What separates Brown?

<p>What separates Brown from the other Ivy League schools in terms of what they consider in a student? </p>

<p>Is it fair to say Brown has a more holistic admission process than the other Ivy Leagues? As in less weighing on numbers. If so, what do they look for particularly.</p>

<p>Thanks</p>

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<p>Self-directed learners. Because the open curriculum allows so much flexibility, it also gives the student the chance to flounder about directionlessly. Those who can demonstrate that they know what they want and pursue it, even if it isn’t the easy well-trod path, are more likely to deemed a good fit.</p>

<p>I talked to an admissions officer, and she gave me a very specific answer. She said she looked at essays and intended concentrations and tried to evaluate the harmony between someone’s writing style and his future plans.</p>

<p>I’ve noticed a lot of students lately asking this question about Brown’s supposed greater holistic approach. I really wonder where this rumor came from.</p>

<p>First, all the top schools use a holistic approach. They all read essays and reject 2400 SAT scorers for interesting kids with lower scores. </p>

<p>Second, Brown is just as interested in test scores and grades as all the other top schools. A killer essay and amazing ECs rarely causes admissions to overlook mediocre grades and SATs.</p>

<p>That said, Brown definitely has a holistic approach to admissions, meaning it doesn’t take the highest GPA and SAT scorers. Yes, they are looking for self-directed learners. They are looking for students who will contribute to the community, who will make Brown and Providence and RI better places for their presence. When you fill out your application, don’t think “this is all that Brown can do for me.” Ask and answer, "what will I bring to Brown – what talent/interest/passion/commitment/quality/etc. do I bring to the table that makes me valuable?</p>

<p>I used to volunteer as a Brown alum to interview prospective students in my local area. The training that Brown’s Dean of Admissions, Jim Miller, provided us volunteer interviewers is to look for a consistent, authentic voice from the student. I believe that is common to the admissions process in other highly selective colleges. My suggestion is reflect deeply upon who you are, how you make sense of your history, and what impact you wish to make upon this Earth and write deep from your heart. I don’t believe Brown’s process is meaningfully different from that of over Ivy’s. Scores, rank and grades still count; extra-curriculars, essays and other relevant information can help but won’t overcome mediocrity in any aspect of the application. Don’t try to present yourself as more than than you. Don’t fret if you aren’t admitted. The overwhelming majority of talented, promising applicants don’t get into the Ivy’s yet they go on to live lives of distinction and joy. My son got into 4 Ivy’s, Duke, Johns Hopkins, Rice but chose a public college for many good reasons. Aim high and work hard, but remember to enjoy what you have and what you get. Peace to you.</p>

<p>I’ve read in many places that Brown in particular favors students that are a good match to the school. Brown is often said to be one of the more liberal Ivies; that is, they love strong, opinionated people who aren’t afraid of showing others who the are, even if it means being an outcast.</p>

<p>From what I’ve heard from someone who attends Brown: Brown is looking for a more diverse group of students that don’t have to all be the perfect scorers. Sometimes, they can look past more average grades and pick out how your ECs compliment your essay and your hooks. </p>

<p>…Of course, your scores and grades still count. You can have your heart on something, but you also have to put your heart on how hard working you can be. So being a high scorer is still definitely a plus.</p>

<p>It’s a pretty interesting school like Stanford who also gives off a holistic approach; I find them a bit similar and I have both of them on my college list.</p>

<p>Is it too cliche to discuss the open curriculum as a means of exploration in the “why brown?” essay?</p>

<p>I’m certain that is the most frequent topic in that section. How it relates personally is key. That said, I think my own daughter wrote something pretty generic there about that subject, lol. Good thing she had a killer good long essay. But the admit rate was also a bit higher.</p>

I agree. When writing you essay, if it is talking about the open curriculum, make sure to show why you would work well with an open curriculum and what you bring to the table to complement that.