<p>So I read that the RISD Brown program only accepts like 20 kids a year…
there’s someone in my school who will have somewhat of a similar app to mine, only a slightly higher SAT score and a higher GPA. The only difference is that our second, non-art focuses are different; she’s very strong in English and I’m very strong in Political Science and we’ve both received prestigious awards in our respective fields. Our English teacher is pretty much in love with her and will probably write her a killer rec. Both of us have received state-level awards for Art, but she’s received national-level awards. I have various leadership positions and she doesn’t have any.</p>
<p>My main point though is that she’s probably a stronger candidate, even though I think I’m already competitive for this ultra selective program…will the fact that this person who I personally think is a near auto-accept for this program getting in affect my chances? Would they be more partial to an applicant thats similar to me but comes from a different area, just for the sake of “diversifying” their pool for this program?</p>
<p>Tough call! In theory each application is taken on its own merits, but I would tend to think it highly unlikely that both of you would be accepted to the dual program. (don’t rule out maybe both being accepted to one or the other schools though.) I don’t think they give that much credence to this sort of difference in anticipated concentrations. Admissions might if if they were very different (say one was in engineering.) Your best advice is to write some incredible essays that really speak very specifically about why you are a great fit for this program, and vice versa. (now if you were twins, that would actually strengthen you both getting admitted. Colleges seem to have a thing about twins, lol.)</p>
<p>Hello. My daughter is in this program. It is truly an exciting and challenging opportunity. I can tell you for a fact that they do accept students from the same HS since there are two such students in her year. They also accepted a 3rd sibling who has two older sibs in the program for the incoming class. (Figure the odds of that!) Please don’t let your worries dissuade you from applying. Also, please don’t worry too much about test scores. I don’t think my daughter would mind my telling you that this was not the strongest part of her application. I think they liked her curiosity, creativity and work ethic. Let these shine in your application and you will do well.</p>
<p>Neither, actually. She graduated from a small private HS, but students in her class run the gamut both in terms of class size and home state. I don’t think they have admitted any foreign grads though.</p>