Brown University

“Brown doesnt care as much aboutAug 30 2004Computer Science
brown doesnt care as much about sat/act as other ivy's so you need tons of cool and interesting extra curriculars. Do a science project, do some community service, and be really active in your school and make people give you good rec letters. You will get in if you are percieved as an interesting person.
SAT: 1410 Male

“Like every student who is ambitious and motivated, IApr 27 2004Undecided
Like every student who is ambitious and motivated, I came under an immense amount of pressure at school to bring an application to the table that seemed flawless. I heard people strategizing to underplay low test scores and overplay community service and ethnicity!

Seeing the ridiculous amont of time I was putting into my application worring about if my hand writing was too "teenish" looking, a family friend asked my Mom if I was forgetting who I really was- was I trying to be the perfect applicant?" When I heard this, I stepped back from my application, threw out the old plan of achieving perfectiong, and resolved that if Brown was really the place for me, they would understand and embrace my flaws. I pushed myself farther into my application with a new plan in gear: HONESTY! Throughout the fall, I decided to not cocern myself with worrying about how I would match up to all my ambitious and competitive friends who appeared to be exactly what schools, like Brown, wanted. At the end of the game, the ones who had played "the perfect applicant card" all looked too similar! Don't be afraid to set yourself apart- it might be the difference between you and another almost identical applicant from New Jersey who maybe belongs to one more club than you! I presented myself honestly and (I believe) completely. For example: for my application photo, I sent one of me fresh out of the shower with wet hair, in my PJs, eating a bowl of ice cream! The Brown Admissions is the kind of board that will respect your quirks, rough edges, and flaws- don't be afraid to let them live up to their reputation!
Female

“Lots ofSep 07 2003History/Histories (art history/etc.)
Lots of activities and good grades in high school, + good writing skills, + community service, + something to make you stick out (i.e., having creative talent, doing outstanding work in the community, having famous parents, being a minority or from a poor background, etc.)
SAT: 1510 Female

“To get into brown you must be yourself andSep 01 2003Political Science
To get into brown you must be yourself and be a well rounded person. Be diverse in your activities and opened minded as well. Be creative and original and do the best you can.
Male

“On my application, I presented myself as honestly asAug 19 2003Undecided
On my application, I presented myself as honestly as possible. I ignored tips on essay-writing and how to market myself, choosing instead to convey that I am passionate about a variety of things, that I have a number of faults, and that I don't have it all figured out just yet. My numbers (GPA, SAT I, SAT II, etc.) put me in the running, but I believe my carefully crafted essay and my chance discussion with the area admissions director helped demonstrate my thirst for knowledge and my interest in Brown. My recommenders (guidance counselor, social science teacher, natural science teacher) all knew me well - in different ways. This allowed the admissions committee to get a clearer picture of the traits that made me a strong candidate.

No single accomplishment or characteristic made me an extremely desirable applicant. The enthusiasm I demonstrated through my extracurricular activities, essay, and interview still compelled the admissions committee to admit me, though. In my experience with the school, I've found that Brown is especially concerned with personal qualities and appreciates sincerity in an applicant. I wish you the best of luck.
SAT: 1530 Male