Should I apply ED?

Colleges and Universities A-Z Brown University
1

Brown is my absolute dream school, and I know that it is exactly where I would like to be next year. I did some research and read that the acceptance rate for ED is about 16-ish%, not including recruited athletes. I know Brown is a reach, but should I wait until RD? I kind of figured that it’s better to apply ED that way if I get rejected, I can move on and focus on other things. I also felt like I’m part of a smaller applicant pool, and it shows how committed I am to Brown.I’m also applying to PLME which is THE biggest long shot on the face of the earth, I know. I took this info model from another post on the Brown threads, but here’s a little about me:

•SAT I: 1400 (700 reading/690 Math)
• ACT: Just took in September, but am expecting a 32-34
•GPA: 4.0 weighted (School doesn’t do unweighted GPA), this is my biggest concern. I am actually a very smart person but struggle a little in school and I’m afraid my transcript is going to ruin my chances.
•AP: World History(3), English Lang(4), US History(4), Psych(4)- my school doesn’t offer a lot of APs, and the guidance is really bad at placing students in classes.

  • AP Scholar with Honor, National Honor Society, CAD Certified

Subjective:
•Extracurriculars: Cheerleading team (4 years, captain), Stunt (2 years, captain), JSA (2 years), Habitat for Humanity, SING (Student run musical competition) (3 years, lead, head writer), Pre-med club (4 years, secretary),
•Volunteer/Community Service: Volunteer at local historic village since 2012, volunteer at local hospital, raise money through walks (ex. March of Dimes, Autism walk)
•Summer Activities: I usually have to work during the summer but this summer I went to Brown for a summer program (Intro To Medicine), which is how I started to become so in love with the school. Other than that, I spend all of my HS summers working.

Other
•State (if domestic applicant): NY
•Country (if international applicant): USA
•School Type: Specialized public
•Ethnicity: White
•Gender: F
•Income Bracket: Mom makes less than 30,000 a year, don’t have support from dad
•Hooks: First person in my family to go to and graduate college

2

If it is not a financial concern to apply ED (because it is binding) then go for it!! However, given your income bracket, it may be hard to be bound to a school that may not give you the aid you want. BTW I’m a Brown EDer!! Good luck!

3

No reason to wait until RD, but I hope you have a list of schools that match your stats and finances.

4

If your parent income is less than $30,000, then your financial aid package from Brown should be great. One caveat – you say you have no support from dad, but Brown is going ask for financial info for the noncustodial parent. So unless you can get a waiver, his income will be considered. I would look into that before making a final decision. (Although if you don’t get the aid you need, you can turn down an ED acceptance.)

The reason to wait for RD: If you think your transcript will be stronger – if your fall grades will improve your GPA. If you want to compare financial aid offers (which, if you must submit your dad’s info, might be important).

Brown defers 2/3 of the students who apply ED, so chances are you wouldn’t be denied, but deferred.

I don’t chance students, and I’m not an admissions officer, but I responded mainly because I have a fondness for SING participants (since I did that decades ago in my NYC high school).

5

Thank you!! Good luck to you too!!