Congrats on your record.
As you go to a private school, I’d suggest you talk to your counselors. That’s your true source but since you asked, I’ll give you my opinion of your background - doesn’t mean I’m right, of course - but…
You have a hook - but it’s not what you say - lots of people, including my white female daughter, have interest in culture. Your hook is that you are a black male. Now, they can’t use that in a decision based on a box check but if you incorporate it somehow via your activities or essays, they will see that.
Weighted GPAs are hard to decipher as everyone weights differently.
How is your rigor - how many APs did you take (11) vs. what was offered. It sounds like 8 APs since you self studied three. How many years of social science? What level of math?
btw - Brown doesn’t accept AP credits - so it won’t help you toward graduation - but they could place you in higher level classes. I’m a fan personally, especially at top colleges, of starting at the bottom - college moves a ton faster than HS.
Your 1500 - was it balanced or lopsided - like 800 / 700?
Brown’s 25th percentile for SAT is 1510, so yes, you should try to boost it.
Some will say don’t submit if you’re below. Others will say you have a hook - you’ll be ok. Again, you have a hook - but you have to display that hook within your application.
Again, talk to your counselor.
Can you afford Brown - as they have only need aid? If you’re unsure, have your family fill out the net price calculator below. You say your are high income but that doesn’t mean you can afford $400K for four years - have that chat with your folks before applying!!
Brown is $90K today so close to $400K full price - by the time you enroll. If you’re an NMSF, Tulsa is a small school that you’d get a full ride - and a very good school. It won’t be as strong in ethnic studies but some large state schools have great NM programs too. And even more will give you big $$ based on your credentials if you didn’t choose an NM school.
Many high income parents (myself as an example) are unwilling to pay $90K+ - so the question isn’t can they afford it but do they want to afford it?? Especially when they realize hen you can go for free or $20K or $40K, etc. elsewhere.
Not pushing you off Brown - just making you aware if you don’t know.
Finally, answers to two questions you ultimately asked:
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Brown is a high reach…very high reach. Yes, your GPA and your test are low (not really, just for Brown) - but they turn down 4.0s and 1600s. With a 5% acceptance rate, it’s a high reach for all.
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Should you apply early - that’s up to you - do you want an earlier answer? If so, are you sure you can you afford Brown (you’re bound if accepted so have your family do the NPC below if you have any questions about budget) or do you want to compare other offers (merit aid, etc. vs. Brown - especially because you’re NMSF).
Applying early won’t increase your chances according to Brown:
We admit Early Decision applicants only when we are confident that we would offer them admission as a Regular Decision applicant.
Best of luck.