<p>The liberal atmosphere, the open curriculum, the strong academics, and the diverse student population have all led me to believe that Brown University is the best university for me. Any other university would be settling, but unfortunately, I feel like Brown would be settling if they admitted me. I’ve always wanted to go to an Ivy League, but I’ve always been too afraid to exert myself to my fullest potential. </p>
<p>I have a 3.96 GPA (#13 out of around a thousand students), but that’s basically all I really have. Very few extracurricular activities (orchestra and a few clubs), not so good on my SAT (though in 98 percentile on my PSATS, so I’m sure it will increase somewhat when I take it again), only two AP classes. Still have to take the ACT/SAT subject tests if I think it’s worth the money. I do have a very strong art portfolio, and I will have good teacher rec’s. My school is pretty reputable in the area, and I haven’t taken any “slacker” classes, just not any honors. </p>
<p>I want to receive a degree in fine arts. I’m ready to really work hard in college, but is it too late? I know it doesn’t hurt to try, but do I even have a slim chance at being admitted? Frankly, my family doesn’t have the money to apply to many schools, nevertheless even visit Brown. I feel like it’s a lost cause, but I feel like I would always regret it if I didn’t even try.</p>