My shots at Brown?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Brown University
1

Hello, I am a 16 year old soon to be junior. I have huge aspirations to attend Brown for Pre Med. I’ve done quite a bit of research on the school and it really seems to fit everything that I want. I have heard that it is much more flexible than some of the other ivies, yet I know it is still extremely rigorous. I need some advice on whether or not my credentials so far are good enough, and what I can do to possibly improve my chances.

I am 5th in my class (out of roughly 360) at a public school. I take all AP/honors classes besides math. I am quite average in math even though I work hard. I get low 90s on my final exams but 100s in the classes all year (this concerns me for my SAT). My weighted final average for each semester is usually around 102. Science is by far my strongest subject. Chemistry was literally the easiest class for me, I got a 100 on nearly every test and missed 2 questions on the final. I am also a chem tutor, and received many awards for it (including other sciences). I will be taking AP Chem and AP Bio next year (still tutoring as well), and I’m hoping to start independent study in one of the 2. I’m also a very strong writer, so I know that writing an essay for my app would not be too difficult. I have written essays to attend “camps” at my local medical school in the summer and received full scholarships for them. I attend these camps every year. I plan on getting a tutor this year to help me prepare for the SAT/ACT (especially math) and I also will take the PSAT this fall.

As far as other extracurriculars besides camps and tutoring, I volunteer at local hospitals when I can and help out with the cystic fibrosis foundation fundraising in my city. I just recently got my first job as a barista, and am involved in Latin club, Student Council, National Honor Society, and Key Club. I formerly ran xc and track since 8th grade, but an injury has put a sad end to my running career. I understand that without my SAT and ACT scores it may be hard to determine my success but I am paranoid. I absolutely want to do everything to be the best that I can be. How can I make myself stand out more? Any input or tips will be immensely appreciated. I feel like I must sound so average on here.

2

Super weak ECs

3

No one can tell you your chance at getting in, but you definately don’t have weak ECs. Focus on what you enjoy (from the above it seems like that might be chem and volunteering in hospitals). It does make it easier if you focus in on one passion and do something unique with it (example: organize a fundraiser for cystic fibrosis at your school and bring the initiative to several schools in your district), but ultimately don’t spend your time trying to impress one college because if you don’t get in at the end of it, you’ll feel like you’ve wasted your HS years. It’s too early to have a dream school. I know it’s easier said than done, but try not to stress out too much and get off college confidential!

4

Leadership would help. Starting a club, or becoming the president of any science (since that is what it seems you’re interested in) clubs in your school would look good. Show your passions, and colleges will eat that up. Brown, being an Ivy, is very difficult to get into, even with high test scores and grades. You have to show all-around excellence.

5

I know that I need to get leadership in there for sure. My dream has always been to take a mission trip, and my school doesn’t do anything like that. I know of plenty of people that would like to though, so I was thinking maybe I could talk to my key club teacher to see if I could organize one. Anyone who wants to go could fundraise with us or something. Just a thought.

6

Don’t start anything new. You have enough clubs and activities already (probably too many). Don’t worry about doing a mission trip – there’s enough things you can do closer to home.

Ask yourself this question: “When I graduate from HS, how have I improved my community? How have I made it a better place to live/work/attend?” Define community however you like – it can be your school, your church, the hospital you volunteer in. Then spend the next 18 months accomplishing that goal.

Don’t frame it as a leadership issue. Figure out how you can use your skills, your brains, your enthusiasm and your time to make your community better. Then do it.