Insights From Admission: Profiles of Successful Applicants to Brown University
Admission to Brown University is a highly sought-after achievement that requires a combination of academic excellence, standardized test scores, and impressive extracurricular activities. Two students share their profiles to provide a deeper understanding of what the admissions office looks for in successful applicants. Let's explore their stories in detail.
Modern Admission Insights: A Contemporary Applicant’s Profile
Modern-day applicants often present a well-rounded profile that includes stellar academic achievements, rigorous testing, and diverse extracurricular activities. One contemporary applicant, previously mentioned, highlights the following elements of their profile:
Scores and Grades
SAT: 1550/1600 (760 in Reading, 790 in Math) ACT: 35/36 Subject Tests: 800 in Biology M, 800 in Math II, 790 in Physics GPA: Unweighted 4.0, with straight A’s throughout high school Collegiate coursework in senior year with similar status to AP coursesExtracurricular Activities
Internship at a reputable institution (details kept anonymous) Dancing for 10 years, attending international competitions and festivals, and completing multiple solo performances Singing for 9 years, attending international competitions and receiving multiple awards Volunteer work with a non-profit healthcare service, including representing them at a world congress Local community service club treasurer Member of the National Honors Society and Science Fair awardee Awarded multiple dance and singing awards, along with the National Merit Commended Student award 2x Science Fair Honorable Mention (details kept anonymous) Dartmouth Book Award recipient National Women in Technology Honorable Mention (details kept anonymous)This comprehensive profile showcases a well-rounded applicant with a strong academic record, apex test scores, and diverse extracurricular activities, making for a compelling application to Brown University.
Historical Admission Insights: From the 1970s
For a historical perspective, let's look at a profile from a student admitted in 1970. This student shares some insights that may have contributed to their successful admission:
Scholastic Achievement
Top 3 in a class of 310, with a GPA of 4.0 exclusive of gym class (only slightly lower when gym class was included) SAT scores: 760 in English (now called Reading), 797 in Math Participated in a math section a year ahead, doing calculus in senior year Completed AP math and English tests, placing out of respective courses at BrownAcademic and Social Involvement
Math club captain in senior year Chem lab squad member Ham radio club participant Honors society member and student government officerUncommon Interests and Achievements
National Merit Scholar Member of the orchestra and pianist at a nationally-known ballet school No legacy status or hardship tales No varsity sport participation, citing the lack of competitive sports for girls at her school No significant community service projectsThough the student's school did not offer AP classes, they excelled in an accelerated math program that prepared them to perform well at Brown. Their extracurricular activities were diverse and included both academic and social components, which likely contributed to their successful admission.
What Does This Mean for Future Applicants?
The profiles of these two applicants demonstrate the value of rigorous academic performance, high test scores, and a variety of extracurricular activities in the Brown admission process. While the specific factors that influenced their acceptance may vary, the key takeaways include:
Strong academic performance in both core subjects and elective courses High SAT or ACT scores, particularly in math and English Participation in college-level coursework or AP equivalents Dedication to extracurricular activities that show leadership, creativity, and a commitment to diverse interestsUnderstanding the requirements and expectations of a top-tier university like Brown can help guide future applicants in crafting their personal statements, academic records, and extracurricular involvement. By following these guidelines, students can best present themselves as strong contenders for admission to institutions like Brown University.