Hello everyone,
I have actually just created this account in order to hear opinions on my current situation. Through a relatively prestigious scholarship foundation combined with the Dean’s Scholarship, I have a plane ticket to Providence and tuition for Summer@Brown paid. For the most part, this scholarship is merit based. I have searched far and wide on these forums to find someone similar to myself, so I would not need to create this forum. Basically, all I have read leads me to believe pre-college programs have little to no effect on college admissions. This opportunity is rare for someone from a farming community, and I am wondering how I could turn this experience into resume builder! I have selected a lab course that is taught by a professor at Brown. I am hoping that a relationship can built there. I am open to any advice on how to make the best of this experience for both my summer and my college admissions future! I can provide additional details if that is helpful.
Hey there! I’m going too and from what I’ve read, one of the best things you could do is to create a really good relationship with your professor. They’ll not only help you with your studies but can write you a letter of recommendation, regardless of what schools you plan on applying to. Even if you don’t end up wanting to go to brown, any school (I think) would be pretty impressed if you had a letter of rec. from Brown professor.
My first time going is this summer though so I’m not exactly sure on all that you can do so its just a suggestion!
Hi OP, my S was also accepted to the Brown Summer program a couple years ago, and offered a dean’s scholarship. However it was only partial (half) and he was not as fortunate to receive additional funding (good for you!) It turned out that Feb/March was actually late to start looking at summer program scholarships. So we decided to save $ for college itself, and he had to pass on Brown, but it worked out anyway bc that summer he ended up doing a Math Camp at Williams (free). To answer your question, on his college apps he (briefly) mentioned the competitiveness of the program – can’t remember exactly now but like 10 percent acceptance. However this was not really the highlight of that experience. The experience itself, of being on a campus, of studying with kids of mixed backgrounds with the same motivation and interests, and of spending time with a prof who does that work – going the extra mile – bc she wants to mentor kids…those are the true benefits. That circle of kids has remained in touch ever since, and very importantly, gave each other support (and tips) during the admissions cycle.
You were very wise to seek out the other scholarship resource, and that resourcefulness speaks highly of you.
Enjoy it! And congrats!
The impression given is some what incorrect for your situation.
The expectation is that the colleges will accept most students who apply since it is a major revenue stream for them. So essentially colleges discount this experience somewhat since all it tells them is someone is able to afford a $10,000 bill for summer for the experience of hanging around a college and doing one or two college courses and it may not be hard to get in as long as one can afford it.
Your case will be totally different since someone is paying for your experience with a major scholarship. This is a major honor and adds to your application.
Once you get there, you have the added benefit of getting a recommendation from an elite college prof if build a relationship and do well which can add to your application.