Chance Me? Brown 2012 Admission

popcharlie93
Thu, 15 Sep 2011 10:25:33 +0000

Since you’re arguing that most of these people don’t have “firsthand experience,” I’ll let you know that I’m applying to a few Ivy’s myself. While we all tend to be a bit biased toward our own resumes, I’m definitely willing to look at yours like an admissions worker would.

ACT: This alone will not get you in, and hurts your chances considerably. I myself got a 26 the first time around and had to take it again in order to better my chances, even if just slightly. I would take it again, if possible. Since you don’t seem to be of URM status, a 32+ would be safe.

EC’s: You have nice EC’s, good in quality/bad in numbers, which is fine. Focus your commonapp essay & Brown essay possibly on these few very nice pushes.

GPA: Your GPA, hands down, is inadequate for any Ivy League institution. Unless you have a 3.8-4.0, you’re going to be in trouble. I’m already worrying about my 3.89, so I can imagine how you feel.

Subject tests: Don’t take them. You’re not required to take them at Brown, but I see how they’re required for your other schools. I’d take Math 1 or 2 (depending on your math class), English Literature (look over some samples, it’s hard), and World History (since you’re retaking it, study early). Break at least 700 on these, and 720 + would be safe. If they’re really good, send them to Brown to boost your chances.

AP scores: I don’t think they weigh these into your acceptance unless they’re already on your transcript. Honestly, they’re all really weak, but at least it reflects on your 3.6. If you had a 4.0 and bad scores, that would just be really awkward for them to look at. I’d say just take the subject test for World and forget about the exam. You can’t retake the exam until May… What the hell’s the point? You’re either already in Brown or not. They won’t accept you because you’re willing to retake the World History exam, that’s stupid.

Overall: Your chances are slim and I’m not being mean, just blunt and honest. Besides a few good Ec’s, your academics are sub par when it comes to any Ivy League school, and I’d consider putting some safeties on your list… Brown, Yale, Princeton, UofC, Berkeley? Seriously? Even the most qualified kids put some safeties on their list. You will undoubtedly get rejected by a few of these schools, so please apply elsewhere, too. In order:
-UC Berkeley (low-middle)
-Brown (low)
-University of Chicago (low)
-Yale (statistically no chance)
-Princeton (same as Yale)