<p>I’m worried my “why brown?” answer is not specific enough. In books and articles I’ve read, there are suggestions of mentioning specific classes, clubs, teachers, etc. But because it is such a short essay and I wanted to mention my personal connection, I kind of focused on that. I talked about how Brown has been in my family for generations, and how after I took a class there for two weeks I just knew the place was for me. I also talked about how the New Curriculum excites me so much.
But I’m worried it’ll be too casual, or not specific enough… Thoughts?</p>
<p>I have no connection to the Office of Admission, so you can discount my comments accordingly</p>
<p>You are applying RD, right? You have generations of family connections, and the open (it is not new anymore) curriculum excites you so much, and you know the place is for you, but you didn’t apply ED? Not a showstopper, but maybe think twice about leading with the legacy card if you are not applying ED. They will know you are a legacy in any event, and there are other ways to work that in on your own if you wish.</p>
<p>Possible suggestions:</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Instead of talking about “how Brown has been in my family for generations” maybe talk about why your family connections have helped you understand your responsibilities to contribute to the Brown community should you be admitted, and why you are capable and eager to fulfill them.</p></li>
<li><p>Instead of talking about “how after I took a class…I just knew the place was for me” maybe talk about why that class made you realize something about yourself that would enable you to thrive at Brown.</p></li>
<li><p>Instead of talking about how the Open Curriculum excites you so much, maybe talk about why some of your personal characteristics would enable you to productively exercise the freedom and responsibility required to maximize the benefits the Open Curriculum offers</p></li>
</ol>
<p>At Brown, it’s OK to be a legacy and apply RD. </p>
<p>And yes, you should stress the legacy connection in your Why Brown essay. </p>
<p>I think it sounds fine. It really isn’t necessary to read a book and write what you ‘should write’ according to some formula. That is not original. If you are writing sincerely with your own ideas of why Brown speak to you that is better to me. Really when I think back this was not a strong part of my dis’s application I’m afraid but otoh, she didn’t read books and write a studied, canned response either. </p>
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<p>Absolutely. No one has suggested otherwise.</p>
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<p>Depends… I think, because I am not affiliated with the Office of Admission, and therefore cannot speak definitively.</p>
<p>If your stress on legacy comes across as some sort of sense of entitlement, you run the risk of evincing lack of confidence on the merits, I think. In any case, they will know you are a legacy.</p>
<p>If your treatment of legacy shows that you have a deep understanding of the responsibilities of a Brown student and the value of a Brown education and the Brown experience… and that legacy means that you would feel an extra strong obligation to preserve and enhance Brown’s reputation through your actions and achievements, then I think your statement would be more powerful. </p>
<p>I think.</p>
<p>I definitely think fenwaypark had the right idea in stating it the way he/she did. There is a huge difference between telling a specific story about what Brown means to you because of your family’s attendance vs blandly stating that you want to go to Brown because it’s the family tradition. I’m guessing OP’s current draft is closer to the latter than the former given the fear that it’s not specific enough.</p>
<p>Fireandrain, didn’t I see you reference “the olive garden test” in a post of yours somewhere? - the idea that if Brown could be replaced with “The Olive Garden” and it still made sense that it means the content is not specific enough. OP is probably fearing that. “The Olive Garden has been a part of my family for many generations. I want to be as worldly and educated as my family that went to the Olive Garden” etc.</p>
<p>Good one, BrunoAlumnus! This concept is not unique to Brown, and I believe it is usually referred to as the “Cheesecake Factory” test…but Olive Garden, Cheesecake Factory…same concept. Thanks for digging this out of your memory.</p>
<p>EDIT: Here’s a reference:</p>
<p><a href=“http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-chicago/430369-how-many-have-heard-this.html”>http://talk.collegeconfidential.com/university-chicago/430369-how-many-have-heard-this.html</a></p>
<p>Nope, the Olive Garden test is not mine. Never heard of it. Not a bad test, though. </p>
<p>Been lurking a long time but not that long. Someone must have referenced it here since I definitely don’t remember it in the context of Chicago.</p>
<p>^^^Guilty as charged</p>
<p><a href=“How does a student "demonstrate interest" in Brown? - #15 by arwarw - Brown University - College Confidential Forums”>How does a student "demonstrate interest" in Brown? - #15 by arwarw - Brown University - College Confidential Forums;
<p>Thanks for all the feedback. I didn’t apply ED because of family reasons and wasn’t able to complete my application in time. It had been my original plan. Of course, they won’t know that, so it doesn’t really matter. </p>
<p>Anyhow, would anybody be willing to read it? If not, that’s fine, I’ll just keep playing with it.</p>
<p>I was just accepted ED. I’d be happy to take a look at it.</p>
<p>Great !!! Thank you. Should I just PM you?</p>
<p>IF you are a legacy applicant, you have access to the college counselors in the alumni advising program. While they won’t edit your essay, they will speak with you about how to answer the essay questions and what approach to take with your application. The women who work there have worked in various Ivy league admissions offices and can answer this question - whether to be emotional or specific - a whole lot better than anyone at CC. I would contact them if I were you.</p>
<p>@Lunakiitty Yep, just PM me.</p>