Brown University

I think that Brown is a wonderful place. I am a northeastern conservative, and worried about this fact before I arrived. I have found in my time at Brown that being a conservative is actually a boon. Many people who learn of my political views love to engage me in valuable discourse. Not once have I felt "attacked" or "persecuted" for my views. I have been challenged to be sure, and probably more often than at most schools (although this is in part a reflection on the interest/activism of Brunonians as well as their political leanings). As a conservative I have learned a lot, and I hope taught a lot by being exposed to this liberal campus. If you are willing to discuss and debate do not let your political persuasion impact your decision to attend Brown.

The open curriculum and pass/fail systems have been wonderful, and allowed me (a Sociology and International Relations major) to try a number of courses I would not have. For example, while I lack a science background I took a neuroscience course pass/fail. I did not do well, but this did not blemish my GPA despite allowing me the opportunity to explore a new field.Finally, some criticize Brown for being "not pre-professional enough". The truth is that you can still come out of Brown and earn your 6-figure salary if that is your desire. The difference with Brown is that instead of everyone interning at investment banks and law firms, you also find a lot of people who spend their summers working in Washington for the government and NGOs, as well as a myriad of community service tasks. Don't forget that Brown is an extremely competitive and well-respected school with a diverse student body. Whether cash or fulfillment is your goal, you will be able to seak both with equal chances of success to those held by Brown's Ivy League peers. As an example, I am interning at Bear Stearns in NYC, and was able to get on-campus interviews with Goldman Sachs and Merryl Lynch as well.

1st Year Male -- Class 2007

Education Quality: A+, University Resource Use/ spending: B

Brown's has a wonderful very friendly atmosphere. For an Ivy, the competition is very low. The emphasis is more on personal growth then beating out 80% for that A.

2nd Year Female -- Class 2006

Education Quality: A+, Social Life: B-

Good things: a lot to do with something for pretty much everyone and if it's not there, you can start it up. Friendly bunch of people, in a pretty nice area with access to a variety of things to do. Before you decide to attend, remember that it is a 'liberal' arts school and most people there (both students and professors) are pretty liberal politically so if it bothers you, you might want to reconsider. Other than that, I pretty much love it here and you should come too!

1st Year Female -- Class 2007

Education Quality: A, Useful Schoolwork: B+