That is a big question, and the few snippets I will post here surely can not do the subject justice. I hope others will pick up my slack and that you will do research on your own…starting with the Brown website.
- Quality of the student body. This is the major factor that distinguishes Brown in my opinion. The Office of Admission has done a wonderful job assembling a group of self-motivated, independent, scholarly, creative, athletic....and nice....students. OK, that gets to your question of why all these wonderful people apply to Brown. Here are some possible answers.
- Quality of teaching and undergraduate focus.
- Special characteristics, reputation, and programs in specific concentrations of interest
- Open curriculum
- Ivy League prestige
- Post-graduate alumni networking opportunities
- Social life
- Collaborative (as opposed to "cut-throat") academic environment
- Beauty of the campus
- Feel of the surrounding neighborhood and the city of Providence down the hill.
Many of these attributes can be found at other schools as well. Nothing said here is intended to denigrate other schools or “rank” Brown in relation to its peers.
Again, this is only scratching the surface. As potential Brown material, you will surely extend your research on such an important matter beyond the natural limitations of a message board.