I really like PLME program at Brown which allows students to be locked into a medical school while pursing a wide variety of course in their undergrad. It is one of their most selective programs and I’m applying early decision there. Can anyone give advice on how to make myself stand out? I initially wanted to apply early decision but I want financial aid and many people have told me that they will not offer as much financial aid if I apply Early Decision. But if I apply regular decision will I even have a chance of getting in?
I have 33 on ACT (31 English, 34 Math, 33 Reading, 35 Science, 10 essay)
720 SAT 2 Chemistry
770 SAT 2 Math 2
710 SAT 2 Math 1
720 SAT 2 AP US History
5 on AP European Test, English Language and Comp
4 on AP US Test
3 on Calclus and Chemistry AP tests
4.0 GPA
volunteered at GP’s office last summer shadowing her
internship this summer in UK Hospital for 3 weeks working with doctors and volunteered at their charity events
Science Olympiad (15 medals and co captain), FBLA (placed twice on national level and state vice president), Key Club, Tennis, and Quiz Bowl
Anything else that I’m missing and is my ACT score too low?
Out of curiosity, who are these “many” people, what are their credentials and where do they get their information?
Because Brown will give you the same amount of financial aid whether you apply ED or RD. No difference. That’s what Brown says, and I’ve heard it from admissions officers. I have been involved on this Brown forum for many years and have never heard of a case where financial aid is different from ED and RD.
The concern you should have about financial aid is whether you can afford Brown if you are accepted. Have you run the NPC on the Brown website? Is there anything unusual about your family situation (divorced parents, parents who are self-employed or own a business, large medical expenses are some examples) that would make the NPC not accurate? Can your parents pay the amount that Brown indicates? Do you need to compare financial aid packages – not all schools offer the same package, and for many students who need aid it makes a lot of sense to go to the school that offers the best aid, and you’ll only know that if you apply regular decision.
As we’ve discussed a lot on this forum recently, it is debatable whether there is any difference between ED and RD in terms of your chances. Even if ED has an advantage, it is not that significant. Chances are, if you were accepted ED you would have gotten in RD, too.
Without reading your teacher recommendations and your essays, without knowing what you contributed to all those clubs you participated in, it’s impossible to say how to make your application stronger. You need to do the research about Brown, going deep into its website, and look inside yourself to figure out how to sell yourself to an admissions officer.
Two things to consider:
- While you may well get the same financial aid ED as you would RD, if you apply ED you can't compare with other schools' packages, you're stuck with whatever they give you.
- If you get accepted to Brown, but not PLME, you still have to go to Brown.