alfredeneuman

Hi, I'm a current junior and I visited Brown two weeks ago. Can current students tell me about the academic rigor of the classes? I sat in on two, but didn't really get a good sense of how hard the classes are. I know that education is what you make of it, especially at a place like brown, but does it feel like the classes are top notch, taught at a high level with high expectations, or does it feel like you could be getting the equivalent classroom experience at a reasonably good state school? Thank you!

cabeach001

Just like you said it is exactly what you make of it and there's no other way of answering the question. Certainly there are some majors known to be fluffier than others, like American Civ, but that is the case at every single school. In the same vain, there are some classes known to be way too easy.

The great thing about Brown is that shopping period allows you to take a week (technically even two weeks) to go to as many classes as you want to get a sense for the level of rigor. You can usually tell within the first class based on how the professor presents his/her syllabus, who else is in the class, etc what it will be like. I would also argue that another nice thing about Brown is that everyone really really wants to be there and a main reason why is because of the great educational opportunity. As a result, no one is milling around the school looking for the easiest possible classes though there is always the exception, perhaps a struggling athlete or a burnt out senior. Most students spend hours researching classes, professors, etc right before shopping period trying to find the best possible, most rewarding classes. There is a strong student-run publication called the Critical Review that lets students sound off on classes and professors so that everyone can get a feel for the class before they commit to it.

I would say there are far more amazing, stimulating courses and professors than there are stupid lousy ones, but there are always a couple. If you're the kind of person who would seek those classes out then Brown probably isn't for you anyway.

ClaySoul

I've attended two schools, Tulane and Brown, and Brown is much more challenging. Also your peers really care so there's expectations to make sure your readings are done, etc. Wasn't like that at Tulane.