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Brown University

How this student rated the school
Educational QualityA- Faculty AccessibilityB+
Useful SchoolworkB Excess CompetitionA
Academic SuccessA- Creativity/ InnovationB+
Individual ValueA- University Resource UseA-
Campus Aesthetics/ BeautyA+ FriendlinessA+
Campus MaintenanceA- Social LifeA+
Surrounding CityA Extra CurricularsB+
SafetyA-
Describes the student body as:
Friendly, Approachable

Describes the faculty as:
Friendly, Helpful

Female
SAT2140
Quite Bright
Lowest Rating
Useful Schoolwork
B
Highest Rating
Campus Aesthetics/ Beauty
A+
She cares more about Useful Schoolwork than the average student.
Date: Jun 30 2011
Major: Political Science (This Major's Salary over time)
I was obsessed with Brown as a junior and senior in high school, and read every review on this website (and others) possible, so now is my chance to be finally give back to all of the freaked-out applicants.

I thought my life was over when I was deferred from Brown ED; I ended up getting in RD in April, thankfully, but I want to make it known that if you apply to the right schools for you, it doesn't really matter where you end up. I would've been happy at any of my schools. Of course, it's nice to be at Brown especially, in the Ivy League, with all of the resources and prestige that comes with it. But the "prestige-factor" only gives so much. Though that was a major factor in where I applied to college, now that I've "made it," it really has no effect on my daily life as a college kid. Bottom line: you live and breathe where you are at college, so it's most important that you are comfortable living, learning and making friends there. Prestige is SO not worth it if you'll be unhappy. (Not to say I'm not happy—I'll get to Brown in a second.)

It was hard to get my bearins at Brown my first semester. Everyone there is BRILLIANT, but what you don't realize is that everyone feels like they're not good enough, when in reality, we all were accepted and are equally deserving to be there. My classes this year were on the whole, fantastic. Challenging, yes, but I got to know my profs (GO TO OFFICE HOURS) and made great connections. I had unusually small classes for a first-year because I took more seminars than is typical, but I had 3 lecture classes between 100-150 (which isn't too bad for Brown), plus there is always section with a TA.

The students here, as I said, are incredibly brilliant, but also incredibly humble and kind. I've never "clicked" with people so easily. You have the chance to meet people from all over the world and from all different backgrounds. It's wonderful.

The one thing I will say that Brown needs to improve upon is it's advising system. Because of the open curriculum, advising is all that more important. However, the advising system is a crap-shoot. Your faculty advisor is either helpful or doesn't care. Your student advisor will most likely be the one to guide you the most. The good news is that if you don't click with your faculty advisor, you have your student advisor, plus there are open hours at the Dean's Office for everyone. AND, upperclassmen/faculty you befriend are always willing to help with class choices, clubs, social life, etc.

Though I think Brown is the most like a liberal arts college out of all the Ivy League schools, it is still a mid-size research university. If a small, liberals art college suits your learning style better, I strongly recommend you choose one. Doing well where you are is more important than the name (and there are plenty of big-name liberal arts colleges). I sometimes feel as though a small college would have been a better fit for me, but I'm still happy with my choice.

       
Responses
questionHello! Congratulations on making into Brown! I'm happy to hear you've enjoyed your time there.
As a rising high school senior, I am trying to review my list of colleges that I will be applying (and hopefully accepted!) to. Brown is on my list, but I'm not sure if I am worthy enough to be on theirs. It could be my being paranoid, but I think it's better to be safe than sorry. I just want to make sure that what I've been doing for the past three years in high school (and what I will continue to do in my senior year) will be enough. I've challenged myself academically, being an IB and AP student all four years, and am involved in some extracurriculars and have done/am continuing my volunteering services. But looking at similar review sites has worried me! Seeings kids with a laundry list of a resume seems a bit frightening. While it may be general, can you please give some pointers on how to get into Brown?
questionAre there some known Faculty advisors who are helpful?
questionHi, I want to know more about the classes. I heard that small classes and seminars are hard to get in, since so many people sign up. Is that true? And what particular classes do you find most appealing? Thank you so much!
questionHi :)
Would you mind letting me know what the other colleges on your list were?
questionHi :) Thank you for honest review!

As a junior in high school trying to decide where to apply ED in the fall, I wanted to ask you some questions to get a better sense of if Brown is a good fit for me.

  • What is the stress level like for most Brown students?
  • - How hard is the grading system? Is it impossible to get As? - Are the students as happy and friendly as people say they are? - Are people less cliquey than high school? - How prominent is Greek Life? Can you still have fun if you don't drink? - Is it easy to find internships during college?
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