<p>So… I usually hate these “chance me” posts/threads. But I was in exactly the same position you’re currently in a year ago, so I’d love to try and help as you work your way through the dreaded CommonApp. I had forever dreamed of Brown and was wanting to tear my hair out from fear that I wouldn’t get in about a year ago. In fact, the discouraging numbers almost caused me not to apply.
In any case, I applied ED last October and was deferred. I got in RD and am now happy to announce that I’m part of the Brown Class of 2015! (The deferral acceptance rate, mind you, is 5%. Never in a million years did I imagine that I would ever make a cut of 5%, but I did! So stop looking at numbers, in case they’re causing you great distress like they did to me.) Enough about me… just wanted to give you some background.
In any case, I think Zonis’ comment is completely moronic and racist. So you’re a “normal, paranoid, over-achieving asian”. His (her) comment really disgusts me. People frown upon Asians as a whole why? Because they’re… “over-achieving”? Honestly, he (she) has no business posting here. I am NOT Asian, and I find his (her) comment to be of extremely poor taste. Please ignore moronic people like him (her) and anyone else who tries to discourage you because you’re Asian. I know plenty of Asians coming to Brown next year, many of which are international, so ignore him/his (her/her) comment.
So, I’ll tell you what your assets are:
You have good, if not great, test scores. They’re much higher than mine were. You are an international student, and thus you would allow Brown to announce to the world that they have a student (you) hailing from such-and-such country (wherever you’re coming from). Always a plus for Brown! You seem of sound mind (not too over-the-top), as you mentioned that this is your first time posting. Over zealous kids who post beginning in their freshman year of high school go to Harvard… and we all know that is not a happy place for undergrads… (Only kidding. But Brown is better! Duh.) You seem very involved and highly accomplished with your clubs and competitions. Always pluses!
All in all, I surely think you’re qualified.
BUT, many kids are qualified. Assuredly the 8.7% accepted from my class last year were not the only kids who were qualified. I’m sure over 50% were qualified. Now it comes down to one factor: whether you’re a good fit for the school.
One of the unique admission factors at Brown is the applicants “level of interest”. Essentially, the more enthusiasm you demonstrate towards the school, the better your chances. This means you should be attending info seshes in your area (if they have any, which is unlikely), emailing your admissions reader (if you can locate him/her somewhere on the web), visiting the school (if you can) to hopefully meet with an admissions person. If you can’t find your area’s admission reader on the web, I might even consider calling the admissions office at Brown and asking who the admissions reader for your area is (just say you have some questions you’d like to email him/her about, push for his/her name and email). I corresponded at least 3 or 4 times back-and-forth with my reader before any decisions came out. While it may be hard to find out who he/she is, I would seek him/her out to the best of your abilities. Forming that personal connection is VITAL. If they get to know you more personally through a few emails (NOT too many, you don’t want to seem overbearing), it will boost your chances. In fact, my reader actually greeted me at the admitted students days Brown hosted a few months ago (having remembered me from the info sesh I attended and the emails we exchanged).
So demonstrating your enthusiasm is just one factor. Your essays are of course key! Make sure to highlight your diversity/wordliness in them. Also, be creative. Both my essays were extended metaphors. Try not to regurgitate the accomplishments you filled in elsewhere on CommonApp. Try to show the readers that you can be humorous (though tastefully so). Show them that you can think out of the box and that you’re not afraid to write an essay that may be slightly outlandish, but that is articulate/informative/relevant nonetheless. If you can in one of your supplements, try to talk about your varied interests. Maybe you like English and Economics. You’ll want them to know that your academic interests lay in all different places, because that lets them know you’ll use the Open Curric to your full advantage. While it’s great to be passionate about one subject, displaying a passion for 2+ might be even better.
God, this is getting long, so I’ll end here. You’re more than welcome to read a couple of my other posts that talk about getting into Brown as well. They may prove helpful. You’re also free to email me on here if you are really looking for some serious guidance. I know the position you’re in. It’s uncomfortable and nerve-wracking. But know there is hope! Best of luck.
(For my other posts, see the post below this!)</p>