Brown University

“Brown is extremely difficult to get into -- atOct 14 2007History/Histories (art history/etc.)
Brown is extremely difficult to get into -- at minimum, you need a competitive SAT score, a solid high school GPA, lots of difficult high school courses (think mostly honors / AP classes), and good extracurricular activities that show your passions. Of course, there are exceptions -- if you're a recruited athlete, legacy, underrepresented racial minority, geographical minority (think, applicant from Alaska, Wyoming), first in your family to go to college, etc. the bar is definitely lower.

Overall though, regardless of if you fall into one of those categories, it's extremely important to have a passion and be able to convey that in your application. Brown likes self-starters, passionate people, people who have an idea of what they want to do in college and can articulate how they'll accomplish their goals at Brown in particular. Because there are so many applicants, it's really a crapshoot beyond that, but just presenting yourself as someone passionate to something and who would benefit from the unique type of a school that Brown is (academic flexibility, departments that are strong here, etc.), you'll definitely have a better chance of getting in.
SAT: 1520 Female

“AppliedAug 27 2007Public Policy
Applied.

Seriously, just apply and you'll get in or you won't and there's nothing you can really do about it either way.
ACT: 34 SAT: 1490 Male

“Unless you are an underrepresented minority, do not playFeb 28 2007Economics
Unless you are an underrepresented minority, do not play into any stereotypes; an outspoken political conservative may find it easier to gain admission than a hippie-liberal, pot-smoking, Darfur-fundraising, pro-Choice, GSA president. If you are Asian, attract less attention to your piano and math trophies. If you are a recruited athlete, show how you also have an interest in the fine arts or baroque music. Prove to the admissions board that you are well rounded. Demonstrate how you and your unique experiences can contribute to Brown inside and outside the classroom.
SAT: 2320 Male

“A lot of people who deserve to be atFeb 27 2007Economics
A lot of people who deserve to be at Brown are not here, you are lucky if you are chosen. Alongside luck, it helps if you are a person who is intelligent v. intellectual, if you are open minded v. liberal, hard working v. only academically inclined, and enthusiastic about Brown. If you can show them that you are mature, that you like to take charge of your life (that you will be able to make use of the Open curriculum) then this is the best you can do.
Female

“I was defNov 29 2006Linguistics
I was def. not the perfect student (I graduated with a total GPA of 3.5), and my SATs were good (2220) but not amazing. SAT IIs: 750 writing, 720 biology, 750 french.

But I wouldn't get so hung up on being the perfect student. For example, i SUCKED at math in high school, but I didn't let that discourage me, and instead focused on the subjects I was passionate about. I was involved in theater, cross country, MUN, NHS. I played piano, and volunteered on the weekeneds at a local orphanage. I did lots of writing in my spare time (some of which I submitted along w/my app) and made some short films. I also taught myself some Portugese in my spare time, and was editor of an arts newspapaper which i helped start for 2 years.Everything I did, I was genuinely interested in, and I think my thirst for knowledge was more important than my academics. I was really honest in my essays, and I really suggest you put a LOT of effort into them (and i mean A LOT- in many cases, they are the only thing to distinguish you from a bunch of other applicants, so you gotta stand out). I also had some pretty inspiring teacher recs. I did the IB and I scored a total of 44 points. Taking challenging courses really helps.

If you think you have what it takes for whatever reason, don't let some numbers discourage you. Grades ARE important, don't get me wrong, but they're not everything, and you can def. compensate for a less than stellar academic record with extracurriculars, essays, passion for knowledge, etc. When I was applying, the school counselor (who had spoken to me like once for ten minutes) told me that with my academics, there was "no way I'd get in". So don't let anyone discourage you. Just apply! you have nothing to lose, and everything to gain, so good luck (and dont get too obsessed with those numbers)!
SAT: 1420 Female