Brown University

Brown is a great university that enables its students to live in a non-competitive, supportive atmosphere and also enjoy the friendliness of its student body and faculty. I have had an amazing experience with my professors, especially one of history professors, who I have gotten to know in just my first semester here. Also, the fact that I was in a one-hundred person lecture course and he knew at least 50% of the students by name was very impressive to me and has made me confident that I made the right choice in selecting Brown.

1st Year Male -- Class 2008

Faculty Accessibility: A+, Social Life: B

Brown requires a special type of person to take advantage of all its opportunities. If your only goal in college is to follow the preprofessional route, and that's all you ever want to do, it may not be the best place, but if you're looking for an opportunity to broaden your horizons while working towards a professional goal, it honestly does not get any better. You have to know what you want and how to get it.

1st Year Male -- Class 2008

Individual Value: A+, Education Quality: B

After spending a semester on campus I can say that applying ED was one of the better decisions I've made in the past few years. The freedom to pick classes of your liking and the S/NC option really enable a person to have a challenge without overwhelming yourself. Providence and its' east side is a great place for a college. Anyone checking the school out should stop for Indian or Pizza on Thayer. Providence could be a bit more lively. However, it is very easily navigated and is a very mellow city. Socially, Brown is what you make of it. If you want to go to a hockey game, call your friends and get them out of the library for a bit. Most people are quite happy. As a straight-edge, I was concerned that the campus would be a social mismatch. Yet, You can engage or disengage from those things as much as you like. Frat membership is around 10% with a far lower sorority percent. So they play a role in the campus life without dominating it like at Penn where closer to 35% of men rush. The campus is generally liberal or libertarian in its' outlook. Conservatives do exist on campus but they should be prepared to debate their views if they seek to actively promote their views. Brown is very political and liberal but it is also very-open-minded. The transfers really add to the Brown experience. The campus has tons of activities everyday. If you were to take full advantage of the activities, you would have to lighten your academic load or your sleep. To make the most of your Brown experience, you must be open to new experiences and perspectives (socially outgoing is a plus too). The education is as good and engaging as you are willing to make it. Ruth Simmons is a fantastic president who really cares about the students and is actively improving financial aid and course offerings. Brown's strongest point to me is the total lack of academic pretention compared to other schools. The students and faculty really strive foremost towards personal growth. Similarly, you can get into classes with upperclassmen and graduate students if you so desire from day one. More than other schools, Brown tries to promote balance, moderation and experimentation. What other school has coed literary frats or a midnight organ concert on Halloween? Most people I've spoken to didn't come here for a specific department. They came for the atmosphere (and most are very satisfied).

Be honest with yourself. Do you trust yourself enough to confidently make your own decisions and follow your passions? If so, Brown would be a fantastic place for your college years and it would be very much enriched by your presence.

1st Year Male -- Class 2008

Innovation: A+, Perceived Campus Safety: B+