BROWN

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:the video essay was tough

My 2024 worked on the application for RD. Did the essays but completely rebelled against the video essay. He got in ED at another school so it became a non issue. But it made me think he was not the right fit for Brown. Kids who would be a good fit at Brown would love to do the video essay. The scenario is a bit similar to U Chicago prompts. In a way, the school apps filter out for fit.

I am not sure how many kids actually love the video essay. My DC did it and was accepted. But he regarded it more as a necessary evil and means to an end.

Well, will he then see his English classes or his math classes as a necessary evil? Maybe Brown wants kids who are naturally enthusiastic about learning and trying new things.

[Anonymous]

My guess is that my kid chose brown because it has a unique combination of reputation (being in Ivy League) and chill/non-competitive atmosphere (due to unlimited pass/fails, no GPAs, and liberal culture). Everyone talks about the open curriculum, but that didn't seem very important to decision making in the end.

I think these factors would make it perfect for younger sibling, but that one isn't very enthusiastic. Probably due to a few years of stories of bad food and moldy dorms-- both of which DC2 is pretty picky about.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:the video essay was tough

It wasn't supposed to be. You didn't need to be Steven Spielberg. They are fun w. homemade style and not rating on cinematography. It was to replace the interview--and only like, what, 3 minutes long?

Are the videos work-arounds for not being able to directly ask for an applicant's race?

The videos might have originally been meant partly to catch race fakers, such as white kids checking various diversity boxes.

You have this all wrong. Schools are hardly interested in seriously policing this issue. Checking the boy is what matters. A race-faking kid with solid stats is great for everyone. Don't ask, Don't tell, Don't pursue, baby.

Unfortunately, you are likely right.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:the video essay was tough

My 2024 worked on the application for RD. Did the essays but completely rebelled against the video essay. He got in ED at another school so it became a non issue. But it made me think he was not the right fit for Brown. Kids who would be a good fit at Brown would love to do the video essay. The scenario is a bit similar to U Chicago prompts. In a way, the school apps filter out for fit.

I am not sure how many kids actually love the video essay. My DC did it and was accepted. But he regarded it more as a necessary evil and means to an end.

Well, will he then see his English classes or his math classes as a necessary evil? Maybe Brown wants kids who are naturally enthusiastic about learning and trying new things.

Reading comp problems? He was accepted. Curb your bile.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My kid applied a couple of years ago. It was the first year they shifted from interviews to videos and the explanation was Covid restrictions. (It was very early in Covid and I'm guessing their alumni interviewers weren't excited about zoom interviews.)

I have a kid applying this year, and they seemed to have refined (improved, in my opinion) the description of what they were looking for in the video.

My first kid made a simple (frankly, unimpressive) video looking at the camera and merging in photos. Then she showed me the ones other kids made-- many posted them online. And wow. It seemed clear they either hired a videographer or had a very talented family member. For instance, giving a tour of their 'hometown' (NY City) by traveling to all kinds of locations. Very high quality visuals, edits, etc. Some with kind of special effects. Unclear if the 'script' was theirs or not.

FWIW, my kid got in with her iphone propped on textbooks and filming in my dining room. And now the instructions seem to asking for something more clearly along the lines of what she did.

Another parent here. I looked at a bunch online, and the ones that looked more "professional " tended to be from kids who were into filmmaking. (My favorites are the guy with the animated character and the Wes Anderson send up). I think those are great for those kids and don't extend the bar for others. Some videos (my kids' included) had more editing work in them for sure -- cuts, slides with VO, music. My kids used software that came free on my computer, and it allowed them to add extra tracks of photos and sound as well as titles. They figured it out by trial and error, and theirs had a lot of content while conveying a theme. But, kids also got in with videos that are just 1 shot of them talking. There's no "right" way. I think it's nice to show creativity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:the video essay was tough

My 2024 worked on the application for RD. Did the essays but completely rebelled against the video essay. He got in ED at another school so it became a non issue. But it made me think he was not the right fit for Brown. Kids who would be a good fit at Brown would love to do the video essay. The scenario is a bit similar to U Chicago prompts. In a way, the school apps filter out for fit.

I am not sure how many kids actually love the video essay. My DC did it and was accepted. But he regarded it more as a necessary evil and means to an end.

Well, will he then see his English classes or his math classes as a necessary evil? Maybe Brown wants kids who are naturally enthusiastic about learning and trying new things.

The joy of the open curriculum is that you don’t have to take those classes if you don't want to.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:the video essay was tough

My 2024 worked on the application for RD. Did the essays but completely rebelled against the video essay. He got in ED at another school so it became a non issue. But it made me think he was not the right fit for Brown. Kids who would be a good fit at Brown would love to do the video essay. The scenario is a bit similar to U Chicago prompts. In a way, the school apps filter out for fit.

I am not sure how many kids actually love the video essay. My DC did it and was accepted. But he regarded it more as a necessary evil and means to an end.

Well, will he then see his English classes or his math classes as a necessary evil? Maybe Brown wants kids who are naturally enthusiastic about learning and trying new things.

The joy of the open curriculum is that you don’t have to take those classes if you don't want to.

Open curriculum is beneficial for kids who want to study double concentrations (major) plus additional studies in areas of interest. Great option for kids who want to pursue interdisciplinary study. This helped my DC tremendously for his career

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:


If they can get in to any other Ivy, seriously go there instead. It's a super woke rich kid mecca who never get defined careers after graduation. Not a lot of pride or school spirit, it's pretty sleepy. You are paying for the name and in certain circles, it's kind of a joke.

Which circles?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:


If they can get in to any other Ivy, seriously go there instead. It's a super woke rich kid mecca who never get defined careers after graduation. Not a lot of pride or school spirit, it's pretty sleepy. You are paying for the name and in certain circles, it's kind of a joke.

Which circles?

No circles where Brown is a joke.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My guess is that my kid chose brown because it has a unique combination of reputation (being in Ivy League) and chill/non-competitive atmosphere (due to unlimited pass/fails, no GPAs, and liberal culture). Everyone talks about the open curriculum, but that didn't seem very important to decision making in the end.

I think these factors would make it perfect for younger sibling, but that one isn't very enthusiastic. Probably due to a few years of stories of bad food and moldy dorms-- both of which DC2 is pretty picky about.

No GPAs? I have a kid at Brown. There are GPAs.

[Anonymous]

My kid went to Brown - liked it ok

Was pretty much a New England liberal arts college blown up to Ivy League university size, which I think is its biggest appeal, along with a great college town setting

Kid was surprised at the level of affluence and privilege and lack of intellectual engagement among classmates. But had great professors, made very good friends, was able to easily double major (yes I know they’re called concentrations) thanks to the open curriculum and made top grades with ease that (along with recs from relationships with profs) provided a wide range of great grad school acceptances

I think they are happier with Brown in retrospect than at the time - Covid hit during junior year so that probably plays a part

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid applied a couple of years ago. It was the first year they shifted from interviews to videos and the explanation was Covid restrictions. (It was very early in Covid and I'm guessing their alumni interviewers weren't excited about zoom interviews.)

I have a kid applying this year, and they seemed to have refined (improved, in my opinion) the description of what they were looking for in the video.

My first kid made a simple (frankly, unimpressive) video looking at the camera and merging in photos. Then she showed me the ones other kids made-- many posted them online. And wow. It seemed clear they either hired a videographer or had a very talented family member. For instance, giving a tour of their 'hometown' (NY City) by traveling to all kinds of locations. Very high quality visuals, edits, etc. Some with kind of special effects. Unclear if the 'script' was theirs or not.

FWIW, my kid got in with her iphone propped on textbooks and filming in my dining room. And now the instructions seem to asking for something more clearly along the lines of what she did.

Another parent here. I looked at a bunch online, and the ones that looked more "professional " tended to be from kids who were into filmmaking. (My favorites are the guy with the animated character and the Wes Anderson send up). I think those are great for those kids and don't extend the bar for others. Some videos (my kids' included) had more editing work in them for sure -- cuts, slides with VO, music. My kids used software that came free on my computer, and it allowed them to add extra tracks of photos and sound as well as titles. They figured it out by trial and error, and theirs had a lot of content while conveying a theme. But, kids also got in with videos that are just 1 shot of them talking. There's no "right" way. I think it's nice to show creativity.

Wow. My kid is at Chicago and also had to make an intro video for them. From what I recall he just videoed himself in his room talking about his favorite books. Might have showed the books but I don’t think he used music, pics or any video tools. Had no idea bar was much higher!

[Anonymous]

My kid loved Brown. There is some affluence there, for sure, but the professors are terrific. They definitely encourage exploration and research. Providence is a fun town -- lots of fun, casual restaurants, bookstores, museums. My kid did well, was happy, and had numerous job opportunities upon graduation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My kid applied a couple of years ago. It was the first year they shifted from interviews to videos and the explanation was Covid restrictions. (It was very early in Covid and I'm guessing their alumni interviewers weren't excited about zoom interviews.)

I have a kid applying this year, and they seemed to have refined (improved, in my opinion) the description of what they were looking for in the video.

My first kid made a simple (frankly, unimpressive) video looking at the camera and merging in photos. Then she showed me the ones other kids made-- many posted them online. And wow. It seemed clear they either hired a videographer or had a very talented family member. For instance, giving a tour of their 'hometown' (NY City) by traveling to all kinds of locations. Very high quality visuals, edits, etc. Some with kind of special effects. Unclear if the 'script' was theirs or not.

FWIW, my kid got in with her iphone propped on textbooks and filming in my dining room. And now the instructions seem to asking for something more clearly along the lines of what she did.

Another parent here. I looked at a bunch online, and the ones that looked more "professional " tended to be from kids who were into filmmaking. (My favorites are the guy with the animated character and the Wes Anderson send up). I think those are great for those kids and don't extend the bar for others. Some videos (my kids' included) had more editing work in them for sure -- cuts, slides with VO, music. My kids used software that came free on my computer, and it allowed them to add extra tracks of photos and sound as well as titles. They figured it out by trial and error, and theirs had a lot of content while conveying a theme. But, kids also got in with videos that are just 1 shot of them talking. There's no "right" way. I think it's nice to show creativity.

Wow. My kid is at Chicago and also had to make an intro video for them. From what I recall he just videoed himself in his room talking about his favorite books. Might have showed the books but I don’t think he used music, pics or any video tools. Had no idea bar was much higher!

It’s not. A small number of kids do crazy videos and post them online. Most who are accepted do not.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My guess is that my kid chose brown because it has a unique combination of reputation (being in Ivy League) and chill/non-competitive atmosphere (due to unlimited pass/fails, no GPAs, and liberal culture). Everyone talks about the open curriculum, but that didn't seem very important to decision making in the end.

I think these factors would make it perfect for younger sibling, but that one isn't very enthusiastic. Probably due to a few years of stories of bad food and moldy dorms-- both of which DC2 is pretty picky about.

No GPAs? I have a kid at Brown. There are GPAs.

Your kid has a total/summary GPA on his transcript? Or you computed it yourself?

He won't when he applies to graduate school.

It's not a problem, the grades are all there and the grad college does the calculation if they need to.