<p>"Because you have expressed an interest in Chemistry, Computer Science, Geology, Mathematics or Physics, we would like to know a bit more about you. Please limit your total response to 500 words.
Many applicants to college are unsure about eventual majors. What factors led you to your interest? What experiences beyond school work have broadened your interest? (Feel free to elaborate on one of your previous responses.)
What concept in your anticipated major were you most proud of mastering?
Briefly describe the course(s) you have taken relating to your chosen field."</p>
<p>Is it because they want more of these majors (so easier to get in), or do they ask because the program is more selective (so harder to get in)?</p>
<p>I don’t think it makes it easier or harder, per se. It just gives you an opportunity to talk more about math/science. For example, many people do research, enter competitions, or take independent studies in these areas. The supplement lets you discuss stuff like that.</p>
<p>It makes it very hard for the average good student to look competent. I mean, “Hey, I’m applying because I like watching Nova and Cosmos.” Ugh. It’s kind of stopped my daughter from applying at all, because it looks like the contest winners is who they really want.</p>
<p>I don’t think that’s true but the question is why do Nova and Cosmos intrigue your D?</p>
<p>I think the reason they ask is because high school math/science is the furthest removed from careers in math/science than other academic disciplines. (e.g. english class more closely mirrors a career in comparative literature than chemistry class mirrors the life of a chemist)</p>
<p>How on earth do you read those questions and conclude they want contest winners? I don’t see that at all.</p>
<p>The science supplement is read by faculty members in those disciplines. They want to see student responses. The science supplement has been around for decades. </p>
<p>I haven’t seen numbers in several years, but the acceptance rate for hard science majors used to be slightly higher than the average. But you really have to show sustained interest in science and have strong grades in the subject areas and relevant ECs.</p>
My daughter is a junior engineering major, doing very well and loving it. I don’t know what she wrote on her supplements, but she had no background, classes or experience in engineering, was never in any competition and never won a prize, so she clearly wasn’t a ‘contest’ winner. She did have some very definite ideas about why she wanted to be an engineer. She was a legacy, which no doubt is worth something, but her grades, etc. put her ‘in the pack,’ as she likes to say. So, I don’t see any reason for anyone to be discouraged by the STEM supplement, even if you aren’t a ‘contest winner.’
All the majors you list are subsumed under “STEM” (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). Increasing the number of STEM majors is a national priority that top colleges are trying to address. Yet half of the students who declare the intention to major in STEM topics at the start of college leave STEM prior to graduating. Furthermore, over half of those who stick with stem through graduation seek an advanced degree or employment outside of STEM fields. In a school like Brown, where there are many attractive alternatives to STEM majors, admissions probably wants to ensure that those expressing interest in STEM have enough experience and/or passion for their chosen field that they will persist through graduation and beyond. While all programs at Brown are good, they are less well known for STEM than they are for other topics. That also means that relative to other applications, they probably get fewer from Stem students. A second reason they may ask for the additional essay in STEM is to discourage those listing STEM as their goal because they speculate they might encounter less competition if they declare STEM rather than an area Brown has been better known for. The extra essay is one attempt to ensure that they select students most apt to continue in STEM-those with strong interest and experience. So, while winning competitions is one way to show strong interest, it is by no means the only way or necessarily the best way.