<p>Ok so I think I have decided that I want to attend Brown. I am truly in love with brown ever since I visited the campus and took a 3 week course there. I think that I want to apply ED. But the only problem is that my GPA dropped by 1 point during my junior year because I was dealing with the progression of my aunt’s ovarian/breast/liver cancer. By the AP exams/final exams rolled around I had brought my grades up slightly and I had preformed really well in my AP exams (three 5s and 1 four). I don’t want to write an essay concerning her death because it would seem so cliche. I already told my Counselor, is there anything that I can do? Should I just apply RD so I can get my grades up during my first semester of senior year? </p>
<p>Thank you everyone for your advice.</p>
<p>We’ve decided that there’s little if any difference between applying ED and RD, except in a case where senior fall grades are this important. The ED accept rate is higher mostly because of recruited athletes, we believe. Therefore, it seems best to try to get your grades up senior fall before applying - it should help some. In addition, it would probably be worth noting what happened, even if not in your essay, since otherwise a big inconsistency like that in one of the later high school years could imply you’re not prepared.</p>
<p>^I definitely agree, this is almost exactly what the assistant dean of admissions stated during an info. session. As long as you make it clear to Brown that you are truly interested, RD is probably a better choice.</p>
<p>thank you guys so much, I really appreciate the help. But, how else can I make it apparent that Brown is my first choice?</p>
<p>Well, if you have an interview, it’s not bad to say that it’s your first choice. Also, make your passion come through in your writing, especially in the “Why Brown?” short answer question.</p>
<p>OK thank you so much for your input, it really does help, and I will be applying to Brown RD. Thank you all!</p>