Brown University Early Decision Question

Applying to College
1

<p>Hi everyone! Just joined the CC community and hope to get some good advice. </p>

<p>I’m Tessa and I was born and raised in Munich, Germany. German is my first language. After living in Munich for 11 years, I moved to Costa Rica and then to the East Coast. I have been a TA for German at my school for two years. </p>

<p>I am at a very prestigious public High School and to be honest I’ve had a difficult four years. My mom is a single mom and has a little sewing shop in the downtown area. I have been spending the last four years raising my 2 younger siblings (1 & 5 years old) and helping my mom keeping the store afloat so we had enough money to pay for our rent. I’ve been working full time for four years straight and everyday I’d have to start my homework at around 9pm. </p>

<p>I learned how to build websites because my mom couldn’t afford to hire a professional web designer. This got me into Graphic design and pushed me to create my own Graphic/Web design business called Pixelton Designs. I’ve created several sites, logos, business cards and the money from this has helped me pay for SAT books, registration and other necessary items. </p>

<p>With all of this behind me, I am ready to leave home and truly focus on my education. My top choice is Brown University not only because it is an amazing school with a stellar academic program, but simply because I know that it is the one place where I could fit in an have the education of a lifetime. </p>

<p>So… I am just wondering if there is anyone out there with some advice on how I could incorporate all of this into my application and if I would have a shot at Brown. Of course I understand that some of you will say absolutely not but I’m okay with that. </p>

<p>As far as my academic record goes
GPA: 3.2 (Yes, you must think I’m crazy but I know a lot of people that have gotten into Brown with a low GPA but a great life story and commitment to this school)
SAT: 1930
AP Exams: AP Gov (4), AP Econ (5), AP German (5)</p>

2

<p>If I read an essay like this, I’d wonder about the fate of the two younger children and about you mother’s ability to support the family without you. The possible problem, which could affect your ability to focus on school, would be a large red flag unless the essay also “solves” this.</p>

3

<p>Last year, Brown accepted only 24% of the applicants who graduated first in their class. Brown accepted just 3% of the applicants who were below the top ten percent in their high school class. At a “highly competitive high school”, your GPA of 3.2 means that you are better off researching other colleges.
Have you met with the college counselor at your high school to discuss your applications?</p>