more in the fall so that I can improve my math score (I got mostly 28s-30s on English based questions, but 21 on math- it's my weakest subject)

-99 on US History regents, 98 on English common core regents, 96 on Bio regents, 95 on Earth Science regents

-Received a score of 4 on the AP Language and Composition exam and a 5 on the AP Psychology exam

-My intended major is Psychology with a minor in English

-Senior scheduled classes are AP English Lit, AP Bio, AP Gov, possibly AP (or regular) Computer Science, and Spanish 5

-My overall GPA is unfortunately a bit lower than I hoped it would be due to some anxiety issues that interfered with my schoolwork freshman and sophomore year. Overall GPA for freshman and sophomore year was about a 3.1/4 (unweighted) but just finished out junior year with a 3.5/4 (unweighted). My scores in all classes range from 91s-97s aside from math (low 70s) which brings down my average.

-I have a strong alumni background at Brown (at Harvard as well, but I’m not even going to bother there) and one current family member who attends

-My EC’s include 3 National Honor Societies (Social Studies, Art, and Spanish), being a freshman orientation leader for 2 years, being a member of the community service club at my school, Art club, etc. I plan on adding more EC’s this year.

-Awards: Outstanding Spanish student (10th grade, given to 1 student), Outstanding Photohraphy student (10th grade, given to 1 student)

Could I apply to Brown or is it 100% impossible for me to get in? I’ve heard some stories about students fairly similar to me (or a bit higher ranked than me) getting in, but it’s most likely rare. Thanks for any advice!

2

I would say that your chances would be very low if you didn’t have any alumni relations, but since you do, I think you’ll have closer to a 20%-30% chance of getting in. Are you applying ED?

3

@ap012199 I’m not 100% sure yet, would ED increase my chances?

4

Yes

5

@ap012199 Ok, I’ll definitely consider that then!

6

Sorry to say this, but being a legacy (having family members who went to Brown) does NOT overcome weaknesses in your application.

In other words, if your chances are low because of low GPA and standardized test scores, being a legacy will not increase your chances. If you present a stellar application, and you are a legacy, then your chances improve.

The acceptance rate for ED is higher than regular decision. However, many ED acceptances go to recruited athletes. And on average ED applicants have stronger applications than RD applicants. If you are a weak applicant, applying ED will not improve your chances.

So ap012199’s advice is not accurate.

7

I agree. Look at the CDC for Brown.

8

That ACT is way too low for Brown, you gotta get that up to above a 30 at least. Very good previous AP score, and strong course rigor and GPA.

Your ECs aren’t bad. Make sure your main essay and supplemental essays for Brown are stellar.

Please see this link in regards to admissions statistics and student profiles. Only 4.8% of students with an ACT of 26 to 28 were accepted.

https://www.brown.edu/admission/undergraduate/explore/admission-facts#distribution