(Posted same thing in Stanford forum and wanted different perspectives)
I will be beginning my high school career this coming fall (I am aware that I should probably avoid this website for a couple years) and one of my main goals is, like many other students, to be accepted to top schools like Brown. That led me to wonder what exactly they look for and how I could use that information to fit my interests and what makes me unique to their interests. So, based on what you have observed, what qualities (personality, academics, extracurriculars, etc.) does Brown look for in prospective students? I would also appreciate any general high school advice.
All help is appreciated
Side note: I do have legacy status at Brown although I don’t believe that that will change your answers all that much.
The basics are the same for all most selective schools - take the most rigorous courses available to you at your school, get the best grades and test scores, get involved in your school ECs and then craft a college list that has safeties and matches as well as a couple of reach schools. Enjoy high school. It is over much too fast.
I think Brown takes pride in not having a specific type. You ask “what exactly they look for” and “what makes me unique to their interests”. In my experience they want originals. Kids who will forge their own path and are passionate about learning and their beliefs. You will repeatedly hear that these are the type of students that thrive at Brown and in an open curriculum.
Are you a kid who hears open curriculum, prolonged shopping period and pass/fail and thinks perfect I can pretend to work and Brown will pretend to give me an elite quality education? Probably a bad fit.
Conversely do you see this as an opportunity to select specific diverse areas of interest to focus on, value being surrounded by other students who have selected a class rather than being forced to take it, view your self as an eclectic academic… That is what they are looking for.
Your an athlete but it doesn’t define you, a pationate conservative or liberal that doesn’t mind being challenged, into theater and dance but want friends from throughout the school, don’t want a frat mentality to dictate who you can socialize with, Brown ticks those boxes. Want to dress the way you want, be an activist for the causes you value, and study hard in areas that fascinate you without anyone judging you…
Brown is frequently referred to as having the happiest students. They are looking for kids that will be happy by taking full advantage of what Brown has to offer as described. They don’t hide or run from who they are and what they aren’t.
Many schools share some elements of this mind set but Brown is unique and wants students who are similarly unique.
Sorry if that is overkill.
@momofsenior1 @Nocreativity1 Thank you both for your insight. As for what was said about originals, I think you have a very good point. I’ve looked at a couple elite schools on my own time and with an older sibling and a common theme seems to be uniqueness and passion. I also have always prided myself on being extremely driven and going beyond what I learn in the classroom to expand my knowledge of the world. So, I think that Brown would be a good fit if I got in. But, for someone like me who has not proved anything yet, that is a very big if. At this point, I think it’s best if I focus less on specific schools and more on succeeding academically, extracurriculary, and as a human being.
You sound mature enough to be both introspective and absorb what a specific college has to offer. Take your time and enjoy the ride. It goes quickly. Lots of great schools out there.
You do sound mature. But since you’re just starting high school, be sure to explore various interests. Over time, see how the different colleges present themselves, learn a bit about what makes them tick, what they say and show, what sorts of students they brag about. If you’re a legacy, talk to your parent(s) about what the experience was like.
As you decide possible directions (even as simple as stem vs humanities,) take on some challenges, some responsibilities, in and out of school. Top colleges like depth and breadth. And don’t forget comunity involvement, do some good. Best to you.
@lookingforward Thank you for the insight. I agree that it is a very good idea to explore different fields and subjects because, let’s face it, very few 15 year olds know what they want to do in life. I will also do my best to learn about different colleges along the way through visits or browsing their websites.
Side note: My dad (Brown alum) said that his years at Brown were the happiest years of his life. That seems to be a trend among Brown alumni.