Why is it asking extra Q's for Comp Sci, Geology, Chem, Math, Physics

lostaccount
Sat, 03 Jan 2015 18:57:53 +0000

All the majors you list are subsumed under “STEM” (Science, Technology, Engineering, Math). Increasing the number of STEM majors is a national priority that top colleges are trying to address. Yet half of the students who declare the intention to major in STEM topics at the start of college leave STEM prior to graduating. Furthermore, over half of those who stick with stem through graduation seek an advanced degree or employment outside of STEM fields. In a school like Brown, where there are many attractive alternatives to STEM majors, admissions probably wants to ensure that those expressing interest in STEM have enough experience and/or passion for their chosen field that they will persist through graduation and beyond. While all programs at Brown are good, they are less well known for STEM than they are for other topics. That also means that relative to other applications, they probably get fewer from Stem students. A second reason they may ask for the additional essay in STEM is to discourage those listing STEM as their goal because they speculate they might encounter less competition if they declare STEM rather than an area Brown has been better known for. The extra essay is one attempt to ensure that they select students most apt to continue in STEM-those with strong interest and experience. So, while winning competitions is one way to show strong interest, it is by no means the only way or necessarily the best way.