It’s pretty difficult to graduate in 3 years from Brown. (I’m a Brown grad) Since there aren’t any requirements, APs are used more for placement into higher level courses not for credit. Also, 5 courses is the max you can take per semester but most people take 4. If you take 5 classes a semester, you graduate in 3 years since you need 30 credits to graduate (every course is worth 1 credit). You wouldn’t be able to study abroad though since the max credits you can transfer back is 4 from a study abroad program (I think), not sure that matters to you or not.
If the parents can pay for a car and a vacation to “bribe” OP, it shows they have some discretionary spending money… however, the fact OP is the first ever/in eons admitted to an Ivy indicates a lower-performing school. So, not sure about the situation there.
OP can deposit at UCB and appeal the award at Brown. She won’t be worse off if the appeal fails.
@onceuponamom So true though. As a current senior that had to make a decision similar to yours, I understand what you’re going through. In many situations involving college there is no right answer, but in this case there is. Go to Berkeley.