<p>Hey, I’m a Brown 2016-er and I’ve been thinking about doing one of the pre-orientation programs, more specifically TWTP (I’m white and it’s geared towards minorities, but I’ve heard white people say they’ve gotten a lot out of it). Has anyone here done any of the programs or have friends that did them? Did you/they enjoy it? I’ve heard that the programs fill up fast, but I would guess that I don’t have to worry about it as long as I apply before all the RD kids get in. Is that guess correct?
I know that people have asked about this on here before, but most of the threads seem to be dated from 2009 or 2010, so just thought I’d see if any current students had any thoughts about pre-orientation. Thanks in advance!</p>
<p>From what I’ve heard, all of the pre-orientation programs have been fun, and they’re a good way to meet people. I didn’t do one, and had just as fun a time during orientation. It’s just about whether you want to or not.</p>
<p>You will have to weigh the time and $ etc of doing a pre-orientation program. some things to consider: would you have a summer job that would be worthwhile to have the extra time/$/recommendation results of the extra week or so? Will your close HS friends have already gone off to school, or would you be missing out on some last times with them? I think it is great that these programs are open to non minority/foreign students. By going you will help “integrate them”. The biggest complaint I have heard from non minority/foreign students are that these programs have a really negative consequence of encouraging “segregated cliques” of students who attended them, at least for the first semester of freshman year.</p>
<p>I did Excellence at Brown, and had a blast! My main reason for doing it was just to get back into the academic mode as I took a gap year before going to Brown. But yes, I would totally recommend it! Its a great way to meet people, explore Brown/Providence, and move in early!</p>
<p>I did TWTP, and I’m white. I definitely recommend it, although I will say that what BrownAlumParent said does occur. You just have to find the more reasonable people, because some of the attendees will be really radical. However, on the whole it was a wonderful experience and I’m really glad that I went. The Third World Center has a new director and she is really trying to integrate the TWC and TWTP and make them more welcoming for student allies, not just minorities. Plus, a lot of my friends will be running TWTP this year so it should be a blast :P</p>
<p>Feel free to message me if you have more specific questions! I didn’t want to be long-winded here but I’d love to talk to you more about it if you want :)</p>
<p>Also, while TWTP is a great program, there are other pre-orientation programs at Brown (ie EaB, UCAAP, etc). Without a doubt, the people I met and experiences I had during Excellence at Brown have defined my time here at Brown and I would highly recommend attending *some *sort of pre-orientation program for any 2016-er. And also while these programs may seem separate, there is a lot of intermingling and socializing if you choose to do so.</p>