<p>So there’s talk about Brown being the most “liberal” ivy league school. I’ve heard it’s amazing because of the amount of freedom one gets and the focused, determined students there. So the impression I got is that Brown values (maybe that’s the wrong word…considers? idk) character, passion, interests a little more than just standardized test scores and GPA. I’m not asking if you can get in with bad grades, hell no you can’t, but I’m asking if greater emphasis is placed on… well, being an inspiring interesting person with passion and multiple interests? </p>
<p>I’ll be honest, the reason I’m asking this is because I haven’t been an ace student all my life; I actually didn’t do well in the 9th and 10th grade. But I’ve learned a lot since then and have turned it all around, I’ve been acing in the 11th and 12th grade, no Bs, just As. And I have multiple interests like art, fashion, politics etc. So the upward trend is strong and visible. So I was wondering if I stand a chance… at all.</p>
<p>You’re absolutely right, but don’t go in thinking that test scores and GPA are negligent because they aren’t. Admissions are very holistic in nature so can I say that for every application, they value “passion and interests” more than academic performance? No, I can’t. You must understand that at this level of college admissions, it is very difficult to determine what a particular school wants (hence the term “crapshoot”). </p>
<p>In addition, while you may have many interests, Brown likes to know that you’re not just dabbling in so many fields without being TRULY invested. It is even more preferable to stick with one interest and accomplish a lot doing that one thing than spread yourself thinly.</p>
<p>Yeah no I completely get that. Brown’s ivy league - focused, intelligent, determined individuals. I’m not for a second insinuating that grades and scores don’t matter. I just wanted to know how true the notion that the Brown admission process is determined significantly by personality and passion of an individual. The reason I’m even asking is because while my grades are up to mark now, I feel my passion makes me who I am and is considerably stronger than my grades, if you know what I mean. </p>
<p>I’ve made sure that my two main interests have been highlighted in almost all my ECs.</p>
<p>While no school actually does this, I would say that you are right in that yes, Brown, more so than other schools doesn’t simply line everyone up by GPA and SAT and take the top. I also think that Brown places a larger emphasis on taking students who demonstrate pursuit of knowledge and academic passion, not just raw performance on the stuff that’s being spoon fed to you in high school. </p>
<p>The open curriculum sets up an environment that is fundamentally different from every other school. I think the crux of the Brown application and admissions process is to find the kids who will take the greatest advantage of what makes Brown unique from other high caliber schools.</p>
<p>Personality and passion does play a significant role in the application process at Brown. I applied to the highly competitive RUE program sans a high school diploma and SAT scores and found myself graduating magna cum laude with honors in Philosophy. I nailed the essay. You really need to grasp the school’s personality or vibe so that the admission’s officer asks not why this person should be accepted but how could I not accept this person.</p>
<p>Correction to my previous post. First sentence should read: Personality and passion do play a significant role in the application process at Brown. Hey…it was bothering me.</p>