So Brown offers these 2 essays with a 350 word limit combined for the two essays.
We are curious to know, however, if any particular program within Engineering presently appeals to you.
What experiences and/or courses beyond school work have broadened your interest in Engineering?
For question 1, do you simply state what program, or do you also explain why?
For question 2, do you simply describe your background in Engineering, or do you go beyond and say how you will utilize those experiences at Brown?
I’m just wondering if those would be considered off-topic as the questions specifically did not ask for it (while essays from other schools ask the why and such).
Give the how, the why and the such. You are giving them both a look into who you are and possibilities for understanding the ways students like you think, engage with and experience applications in engineering (where applicable), and helping them to understand how to serve such a population, as you will, essentially, form your engineering education across the spectrum of departments at Brown.
Well, the “why” kind of reinforces that you really do find the particular program interesting, and have not just chosen a random major.
As for writing about how you will utilize your experiences at Brown, that’s fine as long as it doesn’t take up too much space compared to just answering the question. You want to show that your interest is something that Brown can satisfy. For example, if you did robotics in high school and it piqued your interest, you could write most of your response on that and end with the fact that you hope to continue pursuing this new passion with Brown’s XYZ department, whose specialized robotics lab and commitment to engaging students in research makes it ideal for you. Or whatever.