Hi, I am currently a junior at a highly competitive prep school. I am wondering what my chance of getting into Brown would be if you consider the following:
-SAT was about 1450 (plan to retake with some actual prep this time)
-will take SAT 2s soon but I am nervous they will not go so well considering that may school’s curriculum does not align with these tests
-cumulative GPA is unweighted at about a 94 (3.8-3.9 range) but my school doesn’t formally calculate GPA
-I am a competitive swimmer and many D3 & D1 schools are up my ally, however, Brown seems just out of reach… I am thinking this will not help me too much unless it demonstrates commitment (swimming is something I truly love and put a lot of time & energy into)
-I have a legacy, both of my parents went to Brown and one went on to get a full ride to Duke Law School, and then ended up going to Harvard Law School
-I love painting & art and I am considering submitting a supplemental portfolio (would this help?)
Any and all feedback is appreciated I do not have my heart set on Brown as my parents do not think I can get in but it is one of my 4 favorite colleges at the moment.
Oh and I also Volunteer giving historical tours at a former President’s early residence, I volunteer at my local food bank (typical, I know), I will be the sole editor of my school yearbook next year and I love yearbook design(!), and I am also a member of a few clubs at school but I expect those will not help me as much because I am passionate about yearbook design and I spend most of my time designing. I took AP Physics 1 as a sophomore and I am currently taking AP Euro and AP Bio right now. Next year I am taking AP Macro & Micro economics, AP Calc AB, and AP Chemistry.
Have you talked to coach Kate to find out if you can walk on to the swim team? Does it matter to you if you swim or not in college?
If you care about swimming in college, I would advise you to go through swim recruiting and ensure a spot on a team. There are a lot of terrific D3 programs out there.
My guess is your parents want you to apply but don’t want you to be disappointed if you don’t get in. If the SAT could be a little higher (above 1500) and you apply ED (so being a double legacy can help you out), I actually thing you have a decent shot. I would apply ED even if you can’t bring up your SAT up.
Don’t count too much on the legacy status - our experience this year was that all my son’s legacy status got him was a courtesy wait list. The kids from his school who got into Brown were either recruited athletes or legacies with parents with a history of significant financial contributions to Brown.
Not at Brown, profdad. Legacies also get accepted regular decision.
It does help that both your parents went to Brown – but the majority of legacy applicants are rejected. I’ve known double legacies with very active volunteering who didn’t get in – but I also know plenty of legacies whose parents never lifted a finger to help Brown who got in.
mathandswim, if you love Brown, you should apply. Your chances of acceptance is slightly higher than the average applicant, but it’s still far from a sure thing.
Agree that if Brown is really your first choice, do apply ED. (Having a rejection will not hurt your chances with other schools, and statistically given the legacy, etc. I think your acceptance odds might be higher ED. ) This is a talk you need to have with your parents, as financial aide can be of concern, and I know not to assume all Harvard Law grads are rich! Do start talking to the swim coach NOW! Also while this advise might be late for this school year, although maybe you still have finals to study for? Get the very best grades you can!!! Can’t emphasize this enough. For what ever schools you are applying to, a pull up to straight As in the hardest classes you can take will count for more than anything else. (except maybe recruited athlete, sigh. ) On a side note to this, does your school offer BC calc?/ if it does and you are not taking this, I’ve heard unless you are definitely and “arts” applicant, that can count against you.
Go spend some time on the campus and talk to the swim coach. You may get some real benefit from that.
I do not have my heart set on Brown as my parents do not think I can get in but it is one of my 4 favorite colleges at the moment.