zachs

Thank you so much Jason, for helping to enlighten me about Brown. Your qualms about the admissions office seem to be well placed, as I derived much more from your post than I got from their hour-long information session. I've been looking for a place that values intellectual exploration throughout my college search, and I never quite felt as if I had found one. My experiences with other Ivy League colleges, and those of similar rankings, had convinced me that no such place existed. Following your post, you've completely revolutionized my thinking, and Brown had jumped from being just "another school" on my list to being my top school. Bravo for a wonderful post and the great inspiration you're providing to students.

modestmelody

No problem guys! I'm just glad the post is doing what it should be.

whirlybird

I love this thread so hard. I applied to Brown for the EXACT reason Jason explains-- I love the open curriculum because it gives me a chance to explore all the completely different things I enjoy.

I feel like at my HS, people always want to know what box I fit into, humanities or science. Well, I plan to concentrate in biology, psych, or english...possibly a combintion of the three because I love them all! And Brown says that is okay, and so is taking Archaeology or Russian literature just because you always wondered about it. My "Why Brown" essay was impassioned about the whole idea, and I'm so glad I applied.

Thanks Jason, for explaining the great, openly intellectual side of the Open Curriculum to those who don't see its potential.

tetrisfan

That's great, whirlybird! It's people like you who do apply to Brown and end up getting in.

whirlybird

Well, I sure hope I'm one of the ones who get in. My stats (GPA, mostly) are a tad below par for Brown, but I hope my enthusiasm and essays encouraged them to take a harder look at me. *Fingers crossed!*

Perfectedxchaos

whirly - I feel the exact SAME WAY.

Determind15

It is because of this post that Brown has just become my #1 choice

JCarberry

brown is the best place on earth

modestmelody

That's one hell of a testament to the importance and power of the Open Curriculum and what it truly means, and how the environment it creates fosters an atmosphere that can attract the best and brightest in the country despite increased competition.

Identity is crucial to a successful university. Identity is one of the areas in which Brown excels over many other schools, much to its benefit.

livingtea

modestmelody thanks so much for this post! it really pushed me towards brown (i even mentioned you and your post in my why brown blurb!) i am so excited about brown!!! and again, thanks for this fantastic explanation of the open curriculum.

modestmelody

Wow that's very cool.

complex_ion

wow, this is a great post; thank you so much! I've been trying to decide on a college after I received all my decisions, and while I was already leaning towards Brown, I'm pretty much decided on it now. Often times, I've felt that I was being pushed by colleges to choose and pursue only one field, which frustrated me because my interests are so varied (humanities, social sciences, sciences, art I love 'em all ). From your description of the Open Curriculum, at Brown, I would be able to explore my many interests, and through the exploration, discover my "sweet spot", or what I'm the most passionate about. I'm excited already. Ahhh, but there's so many classes I'd want to take, I wouldn't know where to start...I still feel somewhat anxious about going in so undecided, but knowing that I can at least "explore" takes some of that anxiety away .

One of the main reasons I applied to Brown was the the life experience I would get: learning to really make my own decisions (right and wrong), taking risks, challenging myself...this post just confirms this .

Asterix_07

Hey! I was wondering what Brown is looking for in a student? What is a good match?

ClaySoul

Do you mean in terms of admissions? That's a really impossible question.

Ask yourself if you are a good fit for Brown, apply if you want, and see if you get in. That's really all you can do. There's no magical formula for Brown specifically.