<p>The first question of the Brown science essay, </p>
<p>“1. Many applicants to college are unsure about eventual majors. What factors led you to an interest in the field of science you have selected?” </p>
<p>seems to overlap a lot with </p>
<p>“Why are you drawn to the academic fields you indicated in the Anticipated Degree and Academic Interest questions above?”</p>
<p>Any advice on the difference between these two?</p>
<p>The second question is new this year, a variation of what was asked for decades before Brown went to the Common App. It’s possible that Admissions didn’t connect the dots like you did and realize that there is overlap.</p>
<p>However, I do see a subtle difference between “what factors” led you to an interest in science and “why are you drawn to” science. The first is more external – what extracurriculars or teachers or lab work made you realize you want to study this? The second could be more internal – what personal satisfaction do you get out of studying chemistry or computer science? What character traits or personal goals do you have that led to this interest.</p>
<p>At least, that’s how I interpret it.</p>
<p>Hope that helps.</p>
<p>I don’t see any other way to distinguish the two questions.</p>
<p>ahhh thanks so much! That helps a lot</p>