<p>So one of Brown’s writing supplements is “Why Brown?” I like writing poetry and short stories (and have won an Honorable Mention & Silver Key from Scholastic Art and Writing Awards). I was thinking, since my biggest sell is that I’m a writer, maybe I could answer the question in poetry-style format. It does not specify that you have to write an essay; it just says that the limit is 200 words. Plus Brown seems like the most liberal of the Ivies; it seems like it would be more open to stuff like that than the other Ivies. What do you guys think?</p>
<p>don’t do it. poetry has a tendency to disappoint. everyone has a different opinion on what a good poem should be. like all art, it is subjective. also, i love writing too and won a national scholastic award gold key (attended award ceremony in new york city) and i did NOT write a poem.</p>
<p>I agree. If you poll people, about 40% will indicate they love poetry; 60% will say they loathe it, don’t understand it, and/or can’t judge its merits.</p>
<p>It’s pretty risky. If you do submit one, consider carefully the type of poem you choose to write, and make sure it answers the prompt. And get multiple readers. Also, check out you’re admission rep for clues about them, and whether or not they might be receptive to it.</p>
<p>Analyze the question: “why Brown?” It means why is Brown the right place for you? What or who do you want to be? What have you done already to show that your actions support your expressed desire? And, what is it about Brown that will help you and allow you to move along that path you have chosen? Be direct. Tell them you want to be a writer; that you write voraciously; that you like writing short stories and poems and have won an award (or more?) for your writing. If you hope one day to write the great american novel, then say so. Say something like: being a good writer is more than knowing how to write (e.g., English courses), it’s based on broad personal knowledge and experience (e.g., open curriculum, travel, social projects, etc.). Find some specific aspects of Brown that excite you and tell them about it and how it will broaden your knowledge and experience, thus making you a better writer. Don’t send the poem. Don’t write a poem. The point of going to Brown is to make you a far better writer than you are now.</p>
<p>I disagree. I feel that if you can get in all the information they want they would admire that you tried to be creative with the delivery – even if they don’t like poetry. They’re reading hundreds to thousands of the same essays, so I imagine anything to spice it up would be a welcome break and would be especially appreciated at Brown, which prides themselves on their community of artistic students. Anything to weave in your personality/passions is a plus as well. I myself wrote a poem about writing poetry as a response to some colleges “Talk about one of your extracurricular activities” questions, as I am captain of my school’s slam team. Be yourself, and don’t be afraid to try to stand out with your essays.</p>
<p>It’s been done. Applicants have written poetry and plays instead of essays. </p>
<p>It just has to be done really well.</p>
<p>IF you can clearly answer the prompt, “Why Brown” in a well written poem about why Brown would help you develop as a writer, than I recommend going for it. Your essay will distinguish you from all the others, and will actually demonstrate your talent. I think what is tricky about these “Why __________” essay prompts is that most often the student could interchange any college name and the same essay would apply. Just be sure you are specific about what qualities Brown has that would make it the best fit for you and how therefore you as a writer could contribute to Brown.</p>
<p>Do it!</p>
<p>Only if you’re great at poems, though.</p>
<p>Sometimes the need to write in verse
Is less a talent than troublesome curse.</p>
<p>Show Brown the former in poetic glory
But make sure the rhyme doesn’t obscure your story.</p>