<p>Brown is my absolute top choice school and I really want to go there because I think that the Open Curriculum will really let me explore my interests before deciding on a concentration. However, I’ve heard that applying undecided just looks lazy/uninterested. Would it be bad to have that on my app even if I am really, truly not sure?</p>
<p>I do plan on applying Early Decision and have written about my choice to go in Undecided in my supplement (I think it’s a pretty good explanation but would love some feedback). If I’m number 2 in my class with a 2210 SAT and 790 USH subject test (waiting on Saturday’s scores for the other one), will have 9 total APs by graduation and have good extracurriculars which I can elaborate on, will applying undecided hurt me?</p>
<p>I’m really curious. Where have you heard this? I’ve been doing admissions work for Brown (as an alumni interviewer) for 25+ years and have never heard this. Not once. </p>
<p>I wouldn’t spend any time at all on my application discussing why you don’t know your concentration. It’s a waste of limited space. You are making a big deal out of nothing.</p>
<p>Oh, ETA: applying undecided will not hurt you.</p>
<p>well, I had to put something in the box for “why did you choose your intended major?” :)</p>
<p>I’ve read it in a few articles (the one I was referring to was from College Mapper). My GC said that it shouldn’t really affect things, but I do know that the people from my school who have been accepted to Brown in the past had intended majors in mind and ECs relating to those majors. My ECs are all across the board because I’m interested in everything (president of the drama club, internship at a science museum, founder of a charity club, singer in a punk rock band-- last one’s not going on the app) and I was afraid I wasn’t showing any specific direction.</p>
<p>If you do interview in any case, say this:
I am not sure what I will majorly study in brown, but i am really interested in …(like chem, math)
Just Saying that you are undecided isn’t helpful</p>
<p>My daughter was accepted undeclared. She had a pretty extensive science EC but didn’t know which science major to choose. She probably could have just picked one so she could submit an additional essay, but it didn’t matter. </p>
<p>I would most certainly include being a singer in a punk band on the resume. Why wouldn’t you include musical (or anti musical?) talent, and a significant EC like a band takes time and dedication. It’s a good EC.</p>
<p>I think being in a rock band might be a little out there, even for Brown… although I guess it is pretty unique. I was just afraid that it might have too negative a connotation. Also it does take up space, which is pretty limited on the Common App…</p>
<p>There’s a big difference in being undecided about your major and having absolutely no clue as to what you want to do in life. The former will not hurt you, but the latter might: Brown likes students who are self-motivated and self-directed because such students thrive in the open curriculum; yet those who have absolutely no inner sense of direction can flounder in such an environment, randomly sampling classes without a greater plan in mind.</p>
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<p>This statement indicates to me that you DO have a general plan in mind: Doing something people-related, bringing science and the arts to the general public and helping them become well-rounded citizens beyond their areas of expertise while being entertained.</p>
<p>It may turn out that the job you ultimately end up in is one that does not yet exist and that you will create for yourself. I read a story a few dozen years ago about a former student at some school who was interested in biology/zoology and also in art. That person became a pioneer in the design of “natural habitats” for animals in zoos around the country – and the world is so much better for it.</p>
<p>Using your general theme as a springboard, you can make a strong argument that Brown’s open curriculum is ideally suited for you because it’s possible you might major in two traditionally unrelated disciplines in pursuit of perhaps opening a whole new field of activity.</p>
<p>I would totally put your band on the Common App, or mention it somewhere. It’s definitely not too “out there,” and it showcases something unique about you.</p>
<p>There is a HUGE difference between “I don’t know exactly what concentration to do but these are things I’m interested in” and “I have no idea what I want to do.” You sound like the former, which is totally fine. The latter is not good and might be the type of person the articles saying don’t go undecided are referring to.</p>
<p>Just as the person above me said, the ECs and classes you took in high school probably reflect where your general interest lies so you should try stating that in your essays.</p>
<p>@ Fireandrain : Since you are familiar with Brown Admission processes as an Alum interviewer, I have some qts and asking for your personal advices.
I am still a junior in hs ( California ). I am very interested to apply to Brown PLME for the year of 2015. I am not sure that I am good enough for that but just trying.</p>
<ol>
<li><p>I am currently in IB diploma program. At my hs, the IB is small (8-9 Dip candidates) and its curriculum intergrades AP classes and IB classes. Basically AP classes more like a pre-req for HL level. But our school has a separate AP program with about 100 kids participate on that. Since Full IB Dip is very time consuming, more demanding interm of home work and essay compare to AP ( I am taking AP BIO this yr, and HL Bio next yr. Both IB and AP kids study in the same class but IB kids require to put more time after class for Lab and internal assessment including oral and essay ) Currently I am taking 6 classes like that (IB HL Eng 1, IB Spanish 3, AP US History, IB math studies, AP Bio, AP Chem) and it takes a toll on me even though I manage to have almost barely all A. I wondered that would Brown Adcom recognize this, or I just go with normal AP program and complete 9, 10 AP classes by the time I finish high school and have more time to do some more ECs beside IB’s CAS requirements ?</p></li>
<li><p>I am interested to become Doctor and intended to apply to Brown 's PLME. I am doing well in my Sciences and Math classes, USABO semifinalist, attended Stanford Institute of Medicine 's Lecture series on current Biomedical Research 3 wks summer program after 9th grade, currently in 2 yr internship structure program at major UCLA Med school teaching hospital and so on, but my heart and hobby more in to history subject. If I still continue with my IB Dip program, by the time I complete it, I would have 4 yrs of History on my back ( IB world History, AP EURO , AP US History, and IB HL History of Americas ), and planning on to attend Stanford Institute of Humanities summer program insteads of pursuit research on Biomedical subjects this coming summer. In your personal opinions, Would that be positive or questionable remarks in my Brown PLME Application interm of motivation to become Doctor ?
Any of your opinions and advice would be really helpful</p></li>
</ol>
<p>I hope my questions don’t get deleted . I posted these questions on other Brown threats and got jumped badly for accusing that I try to highjack the threats. This is my 1st time in CC and if I don’t know the rule and threats regulations, please pardon me for my na</p>
<p>“Have to?” Obviously not, you were able to, but it’s considered poor etiquette to post something completely irrelevant to the thread.</p>
<p>Additionally, it hurts you since you’re post won’t be targeting the right audience. People are clicking on this thread to discuss whether or not applying undecided is a good idea - many of the people willing/able to answer your questions may never see them.</p>