<p>I know everyone is sick of these “is Brown for me”-type posts, but I really think I might need some individual help. I found out I was accepted last night, but I’m still not sure if it’s the place for me. I was mostly attracted to the college by its locale and incredible reputation, but I’ve heard some things about the social life at Brown and I just want to be sure whether or not Brown is the right fit for me. </p>
<p>First of all, I’m a VERY conservative, Catholic, heterosexual male. I do have somewhat of an open mind, however, but I’m still uncomfortable around very vocal homesexual groups. As far as the type of social scene that I want, I’m definitely a frat boy-type partier. And I’m fairly preppy, several people say I’m the “popped-collar” type. Would I fit in at Brown?</p>
<p>What makes my decision even harder is that it could, quite possibly, come down to Brown or the University of Kentucky. I know-there’s a huge drop-off and I seem like an idiot for even asking that question, but let me explain. At Brown, I will recieve absolutely NO financial support and at UK I have a full ride plus some. Also, I’m very interested in an Architecture major and Brown limits their program to architectural history and criticism. UK has a VERY selective and VERY well-respected architectural design program that I was accepted into (the program is actually the most prestigious collegiate program in the state of KY). And, while UK’s campus is mediocre, at best, and gigantic, I know that the social scene I want exists there and that I’d fit in with several groups of people. On the other hand, though, Brown is in a gorgeous city and has an excellent campus and I’m worried I’ll regret turning down the Ivy League.</p>
<p>from what you described, it sounds like you would be happier going to UK. Academically, UK sounds like a much better fit with its architecture major, and while Brown does have frats, its a much smaller scene than you might find at a larger University. Although if you did come here, you would be able to find your niche. However, conservatives are in the minority here, and some students are very close-minded when it comes to the conservative viewpoint if you are too vocal about it (but I would add that most students are more moderate liberals and won't hold your political beliefs against you).</p>
<p>It defintiely seems like UK is a better fit and would give you more knowledge/experience about your desired major. In the long run, it will be better that you went to UK because employers in your field would know that UK has a great arhcitecture reputation and that Brown doesn't even offer a real architecture major.<br>
Like, if there were two applicants to a job, one attended UK and one attended Brown, and they were equal in all other respects, I think the UK applicant would be better off b/c the employer would know that he had a more complete architecture education.
Undergrad name doesn't even matter all that much; if you want the name, you could always go to a more well-known grad school.
My answer would be completely diff if you weren't an architecture major.</p>
<p>if you are totally set on being an architect, it makes more sense to go to UK. but i think brown would give you the opportunity to explore other interests and get a better overall education. if there's a chance you will change your mind about your major in the next four years, consider brown. there's always grad school for architecture.</p>
<p>by the way, have you visited? i'm "preppy" and fairly conservative (and i like frat guys), and didn't find brown nearly as "hippie" as its reputation suggests. it seems like everyone can find a social niche. anyway, good luck deciding!</p>
<p>It sounds like you really need to visit. I don't think Brown would really hamper your architecture career too much, but UK provides better opportunities in that area. If for some reason you wanted to do something other than architecture though, Brown would probably win out. I recommend visiting. You probably will find Brown students to be a lot less hippie liberal than reputation makes them out to be.</p>
<p>At Brown, you can take a number of architecture courses at RISD--one of the great architecture programs in the US. However, if you can get a BArch from UK and you know that's what you want to do, I recommend the UK option.</p>
<p>UK sends a good number of grads to the IVies for MArch IIs (I know 2). Call them and ask them for the stats.</p>
<p>To echo others, definitely visit Brown during ADOCH if possible to see if is for you. </p>
<p>At the end of the day, it is a diverse community in every way and I think there is a place for everyone and anyone to have a fantastic experience.</p>
<p>Also, see if you can work with the financial aid office to make going to Brown more economical.</p>
<p>I don't think you'd like Brown. People are very liberal, the QA (queer alliance) is very vocal...and there just aren't a whole lot of popped-collar preppy people.</p>
<p>I'm sure you could find a niche here, but you might be put-off by the atmosphere</p>
<p>Thanks, everyone. I was really struggling over this decision. Fortunately, though, I was accepted into UVA (I thought I would be rejected), which has a great architecture program, so I will matriculate there for the fall semester. Thanks again, though, for all of your advice.</p>