<p>Hey guys I had a couple minor questions about the application process (especially to Brown since I’m doing ED). If anyone can give me some insight let me know.</p>
<p>-I’ve heard sending in a resume even though you list your activities on the common app can be a good idea? What do you guys think, is this necessary?
-Does anyone know if my chances are completely shot for low test scores (low at least compared to others in the application pool)? I got a 2080 on the SAT (720 CR 680 W 680M) and SAT IIs 640 Bio, 650 Lit, 680 U.S. History.
-I only took three years of a language, is giving reasoning for this in the additional info box a good idea?
-Which essay do people think is valued more, the common app one of the supplement one?
-When do they contact us about an interview?
-Is there any effective way of figuring ones chances (besides the chances thread), or is it truly a crap shoot?</p>
<p>-Thanks</p>
<p>The interview: The names just went up in the database, but that would only be for people whose application is complete. You will be contacted by an alum who lives near you - some alums are prompt about setting up interviews and others aren’t. I don’t know how long it takes between when you press the “send” button and your name appears in the database, but it’s probably not immediate.</p>
<p>The essay: All essays, including short answers, are considered valuable, none more so than the other. </p>
<p>Resume: Only send a resume if it provides different information than what they will see on the Common Ap. You don’t want a file thick with unnecessary paperwork. The best advice I have for applicants regarding their resume is to make sure it is descriptive. What have you accomplished? What have you learned? What did you do? A one-liner “Environmental Club, president, grades 11-12” tells me NOTHING about you. </p>
<p>Chances: Ditto what franglish said. I don’t think anyone on CC can predict with high accuracy anyone’s chances into highly selective schools.</p>
<p>As modestmelody has said, there is no automatic rejection for SAT scores. It is true that Brown likes to see higher scores. If you bring something to the table that is really fascinating and intriguing and something that Brown really wants, they will overlook your scores. </p>
<p>Language: depends on your reason.</p>
<p>thank you for the insight. for clarification the reason I’m not taking Spanish this year is because of a schedule conflict: I had to pick between Spanish V and AP World History. I had always wanted to take a more complete world history class than the one I took freshman year so I opted for that. Also I hope my low SATs may be mitigated by AP Scores and that I have AP Scholar with Distinction. Who know though, what you guys said makes sense: its a crap shoot.</p>
<p>Correct me if I am wrong, but I don’t think AP scores are considered for college admission. Only for placement. I also don’t think AP Scholar with Distinction is very significant for top colleges. Your overall rigor of classes taken and your rigor with comparison to fellow students, class rank, will matter more.</p>
<p>If you look at the desired (not minimum) courses, you will see 4 years Foreign language, 4 yrs English, 4 years math, 4 years Science, 3 years History (iirc? maybe 3.5?). If you like to explain why you had to make this choice, I think it is fine and a valid choice. Keep it simple like you did here, unless you have a particular interest in history topics and have other experience to talk about. I would likely do that. But understand that many people give up desired electives in order to fulfill these max reqs.</p>
<p>Resume can help or hurt. My daughter didn’t send one as she was able to edit her application carefully to present herself well and didn’t want to send an excess document. Plus she already had a couple extra reading materials, of her publications, sent with her recommendation letters (by the guidance counselor and a researcher.) So I’d say don’t do it, unless it is simply required to get a good idea of what you have done. If it is fluff or repeating–skip it, as it will be undesirable.</p>
<p>Both essays count. Maybe the first one they read counts more than the second. Which will they read first?</p>
<p>No way to figure chances when they have to turn down 9 of every 10 applicants, ish.</p>
<p>does anyone know how important admission people take the whole checklist of things on the teacher recommendation forms. It just seems like most students who are applying to Brown would pick teachers who would put them in the excellent, outstanding, and top one percent levels. does that mean if you have checks not at those levels or only excellent (which is still obviously really good) it discourages admission officers?</p>
<p>That checklist is very important. Critically important. Yes, having the wrong boxes checked does raise a red flag in admissions. It is there for a reason – Brown really wants to know what teachers think of you. And teachers do not automatically check off the top level – many are quite honest in their recommendations and send strong messages to admissions about what they think about students.</p>
<p>As a teacher who has written many recommendations, I totally agree with fireandrain. Teachers are very serious about checking off these columns truthfully; we think hard about them. Students don’t see our rec letters, so we are free to be honest without risking hurting any feelings. Of course, if we feel that we won’t write at least a minimally positive letter, we will try to encourage the student to find someone else to write for him or her. If we are not truthful in our letters, it puts our credibility in jeopardy, and that would hurt future applicants.</p>
<p>thank you for all the advice. i sent in to apply ED and am hoping for the best. Though my SATs are a bit low my essay was liked and both my recs were great. Unfortunately I didn’t realize that its a good idea to get different subject areas for teachers but oh well, my english teachers were the people who knew me best and liked me most</p>