"Rigor of Secondary School Record"

Colleges & Universities A-Z Brown University
1

<p>Princeton Review claims that “Rigor of Secondary School Record” is considered “Very Important” at Brown (not surprising). That said, my high school career went as follows: </p>

<ul>
<li>My math curriculum includes Algebra II for Freshmen, Geometry, nothing Junior Year (I had some scheduling difficulty…but no excuse, I know), and Precalculus (online college course) this year. </li>
<li>My 3 science credits came from Honors Physical Science (Freshman Year), Biology (Sophomore Year), and Chemistry (Junior Year).</li>
<li>My history schedule included Freshman Foundations (World History in disguise, but there’s no way for Brown to know that), Honors US History I (sophomore year), AP US History (my junior year was the first year my school offered AP US History, hence the US History redundancy), and Government this year (AP Gov was scheduled during Spanish IV, so I prioritized, but again, no way for them to know that). </li>
<li>My English track includes English 9 (required for freshmen), Honors English (Sophomore Year), AP English Language (Junior Year), Creative Writing (Junior Year), and AP English Literature (Senior Year).</li>
<li>In addition, I’ve taken 4 years of Spanish, AP Psychology, and will have 7.5 fine arts credits when I graduate (I’ve taken every arts class my school offers). </li>
</ul>

<p>I realize that my math and science curriculum (or lack thereof) will probably signal a red flag, but I’ve never intended to focus on those areas after high school and I don’t regret my decisions in that regard. I think it’s apparent that my true passions are in the humanities and the arts. I’ve got a 97.13/100 GPA, I’m ranked 2/103, and my test scores are 800 critical reading, 650 math, and 800 writing with a 750 and 780 on the Literature and US History Subject Tests, respectively. </p>

<p>I applied to Brown as my super-reach, “why not?” school, and it’s the last one I have to hear from. I know I’ll know soon (four days and counting), but I’m just wondering if my curriculum killed me before I even had a chance. </p>

<p>So the dreaded question, after all my incessant rambling (I apologize), is: do I have a shot?
What kinds of classes did you guys take in high school?</p>

2

<p>Judging by your stats, you are the type of student that college admission advisors like to talk about a lot; the kid with nearly perfect scores in the more creative subjects but less than outstanding results in the maths and sciences. I think (or at least hope) that universities, even top ones like Brown, understand that people have different interests and strengths and are willing to accommodate that. In fact, my Brown interviewer told me, and I quote, “math and science classes are not Brown’s strongest suit,” so it would be rather hypocritical of them to dismiss you based on your performance in those particular subjects. Your rigorous class choices for both English and foreign language show that you do care about your education, and your abundance of art classes show that you have passion. </p>

<p>While I cannot tell you that you are a shoe-in, I do think that you have a pretty fair shot at getting into Brown. It sounds like Brown really is a good choice for you too. Brown’s creative atmosphere, more independent curriculum, and relationship to the Rhode Island School of Design make the school very fitting for someone like you.</p>

<p>Finally, while I know it is too late for this now, I would have advised that on the “Additional Information” section of your application that you wrote something about how the small size of you high school made it very difficult for you to effectively schedule the rigorous courses you wanted to take, due to the limited times that certain courses were offered. However, Brown officers may be able to surmise as much when they see the size of your class on the secondary school report.</p>

<p>Good luck, and I hope you receive good news on Tuesday.</p>

3

<p>Thanks for your encouraging/realistic opinion-- I really appreciate the honest input, especially as the last nail-biting days come to a close. </p>

<p>Interestingly, my guidance counselor actually wrote a little blurb in her recommendation about the disparity between my artistic goals and what my high school could offer to accommodate me (due to my school’s small size and conflicting class schedules and such). So I’ve got that aspect covered, as you suggested!</p>

<p>I guess all I can do now is cross my fingers and wait. Hopefully we’re both celebrating on Tuesday night!</p>

4

<p>Hey–</p>

<p>Your transcript looks a lot like mine (and mine was, like yours is, my primary concern). I also come from a small school, and I think Brown definitely takes that into consideration. I got in ED, but I definitely had other things going for me (I wasn’t accepted for my transcript, in other words). But I thought I’d weigh in and let you know it definitely won’t rule you out–and your SAT breakdown is super interesting, and I mean that in a good way. It’s different from what the admissions officers are probably used to (and definitely more interesting that 730/770/800’s like me)</p>

5

<p>And the verdict is…WAITLISTED!!! I couldn’t quite believe it (in a good way)! Even though there’s little chance of being accepted from the Waiting List, I feel so honored to even get that far. And besides, in my own sick little way, I actually like being in this purgatory. I’m one of those people that loves surprises and not knowing quite what will happen until it does. It keeps things exciting, right?</p>

6

<p>Good luck to you!</p>