<p>I have mainly two questions about Brown.</p>
<p>One is about going for a bachelor of science or a bachelor of arts. My general understanding of the two degrees is that the Sci.B has greater requirements and therefore more courses because it is more specific, while the A.B has less requirements and less courses.</p>
<p>I am passionate for sciences and might choose Human Biology, Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, or Chemistry as a concentration at Brown, but I also want to take advantage of Brown’s open curriculum. Would taking a Sci. B restrict this freedom? Also, do medical schools or graduate schools specializing in sciences look more favorably on a Sci.B than an A.B.?</p>
<p>The second question question is about the common app. I was looking at Brown’s supplement and noticed that for students interested in the Chemistry concentration, they had four extra short answer/essay questions. Is there any reason for this? Is the Chemistry concentration more competitive or renowned than the other sciences, are they looking for more students in that department, or is this just a traditional part of Brown’s supplement?</p>
<p>All physical sciences require additional essays. It’s just hte way things have been for a long time, probably because in those areas students often have strong backgrounds and we want students to be able to talk about this background, which the main essay may not provide ample space for.</p>
<p>As for Sc.b. v. A.B.-- for one, that’s not a Brown specific question. Most schools offer both options. Second, the major difference is not the same in all fields, but the most common difference is the requirement to do research for credit with the Sc.B. The A.B. is enough prep for graduate school and wouldn’t harm you when applying to graduate school, however an Sc.B. may be more desirable as a terminal degree. Either way, you have plenty of time to decide what’s right for you.</p>
<p>In chemistry specifically, which was my concentration, the main differences were research for one year and four science electives not in chemistry. Since I was going to do research and take other sciences for fun anyway, the Sc.B. was a natural option. I still took courses in 14 different departments along the way to my chemistry degree and did not find the Sc.B. to be restrictive at all because of my own personal interests.</p>
<p>Thanks modestmelody. Though I wonder why biological sciences aren’t asked about it instead. Anyways, I appreciate your answers. </p>
<p>Any recommendation on the length of those short answers?</p>
<p>Back when I did the application they told you how long they should be. Biological sciences are quite different than physical sciences and attract a different kind of student. We have no problem attracting bio people and never did-- in a way, this is our way of screening physical science prospectives and gauge how serious they are about science since we really are seeking to bring top, dedicated science students to Brown.</p>