brown university essay examples

6 Brown Essays That Worked + Why Brown Examples

For students writing the Brown supplements for Fall 2022, here is your guide to successful Brown essays.

In this article, I've gathered 6 essays written by admitted students to Brown.

I'll share examples of how regular high-achieving students who got into Brown recently by having stand-out essays.

Are essays all that matter? No, but especially for competitive and test-optional schools, your essays are a very important factor.

Let's jump right in.

What is Brown University's Acceptance Rate?

This past year, a record 46,568 students applied to Brown and just 2,537 students got accepted. Which means Brown had an overall admit rate of just 5.4%.

Since its known as a top Ivy League school, most students applying to Brown already have strong test scores, grades, and extracurricular activities.

Brown University Acceptance Scattergram

That's why its even more important to write essays that help show why you should be accepted.

Especially for Ivy League and other top schools like Brown, your essays make a difference.

What are the Brown Supplemental Prompts for 2022-23?

To apply to Brown University this year, you are required to write three short essays of 50 to 250 words each.

You can find your Brown writing supplement along with your Common Application essays on your portal.

Here's the Brown supplemental prompts for 2022. The questions on this page are being asked by Brown University:

Brown’s Open Curriculum allows students to explore broadly while also diving deeply into their academic pursuits. Tell us about any academic interests that excite you, and how you might use the Open Curriculum to pursue them while also embracing topics with which you are unfamiliar. (200-250 words)

Brown students care deeply about their work and the world around them. Students find contentment, satisfaction, and meaning in daily interactions and major discoveries. Whether big or small, mundane or spectacular, tell us about something that brings you joy. (200-250 words)

6 Brown University EssaysThatWorked

Here are 6 of my favorite Brown essay examples from admitted students.

These essays respond to past and current writing supplement prompts for Brown. I've also included some examples of personal statement essays that worked for Brown.

If you need help getting started writing, this is a perfect way to get inspired and see what's worked.

Brown Essay Example #1
Brown Essay Example #2
Brown Essay Example #3
Brown Essay Example #4
Brown Essay Example #5
Brown Essay Example #6

Prompt: Open Curriculum

Brown university essay example #1.

Prompt: Brown’s Open Curriculum allows students to explore broadly while also diving deeply into their academic pursuits. Tell us about any academic interests that excite you, and how you might use the Open Curriculum to pursue them while also embracing topics with which you are unfamiliar. (200-250 words)

My primary interest is in languages and linguistics, specifically Spanish, Portuguese and the descent of these languages from Latin which I explored in my IB Extended Essay. Thus, something that excites me about the complete freedom of the Brown curriculum is the opportunity to learn about Hispanic and Lusophone culture, literature and language in an intersectional way through a concentration in Latin American studies combined with classes and undergraduate research in Linguistics. I intend to supplement my language acquisition with practical application through study abroad opportunities at PUC-Rio, Brazil and in Santiago, Chile, perhaps through the Engaged Scholars Program which will allow me to forge deeper connections with the communities and cultures I am studying. I am also attracted by the possibility of a 5-year BA/MA course in Linguistics which will permit me to conduct meaningful and extensive research on a topic I am truly passionate about.

However, I also have an interest in Biochemistry and Molecular biology. The Open Curriculum will enable me to pursue this avenue of study and research without detracting from my principal focus on languages. Therefore, perhaps what I am most excited for is interdisciplinary study at Brown and the possibility of forging unforeseen connections between disparate academic areas and weaving them together into a program of study that will engage, thrill, and inspire me towards a lifelong path of academic inquiry. For example, I am interested to explore how languages and sociolinguistics can be used to promote medical research and provision in Latin America.

Why This Essay Works:

Naming things unique to the school shows you have genuine interest. Listing specific programs, courses, or majors shows you've done your research.

The author's reasons for "Why Brown?" fit into their background and identity. This makes their reasons seem genuine and compelling.

What They Might Improve:

The essay is divided into two parts with distinct answers. Showing how those reasons relate could make the essay more cohesive.

Ending with a sentence "For example..." leaves more to be desired and explained.

Prompt: Brown's Community

Brown university essay example #2.

Prompt: At Brown, you will learn as much from your peers outside the classroom as in academic spaces. How will you contribute to the Brown community? (200-250 words)

At my high school, I reinvigorated and reinvented the linguistics society with the help of a friend, transforming it from a dull discussion of past exam questions to a seminar-style session where I have presented and analysed various interesting aspects of language. In a similar vein, I intend to be a leader and an innovator at Brown, and to create opportunities for likeminded people to discuss shared interests such as linguistics. However, other than creating clubs, I hope to use my experience as a camp counselor and a diving coach to support others within the community, and to set a good example of dedication, energy, and compassion.

Additionally, I have volunteered as a Spanish teacher at a local primary school for three years. Volunteer service is something I would definitely like to continue to undertake at Brown, perhaps through the Community Corps that will allow me to help address social inequality within Providence, or as a teacher and classroom assistant in the Elementary Afterschool Mentoring program at D’Abate school. I can draw on my previous experience and knowledge to hopefully enrich the education of underprivileged children in the local community.

Finally, as an international student, I will bring an element of unique culture to Brown’s campus. Having grown up in the buzzing metropolis of London but visiting America frequently to see family, I have the privilege of a truly dual nationality, and the resultant worldview and cultural references that I hope will enrich the diverse Brown community.

Variety of Reasons Given: Providing multiple reasons for how you'll contribute shows you aren't one-dimensional. People are complex and showing nuance in your character is important.
Showcasing Past Experiences: With each point, the author gives examples from their activities and resume. Referencing specific extracurriculars helps build their case and is "proof" of how they'll contribute.

What They Might Change:

Flow and Writing Style: Listing activities can come off as robotic and uninteresting. Rather, try to find a balance between showing off your achievements and writing in an interesting way.
Structure: The last paragraph is most compelling because it deals with the author's personality and background, rather than just what they've done. Organizing the essay around your character is better than focusing solely on your achivements.

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Prompt: Why Brown?

Brown university essay example #3.

Prompt: Why Brown, and why the Brown Curriculum? (200 words max)

I believe any college should equip you with tools as you embark upon your journey. Brown provides the necessary. That is what the capstone experience does (not to mention the importance of internships given to Brown Students). You can never know everything about anything. But quench the questions is exactly what the Capstone Experience fosters.

The Open Curriculum was obviously the first thing that caught my eye. In school, you are sometimes forced to take the subjects you don’t like. College shouldn’t be the same. It is supposed to be a fresh start and that is exactly why you should be allowed to take the courses that appeal to you. Here is where the S/NC option was interesting. Only if you know perspectives from all subjects, can you determine a solution; S/NC promotes this. Group Independent Study Projects is also unique. Getting into the course is something hard. But creating your own course is amusing.

I would love to be a part of The Society of Women Engineers because I had to fight with my own family to study Computer Science in the United States. If it means providing the help for people I wish I'd got, never better.

Ideas and Beliefs: Rather than just saying what aspects are appealing, the author explains why they are attracted to those things. By explaining your perspective, admissions officers are better able to understand your thinking and character.
Specific to Brown: Listing aspects that are unique to Brown is important to show your interest is authentic. By naming things like the Capstone Experience and S/NC, the author shows their knowledge of Brown and makes their reasons more compelling.
Writing Style: Some parts of the essay are clunky in wording and could be written more clearly. But the author is an international student, so it is understandable and not the end of the world.
Structure and Conclusion: There isn't a clear conclusion sentence that ties the essay together. How can you relate the last sentence to your beginning?

Prompt: Area of Study

Brown university essay example #4.

Prompt: Why are you drawn to the area(s) of study you indicated? (150 words max)

There was a time when I was low and afraid to be with myself. That’s when I dived into programming. I always sat with my laptop. But unlike others on Instagram or Snapchat, I was coding. I always kept myself occupied so I wouldn’t think about hardships. But as I was solving those little Instantiation and StackOverflow errors, I realized that any problem in my life had a solution. I could either modify the code and right the wrong, or just keep compiling them, producing no output. So, life is not all that different. That is why I want to pursue Computer Science. I know I can work to keep myself happy. Inevitably, what makes me happy is Computer Science, which is what I want to pursue.

Intriguing Backstory: Telling a compelling story is about setting the scene. This essay creates vivid imagery by naming specific programming-related things.
Connects to Bigger Picture: Rather than just saying their major or interest, the author connects it to a more universal idea. Showing the deeper "why" behind your interests makes it relatable and more interesting.
Writing Style and Flow: Some words are unnecessary, and a few sentences could be made more smooth to read.
Doesn't Use the Full Word Limit: With 23 words left, the author could have included a sentence or two more. Every word is valuable with short word limits, so use them carefully.

Prompt: Where You've Lived

Brown university essay example #5.

Prompt: Tell us where you have lived - and for how long - since you were born; whether you've always lived in the same place, or perhaps in a variety of places. (100 words max)

I was born in California, USA. When I was about 7 months old, I moved to Bangalore, India. I've lived in Bangalore all my life, until two years ago. I started attending a boarding school, in the same state, but far away from my house. I chose to leave everything behind, even my phone, because I didn't want to be pampered. I wanted to fold my own blanket; to wipe my own tears; to carve my own name; to befriend people my way; to create my destiny. My parents weren't happy at first, but I convinced them.

Poetic Writing: Interesting writing comes from interesting ideas. And the second to last sentence especially is compelling because it expresses their ideas elegantly.
Answers Prompt Directly: For supplements especially, make sure to answer exactly what the prompt is asking.
Be More Concise: Use as few words as possible to say the most you can. Especially for short prompts like this one, every word matters.
Word Choice: Swapping out words like "house" for "home" can make the tone more natural.

Prompt: Communities and Groups

Brown university essay example #6.

Prompt: Communities or groups: pick one and tell us why it is important to you, and how it has shaped you. (100 words max)

My dad lost his parents when he was young. My mom also quit her job to take care of me. So, if you look at it, she should loathe me. But she doesn’t. She has dedicated her whole life to me. That is why I want to provide a purpose to their lives. Every competition I won, even a small word of praise would lighten their mood. When I am happy they are euphoric; when I am sad they are distraught. It's like they (for)give and forget. So why not follow their footsteps and give it all I got?

Vulnerable and Authentic: Being vulnerable is an important part of great essays. Talking about sensitive, but real and human topics, makes you more relatable and humanized.
Explains What Motivates Them: Admissions officers want to know why you're driven to do things. Showing your "why" helps give insight into your character more deeply.
Doesn't Answer Prompt Directly: Make sure to answer exactly what the prompt asks. Although this essay explains their background and motivations, it doesn't answer the question exactly.

If you're trying to get into Brown in 2022, your essays need to make you stand out from the competition. These 6 Brown essays that worked showcase great examples of what it takes to get accepted into Brown.

There are many lessons and tips to be learned from these supplements:

Being authentic and genuine is key
Name aspects unique and specific to the school
Showcase your motivations and the "why" behind things
Don't be afraid to be vulnerable
Use every word carefully and make each word count

If you enjoyed reading these Brown supplements, you'll also like the essays for similar Ivy League schools like Princeton and Columbia University .

What did you think of these Brown University essays?

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Princeton Admitted Essay

People love to ask why. Why do you wear a turban? Why do you have long hair? Why are you playing a guitar with only 3 strings and watching TV at 3 A.M.—where did you get that cat? Why won’t you go back to your country, you terrorist? My answer is... uncomfortable. Many truths of the world are uncomfortable...

MIT Admitted Essay

Her baking is not confined to an amalgamation of sugar, butter, and flour. It's an outstretched hand, an open invitation, a makeshift bridge thrown across the divides of age and culture. Thanks to Buni, the reason I bake has evolved. What started as stress relief is now a lifeline to my heritage, a language that allows me to communicate with my family in ways my tongue cannot. By rolling dough for saratele and crushing walnuts for cornulete, my baking speaks more fluently to my Romanian heritage than my broken Romanian ever could....

UPenn Admitted Essay

A cow gave birth and I watched. Staring from the window of our stopped car, I experienced two beginnings that day: the small bovine life and my future. Both emerged when I was only 10 years old and cruising along the twisting roads of rural Maryland...

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College Application

Brown University Supplemental Essay Examples That Stand Out

Reviewing Brown University supplemental essay examples can be very helpful for students who are getting ready to write their own college supplemental essays . Whether you are planning on applying to Brown University - one of the most selective schools in the United States, or a different institution altogether, you will definitely be inspired by the prompts that brown uses for its essays.

If you want to get into a top college, having a high GPA and a few extracurricular activities on your high school resume is no longer enough. College admissions have gotten more competitive, and the process has become more holistic. This means that if you want to stand out, you must submit compelling essays that show the admissions committee why you should be accepted.

Reviewing different college essay examples can help you do that. So, without much further ado, let's take a look at these six Brown supplementary essay examples below.

>> Want us to help you get accepted? Schedule a free strategy call here . <<

Article Contents 9 min read

Brown supplemental essay example #1.

Books have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. My parents read to me at least once every day when I was a child, and in middle school, when my siblings wanted to have fun with their friends instead of their little sister, they kept me busy with books. So, it didn't surprise anyone in my family when I told them that I wanted to become a literature teacher one day.

My favorite thing about books is the fact that they allow you to travel to distant lands and discover new worlds from the comfort of your living room. I remember very clearly the first time that I read So long a letter and started imagining what it would be like to walk the streets of Dakar in Senegal. My curiosity was piqued from that moment, and I developed an interest in traveling and discovering new cultures.

Isaac Asimov once said that science can amuse and fascinate us all, but it is engineering that changes the world.

I have been fascinated by the laws of physics and chemistry my entire life. I was that annoying child that could not simply enjoy toys for what they were; I needed to know how they functioned the way they did. I remember getting in trouble for taking apart the brand new toy car that my grandma gave me for my birthday because I wanted to understand how it was running if it didn't need gas and didn't need to be charged.

"They're basically fried caterpillars," my friend Suzanne said this casually as she put a spoonful of fried insects on her plate. All the blood had drained from my face, and I was trying my very best not to be rude by insulting something that was obviously a part of her culture. I obviously wasn't doing a good job because she started laughing at me a minute later.

I assumed that her laughter meant that she had been joking and told her that no one actually ate insects. It turns out that I was wrong, but she was not offended by my remark. Instead, she told me that she'd heard many people say that but that the reality is that in many cultures outside of the US, people eat many different insects.

That evening when I got home, I researched it and found that Suzanne was right. In Mexico, it is common to use worm salt for a specific food. In Congo, where my friend Suzanne is from, fried caterpillars are a delicacy often enjoyed with rice and vegetable stew.

Bugs remain a traditional food in many cultures across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Learning this about the little creatures made me think about them differently, and the next time I was at Suzanne's, I did not see an insect on her plate; I saw food in the same way that I'd see chicken or beef.

Eventually, I tried some of it, and it was pretty delicious . (248 words)

I was born and raised in New Jersey, but my parents are from Nigeria. They both moved to the United States in their twenties, and although they have lived here longer than in Nigeria, they are still very traditional. This means that my siblings and I grew up in a bicultural household where English and Yoruba are spoken simultaneously, and Pizza is just as common as jollof rice for dinner.

In addition to the fact that my parents are traditional, the community I grew up in is full of immigrants who have a story that is quite similar to mine. Only once I moved to Connecticut for boarding school did I realize how different my upbringing was from other American children.

I remember being asked to stay after class at the end of the first week because my teacher worried that I did not participate in class. She thought that I was shy or nervous because I didn't shout out my answers in class when she asked questions. I had been raised not to shout, especially at an elder. So, I was very confused by the fact that she wanted me to.

I was so confused that I actually researched it online, thinking it was maybe a practice specific to this boarding school. That is how I started learning about different cultures and how they affect our interactions. That experience taught me to always pay attention to the way people communicate and respect cultural differences. (250 words)

Brown is one of the many schools that use common app. Check out this video to learn more about the common app essay:

Brown supplemental essay example #5

Brown students care deeply about their work and the world around them. Students find contentment, satisfaction, and meaning in daily interactions and major discoveries. Whether big or small, mundane, or spectacular, tell us about something that brings you joy. (200-250 words)

Butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, flour, and if you want to get fancy, a little baking soda, corn starch, and chocolate chips. Those are the ingredients that I need to create magic, or as most people call it - chocolate chip cookies. I first learned how to make them on a Sunday afternoon with my mom. I remember making a mess in the kitchen and having a stomachache because I ate too much cookie dough. Most of all, I remember that incredible feeling that I had when my siblings and I sat around the kitchen island and took our first bites.

The art of baking has had a special place in my heart since then. I have learned how to use other ingredients to create different forms of magic, from cakes and cake pops to bread and loaves, cupcakes, and muffins, and so much more. I enjoy the finished products, of course, but my favorite part is the process of baking itself. Baking reminds me of art and my other passion, mathematics because it is all about numbers, precision, and creativity. I enjoy experimenting with different ingredients or different amounts of the same ingredients to create various baked goods that bring joy to the people around me and myself.

I can spend hours baking because it brings me comfort, and I love the fact that it gives me a chance to share a little slice of happiness with the people around me. (241 words)

Committing to a future career as a physician while in high school requires careful consideration and self-reflection. What values and experiences have led you to believe that becoming a doctor in medicine is the right fit for you? (250-word limit)

I saw my dead mother's body when I was twelve years old. She was lying utterly motionless in her casket as friends, family members, colleagues, and strangers passed by and touched her cold hands or kissed her forehead. I remember thinking that she would have hated that. I kept waiting for her to get up and tell all these people that she didn't know where their hands had been, but that never happened.

The sadness and confusion I felt that day are the reason I first became interested in medicine. I remember asking so many people to tell me what had happened to my mother, and my cousin Bobby had to explain to me what malaria is.

As soon as I got home, I went to google and started researching. I wanted to understand what caused malaria and how I could ensure it didn't kill someone else's mother. In researching malaria and how to care for it, I learned how important it is to have access to good healthcare.

I wanted to join the efforts of those who strive to provide that healthcare every day, and the more I learn about medicine, the more I want to pursue it as a career. My love for science, puzzle-solving skills, and desire to help people make medicine the perfect fit for me. Furthermore, as a naturally curious person, the idea of a profession where you never stop learning especially appeals to me. (240 words)

Want to know what the key to a great personal statement is? Check out this video:

Conclusion

Now that you know what a Brown supplemental essay should look like, you can start working on your own essay.

If you are unsure how to write a college essay , we suggest you start by brainstorming. Research the school you will be applying to and think back to your experiences and interests so that you can connect the traits and qualities that the school cares about with your values, strengths, and experiences. For example, you may have noticed that a love for learning and open-mindedness are two qualities that keep coming up in the essays that you just read, and that is because those are both valued by Brown.

You can learn more about the school you want to apply to by spending time on their website. Pay attention to their mission statement and the recurring themes on different pages on their website. Those are usually the things the school values and wants to see in its students.

After brainstorming, you can outline your essay and start writing. Remember to use specific examples and anecdotes to humanize your essay and make it more memorable. If you want to maximize your chances of success, you can work with a college essay advisor during this process. You can also write your initial essay and then reach out to a college essay review service for assistance.

Either way, the key is to make sure that you have reviewed, edited, and proofread your essay enough times to ensure that there are no grammatical or spelling mistakes. Remember that your college essays play a significant role in the admission committee's decision, so you want to make sure that you submit supplemental essays that are as memorable as they are compelling.

Brown is one of the most selective universities in the country, with an acceptance rate that is lower than 10%. To get in, you will need to submit a strong application and ace the admission interview if invited for one.

Yes, Brown University is one of the eight schools in the Ivy League.

Brown asks most first-year applicants to write three supplemental essays. Students applying to the eight-year Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) or the five-year Brown-Rhode Island School of Design Dual Degree Program (BRDD) have to write additional program-specific essays as well.

You can make your supplemental essays stand out by having a strong opening statement, using specific examples or short anecdotes in your story, and making sure your essay reflects the traits that Brown values.

Brown provides prompts or questions for you to answer in your essay. Follow those instructions and connect your response to your suitability for Brown.

While Brown does not have a minimum GPA requirement, the average GPA of the recently admitted first-year class is 3.94. This means that you should aim for a similar or higher GPA if you want to be a competitive applicant.

Brown looks for students with a strong academic background who are open-minded, community-driven, and eager to learn.

You should start your essay with a memorable statement such as a quote, a fun fact, or something funny. Go back to the examples above and pay attention to the opening lines for some inspiration.

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How to Write the Brown Supplemental Essays 2023–2024

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As a prestigious liberal arts and Ivy League institution, Brown University has high expectations from its applicants regarding the quality of their written essays. However, these supplemental essays are by no means unapproachable. With proper planning and execution, successful essays can reflect extremely well upon an applicant, showcasing multiple facets of their personality and demonstrating the abilities that will help them thrive at this university. In this article, we will guide you through how to write the Brown University supplemental essays.

Brown University’s 2023-2024 Prompts

Supplemental essay prompts, brown’s open curriculum allows students to explore broadly while also diving deeply into their academic pursuits. tell us about any academic interests that excite you, and how you might pursue them at brown. (200-250 words), students entering brown often find that making their home on college hill naturally invites reflection on where they came from. share how an aspect of your growing up has inspired or challenged you, and what unique contributions this might allow you to make to the brown community. (200-250 words), brown students care deeply about their work and the world around them. students find contentment, satisfaction, and meaning in daily interactions and major discoveries. whether big or small, mundane or spectacular, tell us about something that brings you joy. (200-250 words), brief reflection prompts.

Note that these prompts are found in the Common App as part of Brown’s writing supplement, and are required questions, but they are not found in the Common Application section of Brown’s “How to Apply” web page.

What three words best describe you? (3 words)

What is your most meaningful extracurricular commitment, and what would you like us to know about it (100 words), if you could teach a class on any one thing, whether academic or otherwise, what would it be (100 words).

General Tips

One of the key features about each of these Brown University supplemental essays is their length: they are short. Limiting each response to 250 words maximum can be challenging, especially when discussing complex interests or topics about which you are passionate. The key to writing a succinct yet impactful essay is to limit the words spent on narrative or objective descriptions and instead devote space to emotions, thoughts, and reflections. For instance, compare…

“Painting brings me joy. When I was five years old, my father bought me my first set of paintbrushes. Since then, I have painted every day, joining art clubs in middle and high school and collaborating with peers on projects in the community. We painted murals and posters for events and local exhibitions, learning and meeting new people as we did so. My skills have improved over time, and I aim to continue my development as an artist and a creative in college and beyond.”

…to the following:

“Painting brings me joy. Ever since receiving my first set of brushes at five years old, I have embraced the challenge of setting color to paper to create brilliant images. As I improved over time, I searched for ways to share the satisfaction of art with others. Orchestrating community projects allowed me to connect with peers and express my gratitude for my hometown, and as I continue to develop my skills, I will spread that joy to an even broader audience in college and beyond.”

These two passages have the same word count, but the second much more effectively gives the reader a sense of who the writer is and what they value about their interest in painting. Instead of simply listing the factual details of an interest or event, academic or otherwise, be sure to give the reader a glimpse into your emotions and thought processes. Doing so will increase the impact of each word, allowing you to convey your meaning more succinctly.

Brown University’s Supplemental Essay Prompts

This first prompt is an iteration of the common “why us” essay type. However, Brown’s Open Curriculum, the star of its academic programming, features prominently in this supplemental essay, and students are expected to demonstrate a basic understanding of the core tenets of this curriculum.

Essentially, the Open Curriculum at Brown University allows undergraduates to forego the general education and distribution requirements mandated by most colleges and universities and instead enables students to formulate their own paths of study. Some students even develop their own majors based on personal interests that they enter with or discover along the way. This first essay asks applicants to consider how they would make the most of this unique flexibility.

First and foremost, research the Open Curriculum . Read about how current and past students have approached this opportunity, and consider how you would do so yourself. Then, brainstorm. Write out a list of your academic interests, ranging from your intended major (if you have one—no commitment necessary at this point!) to potential interests that you would like to develop further, and everything in between. For now, the more the merrier!

Consider browsing the academic offerings to find departments, courses, or tracks that align with your interests. Lastly, and arguably, most importantly, look for connections between your areas of interest and explore how you could connect them. This is the greatest and most unique benefit of Brown’s Open Curriculum: the ability to craft your own cocktail of learning experiences.

Be sure to delve into the why: Why combine the interests you choose? What added benefit do you gain by studying simultaneously across disciplines? This interdisciplinary emphasis on exploration is central to Brown’s values as a university.

This second prompt asks Brown applicants to discuss their backgrounds, past adversity, perspectives, growth, and/or community involvement. But 200-250 words is not much room to tell the story of your upbringing! If possible, choose a specific 1-3 anecdote(s) to share. Your anecdote(s) should be from your childhood and involve details about your unique upbringing.

If you have a cultural background, unusual childhood experience, or significant period of growth in your personal history, now might be the time to bring it up in your application. This essay gives you the meaningful opportunity to engage with a part of your past that otherwise wouldn’t have made it into your application; generally, applications focus on high school experiences, but this essay can (and probably should) focus on a pre-high school experience.

One pitfall that many students fall into when writing this essay is cliché. It is really easy to describe your childhood in a generic way, but the more personal and, frankly, odd you can get in this essay, the better. Authenticity and revelation of your quirks will go a long way to helping the reader remember your essay long after reading it.

Consider these questions to get your brainstorming going:

Did you have a weird childhood habit or hobby that ended up teaching you a life lesson?
Did you suffer bullying and come out stronger, more empathetic, and/or more sure of who you are?
Did you have a mentor who shaped you?
Did your hometown have a unique tradition that influenced your worldview?

Remember, growth is key in this essay. After you’ve selected your specific topic and your discrete, brief 1-3 anecdotes, make sure you clarify at the beginning of the essay who you once were, and by the end of the essay, who you are now. Displaying growth will not only evidence your maturity but also demonstrate your college readiness and ability to answer a challenging essay question.

Lastly, this third supplemental prompt is the most open-ended. This is not just a simple “extracurriculars” or “other interests” prompt, because it is so broad in its scope; as long as it brings you joy, any topic is on the table, academic, artistic, intellectual, philosophical, culinary, athletic, or otherwise. If you feel that your application so far has not done justice to an important part of yourself, then this would be an opportune place to discuss that aspect.

The prompt goes so far as to specify that the topic can be “big or small, mundane or spectacular,” so if something in particular comes to mind as you read this, then chances are it would make a strong essay, whatever it may be. The most important consideration in choosing a topic for this essay is to select something that truly does bring you joy . Readers can tell when the excitement in your tone is genuine, and that realness is what sells your essay.

As you brainstorm ideas for this essay, restrain yourself from writing about a topic that you think you “should” write about. If your true passion is baking chocolate chip cookies for your little sisters when they are feeling down, but you feel like you should write about coding because it seems more “sophisticated” or “academic,” choose the former. A genuine essay will shine through every time.

As you describe what brings you joy, try to draw the reader into your excitement. Invite them to enjoy the activity or the project with you and show them why it is that you love it. Make them love it too! Vivid descriptors and sensory details can go a long way in essays like this one, especially if your passion has a sensory component. Allow yourself and your readers to be swept up in “contentment, satisfaction, and meaning.” Joy is infectious, so fill your essay with as much of it as possible.

Brown University’s Brief Reflection Prompts

This brief reflection prompt asks you to distill your personality into a short list of descriptors: this is a huge challenge if you want to bring any nuance to your three words. However, on the flip side, although there are many “wrong” answers and many “right” answers, you’re more likely to put down a neutral answer than a “wrong” answer. In other words, if you pick three random positively connoted adjectives, for instance, those words’ impact on your application will probably be neutral or positive.

That said, there are things you can do to increase your chances of positively influencing your application with your three words: Be consistent and inconsistent.

Being consistent with the rest of your application is great, and 1-2 of your words should somehow be synonymous or consistent with the rest of your application. If you have an amazing academic record, maybe one of your descriptors is “hardworking” or “driven.” If you’re applying to study English or Creative Writing, maybe one of your descriptors is “writer” or “reader.” These are consistent descriptors, so that your response feels like it is part of the same application as the rest of your materials.

Being inconsistent allows you to add new value to your application. Maybe you’re applying to study Neuroscience, but one of your words is “illustrator” or “artistic.” Maybe your application deals with really serious topics all throughout, and yet you put that you’re “cheerful” or “playful.” Adding dimension to your personality through these words allows you to bring something new to this essay, even though it’s so short: every response on your application can help you out!

Like all of your other essay responses, this brief reflection is another moment to provide something to your application reader that they can’t get from reading the rest of your application. Note the wording of this prompt: “What would you like us to know about [your most meaningful extracurricular commitment]?” This question implies that what you would like the reader to know is something they can’t possibly already know.

In the case of some students, this brief response is the opportunity necessary to clarify something about their extracurricular commitment. For instance, maybe your most meaningful extracurricular has a weird title, and you’re concerned that your activities list in the Common App can’t possibly do it justice. Or perhaps your commitment hours for this extracurricular look strangely high or low, and you’d like the chance to explain it.

In the case of other students, the activities section of the Common App does their activities justice, and thus this essay is a bonus to bring more nuance to their most meaningful activity. If that sounds like you, here are some tips to make this essay response the strongest it can be.

Answer your FAQ(s). If you describe this activity to your friends, do they all ask the same silly question? For instance, if you’re a coxswain on a rowing team, and people always ask you “What’s the point of your position and why do you need to train?”, you could take this essay as an opportunity to explain the importance of your position and why you train with the rest of the team.
Make it personal. College admissions officers have seen a lot, and they have probably seen many applicants with the same or similar extracurricular as you. Clarify why you as an individual find meaning in this extracurricular, and how this extracurricular fits into your life.
how you’ve grown through this activity
how this activity has changed you
how you have changed the activity
how your growth has impacted your relationship with the activity.

This final prompt toes a fine line: many students who answer this question earnestly end up sounding full of themselves. There are three main ways to answer this question. Either you suggest teaching a class on something you legitimately have deep knowledge of, you suggest teaching a class on something you obviously have no knowledge of, or you suggest teaching a class on something you might have some knowledge of.

If you already have deep knowledge of the subject of your imaginary class , then humbly clarify this before listing your reasons for wanting to teach a class on it—specifically, reasons other than just “I am (already) an expert in this topic.” For instance, you might be an extremely talented potter, but your pottery talents don’t come up elsewhere in your application. Thus, you’ll need to discuss your pottery talents briefly, authentically, and modestly before describing why you’d like to teach a pottery class.

If you obviously don’t have knowledge of the subject of your imaginary class , then you’ll want to briefly express why you’d like to know about this topic before delving into why you’d like to teach a class on it. And again, your reasons for teaching this class need to be more than just that you’d like to be an expert who is capable of teaching a class in it. For instance, if you’d like to teach a class on how to safely jump out of a plane, you’re going to first want to clarify why you’d like to be an expert in jumping out of planes before explaining why you’d like to teach other people how to jump out of planes.

If you have some knowledge of the subject of your imaginary class , then you’ll want to clarify the limited extent of your knowledge before explaining why you’d like to learn more about this topic and teach a class on it. For instance, if you would like to teach a class on particle physics, you’ll want to briefly express how much/little you know about the topic. Then, you’ll want to explain why you’re compelled to learn more and to teach people more about particle physics.

When wrapping up your brief reflection, you may want to give an indication of how you will teach the class and/or to whom you would like to teach the class, but this is totally up to you and depends on how many words you have left over.

If you need help polishing up your Brown University supplemental essays, check out our College Essay Review service. You can receive detailed feedback from Ivy League consultants in as little as 24 hours.

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How to Write the USC Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Brown Supplemental Essays 2023-24 Prompts & Advice

August 16, 2023

Applicants to the Brown Class of 2027 were greeted with just over a 5% acceptance rate, similar to the year prior. Given that 19 of every 20 applicants are turned away–even many valedictorians with perfect test scores–aspiring Brown undergrads need to find a way to stand out from a pack of similarly credentialed teens. Fortunately, Brown provides exactly this kind of opportunity by offering three 200-250 word essays and a handful of short answers that provide applicants a chance to showcase their writing ability and craft responses that are genuine, compelling, and potentially needle-moving to the admissions staff at this Rhode Island-based Ivy. In the following blog, we will offer a detailed look at each of the Brown supplemental essays.

(Want to learn more about How to Get Into Brown University? Visit our blog entitled: How to Get Into Brown: Admissions Data and Strategies for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

You’ll find the Brown supplemental essay prompts for the 2023-24 admissions cycle listed below. The College Transitions team will also share their advice about how successful applicants approach each of the Brown supplemental essays.

Brown Supplemental Essays 2023-24

1) brown open curriculum essay.

Let’s begin by explaining exactly what Brown’s Open Curriculum is…in the university’s own words, the Open Curriculum allows students to “develop a personalized course of study — they have greater freedom to study what they choose and the flexibility to discover what they love.” Getting to be the architect of your own college program is a rare opportunity that few schools other than Brown offer. With this great privilege comes great responsibility and Brown wants to know precisely how you might take advantage of this virtually unparalleled undergraduate freedom.

What topics keep you up at night? Which subject makes you read books and online content until your eyes bleed? Are there particular interests that you’ve started exploring—either in or outside the classroom—and would like to continue pursuing? If you could address one problem in the world, large or small, what would it be? Moreover, if you’re interested in several areas (which is 100% welcome at Brown) how might an interdisciplinary approach benefit you? After you’ve selected your interest area(s), you’ll then want to connect them to specific resources or offerings at Brown, which could include academic departments , classes , professors, research opportunities , study abroad programs , or internships , to name a few.

2) Brown Supplemental Essay – Background

Students entering Brown often find that making their home on College Hill naturally invites reflection on where they came from. Share how an aspect of your growing up has inspired or challenged you, and what unique contributions this might allow you to make to the Brown community. (200-250 words)

This prompt asks you to not only share a particular life experience or element of your background/cultural identity but also describe why that experience or element of your identity will help you contribute to Brown in general. Essentially, it’s asking you to take your essay’s reflection one step further—you’ll need to share why the experience or element you’ve chosen has inspired or challenged you as well as why/how you believe it will allow you to positively impact the Brown community.

Brown Supplemental Essays (Continued)

First, choose a key aspect of your experiences, background, or identity that reveals something deep and meaningful about you. (Although you could choose more than one, we’d advise against it, given that you only have 250 words in which to respond.) As you brainstorm, consider the following avenues:

Your role in your family.
A challenge you’ve faced.
A formative experience or realization.
Important aspects of your upbringing.
Cultural, religious, community influence.

Second, you’ll need to describe both personal and future impact. Make sure that your answer reveals something about how you will live out Brown’s values or contribute to an academic/social community ( note : this should be different from the offerings discussed in your Open Curriculum essay). For the latter angle, you could name a specific course , research opportunity , or extracurricular club , to name a few—perhaps living in a beach town has heavily contributed to your passion for the world’s oceans, and you seek to bring that perspective to the biology department’s research opportunities. Alternatively, you could discuss something more intangible—perhaps Brown’s mission to create inclusive communities resonates with you, and you hope to bring your experience of growing up with a neurodiverse sibling to on- and off-campus tutoring opportunities.

3) Brown Joy Essay

What brings you glee, exuberance, jubilation, delight, elation, bliss…joy? There are a multitude of universal and highly relatable experiences that bring joy to one’s soul. For example, it could involve family, pets, hobbies, habits, scenes of natural beauty, literature, travel, etc. However, you could also talk about dreams for the future, more bittersweet moments, abstract thoughts, moments of glorious introversion, or a time that you unexpectedly felt joy.

4) Brown Supplemental Essays – Short Answer Questions (new this year!)

Help us get to know you better by reflecting briefly on each of the questions below. We expect that answers will range from a few words to a few sentences at most.

What three words best describe you?

No tricks here—the prompt literally only allows for three words. As such, make sure those three words are pulling their weight. For example, “interesting, hard-working, dedicated” could likely describe any number of Brown applicants. Instead, try to think of descriptive or evocative words that capture what makes you unique or what you most value—perhaps it’s your wit, your bibliophile tendencies, or your generosity, to name a few.

What is your most meaningful extracurricular commitment, and what would you like us to know about it? (100 words)

Out of everything you’re involved in, what stands out? What activity is near and dear to your heart? What activity has enabled you to grow the most or learned important lessons? If you could choose one of your activities to continue doing in college, which one would it be? After you’ve chosen, think about why this activity is the most meaningful or important to you—what it has allowed you to accomplish, how it has brought you personal fulfillment, and/or how it has pushed you outside of your comfort zone, among others.

If you could teach a class on any one thing, whether academic or otherwise, what would it be? (100 words)

Firstly, you’ll want to select a course centered around a topic about which you are an expert or hope to become an expert. The admissions reader is well aware that you are a teenager and not someone who has yet earned a Ph.D. Therefore, being a self-taught, informal expert is perfectly fine. You’ll then want to explain “why”—why will (or should) your passion be made relevant to a wider audience? Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind:

Quality answers often involve the intersection of two or more disciplines.
Course creation essays can and should reveal your ability to connect and synthesize information.
Make sure that the topic of your course is not overly broad or already offered. The topic should not be akin to a 101 college course like Intro to Psychology…be creative (this is Brown, after all)!

In one sentence, Why Brown? (50 words)

Here, think about why you believe Brown is the best fit for you overall . To accomplish that, list every reason why you’re applying to Brown and how you believe Brown will help you reach your goals. There should be at least a few that stand out, which you can integrate into one (very long) sentence. While you can reiterate reasoning shared on other parts of the application (such as how excited you are by the linguistics department) you don’t want this response to be a straight-up repeat. As such, the strongest answers will include academic as well as social or ethos-related elements, and can reference your own short or long-term goals as well.

How important are the Brown supplemental essays?

There are a whopping 7 factors that Brown considers to be “very important” to the evaluation process. These are: rigor of secondary school record, character/personal qualities, class rank, GPA, recommendations, extracurricular activities. However, the most relevant to this blog is, of course, the Brown supplemental essays. The essays undoubtedly play a significant role in the admissions process at Brown University. They can help the committee decide whom to admit when choosing between similarly credentialed (GPA, test scores, etc.) applicants.

Want Personalized Essay Assistance with your Brown Supplemental Essays?

We have over a decade of experience helping students compose essays that help them gain acceptance to Brown. If you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your Brown supplemental essays, we encourage you to get a quote today.

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Dave has over a decade of professional experience that includes work as a teacher, high school administrator, college professor, and independent educational consultant. He is a co-author of the books The Enlightened College Applicant (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016) and Colleges Worth Your Money (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020).

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Brown University’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

Three words to describe you short response.

What three words best describe you?

National Exams Short Response

Some schools offer students the opportunity to take national exams in areas such as math and language. These exams include, but are not limited to, AIME, AMC 10, Le Grand Concours, National Spanish Exam, National Latin Exams. If you have taken any of these exams (or any other subject-based national or international examinations), please inform us of the exams and scores you find most meaningful.

Academic Interest Short Response

Brown‘s Open Curriculum allows students to explore broadly while also diving deeply into their academic pursuits. Tell us about any academic interests that excite you, and how you might pursue them at Brown.

Overcoming Challenges Short Response

What Brings You Joy Short Response

Extracurricular Short Response

What is your most meaningful extracurricular commitment, and what would you like us to know about it?

What Class Would You Teach Short Response

If you could teach a class on any one thing, whether academic or otherwise, what would it be?

Why This College Short Response

In one sentence, Why Brown?

RISD Dual Degree Essay

The Brown|RISD Dual Degree Program draws on the complementary strengths of Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) to provide students with the opportunity to explore and engage with diverse spheres of academic and creative inquiry. The culmination of students’ five-year program is a capstone project that relates and integrates content, approaches, and methods from two distinct learning experiences. Considering your understanding of the academic programs at Brown and RISD, describe how and why the specific blend of RISD‘s experimental, immersive combined studio and liberal arts program and Brown‘s wide-ranging courses and curricula could constitute an optimal undergraduate education for you. Additionally, how might your academic, artistic and personal experiences contribute to the Dual Degree community and its commitment to interdisciplinary work?

PLME Short Response 1

Committing to a future career as a physician while in high school requires careful consideration and self-reflection. Explain your personal motivation to pursue a career in medicine.

PLME Short Response 2

Healthcare is constantly changing as it is affected by racial and social inequities, economics, politics, technology, and more. Imagine that you are a physician and describe one way in which you would seek to make a positive impact in today’s healthcare environment.

PLME Short Response 3

How do you envision the Program in Liberal Medical Education helping to meet your academic, personal and professional goals as a person and future physician?

Common App Personal Essay

The essay demonstrates your ability to write clearly and concisely on a selected topic and helps you distinguish yourself in your own voice. What do you want the readers of your application to know about you apart from courses, grades, and test scores? Choose the option that best helps you answer that question and write an essay of no more than 650 words, using the prompt to inspire and structure your response. Remember: 650 words is your limit, not your goal. Use the full range if you need it, but don‘t feel obligated to do so.

Some students have a background, identity, interest, or talent that is so meaningful they believe their application would be incomplete without it. If this sounds like you, then please share your story.

The lessons we take from obstacles we encounter can be fundamental to later success. Recount a time when you faced a challenge, setback, or failure. How did it affect you, and what did you learn from the experience?

Reflect on a time when you questioned or challenged a belief or idea. What prompted your thinking? What was the outcome?

Reflect on something that someone has done for you that has made you happy or thankful in a surprising way. How has this gratitude affected or motivated you?

Discuss an accomplishment, event, or realization that sparked a period of personal growth and a new understanding of yourself or others.

Describe a topic, idea, or concept you find so engaging that it makes you lose all track of time. Why does it captivate you? What or who do you turn to when you want to learn more?

Share an essay on any topic of your choice. It can be one you‘ve already written, one that responds to a different prompt, or one of your own design.

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

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How To Stand Out In Your Brown Supplemental Essays 2022/23

The Brown University Supplemental Essay questions allow you to talk about your interests and aspirations so admissions officers can get to know you better and see if you’re a good fit for their school. These questions also give you an outlet to explain why you believe a Brown education will help further your passions and interests.

What are Brown University’s Essay Prompts for 2022/23?

Brown’s supplemental essay prompts remain unchanged from the previous application year.

Brown’s Open Curriculum allows students to explore broadly while also diving deeply into their academic pursuits. Tell us about any academic interests that excite you, and how you might use the Open Curriculum to pursue them while also embracing topics with which you are unfamiliar. (200-250 words)

Brown’s culture fosters a community in which students challenge the ideas of others and have their ideas challenged in return, promoting a deeper and clearer understanding of the complex issues confronting society. this active engagement in dialogue is as present outside the classroom as it is in academic spaces. tell us about a time you were challenged by a perspective that differed from your own. how did you respond (200-250 words), brown students care deeply about their work and the world around them. students find contentment, satisfaction, and meaning in daily interactions and major discoveries. whether big or small, mundane or spectacular, tell us about something that brings you joy. (200-250 words).

My Brown Supplemental Essay

How to Answer Prompt 1

Brown’s open curriculum allows students to freely explore their interests while diving deeper into their academic pursuits. tell us about any academic interests that excite you, and how you might use the open curriculum to pursue them while also embracing topics with which you are unfamiliar. (200-250 words).

This first essay combines two classic admissions questions: “Tell us about your interests” and “Why Brown?” The primary goal of this essay is to show genuine passion or intellectual curiosity in your areas of interest and how Brown will help you pursue these interests. Clarity and concision are critical for this essay.

1. Talk about your experiences

For the first part, talk about the experiences that drew you to your current interests.

Ask yourself the following:

Did they evolve because you were looking for ways to help or challenge people, or were they strictly personal endeavors?
Did a particularly inspiring book, teacher, or experience first get you interested in a certain subject?
How has your passion for this subject grown or developed over time?

It’s perfectly fine to be undecided. Instead, describe specific areas of interest you may pursue.

The focus should be on the reasons why you find a subject so compelling rather than why you’re so amazing at it . Keep your tone humble and self-aware. If you choose to talk about a particular skill you find rewarding or challenging, don’t be afraid to talk about your struggles. Admissions officers find stories and personal experiences interesting. Stories also help them see another angle of your personality and character.

2. Talk about how Brown will further your interests

Now that you have engaged the admission committee with your interests, explain why Brown’s Open Curriculum will help you further your interests. One of the most unique aspects of Brown is that students can choose their own course of study in place of general requirements .

A Brown student might be a biomedical engineer who has taken every Ancient Egyptian archeology course, a comparative literature student who originally intended to study applied math, or a neuroscientist double-concentrating in philosophy. Brown wants to know how you’ll use this flexibility to explore your interests in a way that might not be possible elsewhere .

A solid response to this question integrates gathered knowledge about Brown’s specific offerings into a personal narrative based on your stated interest. Your research and personal insight demonstrate how Brown’s unique opportunities represent an obvious next step in your development.

Utilize Brown’s website as much as possible to brainstorm specific ways the Open Curriculum will help you further your interests. You can even search Researchers @ Brown to connect your interests with the specific interests of professors.

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How to Answer Prompt 2

While the first essay helped Brown admissions learn more about you and how you will benefit from attending Brown, the second essay discusses how Brown will benefit from having you on campus . Admissions teams strive to create diverse classes that come from various backgrounds, but they also seek students who can work together to better the community.

Think about moments in your life that challenged you. Take particular note of:

the specific time and place in which this situation occurred
your reaction to the challenge.

The way you react to the challenge shows your thought process and analysis of the opposing point of view.

A complex and nuanced topic that’s not too polarizing is a good choice for your essay . Since you only have a set amount of words, your humility and sensitivity should be paramount. Additionally, conclude your essay by noting how you will bring the skills you learned from this experience into the Brown community.

How to Answer Prompt 3

This prompt gives you several options, including “small, mundane, or spectacular.” Choose something that brings you genuine joy . Your response shouldn’t simply be a play-by-play of your position in a chosen sport or activity. Instead, focus on a specific place in time or memory that stands out. Be clear, detailed, and original.

Think deeply about your life, your family, and your surroundings. If you are having trouble identifying a unique topic, start with the five senses .

What do you look at that makes you happy?
Does a particular smell evoke happiness?
Have you ever touched something that made you smile?

Remember that witnessing the joy of others is also an option, like being a “gift giver” who revels in presenting loved ones with a surprise.

Your focus reveals a lot about you, so think about how you want to be perceived. You can write about a personal experience or how you shared your joy with someone else. Maybe you witnessed something new, or you find joy in your everyday life.

The essay can be humorous or serious, light or dark. You might even describe something seemingly small and beautiful only to you. Whatever you choose, make sure you are humble and that your joy is not at the expense of another person .

How Crimson Can Help You Get Into Brown University

Crimson takes a personal approach when it comes to helping students with their supplemental essays. Advisors get to know their students by talking with them about their dreams, aspirations, goals, and any aspect of their story that’s unique.

Crimson student Rohan recently got into Brown University . See how Crimson helped him with his extracurriculars, test prep, essay writing, and more!

How Crimson Student Rohan Got Into Brown University

Final Thoughts

While writing these essays, ask yourself if each sentence offers unique insight that’s original to you. Admission officers don’t want to read cookie-cutter answers that anyone could have written. The strongest essays prominently feature personal reflections and don’t linger on accomplishments. Only mention your achievements if you can directly relate them to Brown. Write about how these achievements will help you contribute to the Brown community, and how an education from Brown will help you develop your existing skills and thrive in your future career.

Through their open curriculum, Brown University encourages independent thought and academic exploration. They want to see those qualities in their students. Showcase how you’ve explored outside the box and your unique interpretations of the world around you. You’ll catch the attention of Brown admissions with thoughtful answers and a unique perspective.

What Makes Crimson Different

Key Resources & Further Reading

Harvard Supplemental Essay
Columbia Supplemental Essay
Princeton Supplemental Essay
Cornell Supplemental Essay
MIT Supplemental Essay
University of Chicago Supplemental Essays
Acing your College Application Essay: 5 Expert Tips to Make it Stand Out from the Rest
How to Tackle Every Type of Supplemental Essay
What are the Most Unusual US College Supplemental Essay Prompts?

What would megan fox's (hypothetical) harvard essay look like.

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Can Colleges See How Many Times You’ve Taken the SAT?

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How to Write Brown’s Open Curriculum Essay

This article was written based on the information and opinions presented by Shane Niesen and Vinay Bhaskara in a CollegeVine livestream. You can watch the full livestream for more info.

What’s Covered:

Showcase your academic passions.

Demonstrate Interdisciplinary Thinking

Approach This as a “Why Brown” Question

Do your research.

The first Brown University supplemental essay asks students to respond to the following prompt:

In this article, we discuss how to demonstrate your academic passions and interdisciplinary thinking, how to make this a “why Brown” essay, and the importance of doing your research.

The best way to think of this prompt is as a “why major” essay , which is a commonly used prompt by many colleges. However, keep in mind that this prompt is asking you to put more of an emphasis on subjects that you’re not necessarily going to major in but that interest you. Therefore, the essay should provide a clear insight into your academic passions and how you will pursue them instead of your intended major.

One strategy when approaching this prompt is to explore topics or hobbies that you enjoy but that are not directly related to your intended career path, as you can use this essay to expand upon these alongside your major.

Demonstrate Interdisciplinary Thinking

For Brown University, interdisciplinary thinking is essential, and it is critical to demonstrate this in this essay. You can approach this in two ways. Either you can narrow your essay down to one specific discipline that combines multiple subject areas, or you can write about the common interest that motivates you to pursue multiple subject areas.

Combine Two Subjects into One Discipline

For the first strategy, try combining multiple topics that you are interested in to arrive at a specific discipline, like combining neurology and psychology to get neuropsychology. This may require extra research into the various majors and departments at Brown, and you can even get a little creative in the way that you tie together your interests. One caveat, however, is to not stretch this too much; if you can’t think of one overarching discipline, it may be best to employ another strategy for this essay.

Find a Common Thread Among Multiple Disciplines

The second strategy is to reflect on various subjects that you are interested in and try to find a common thread or similarity that interests you in those topics. For example, if you are interested in history, economics, psychology, and sociology, the common thread might be understanding how societies function or the relationship between people and markets. You can use this central theme as a way to highlight the different disciplines that interest you and to clearly show the reader what about them is so compelling to you personally.

As you work to demonstrate your interdisciplinary thinking through this essay, remember that this is a short essay with a limit of 200-250 words. We recommend sticking to two subjects maximum and simply mentioning other disciplines rather than discussing them deeply.

Additionally, it’s okay if you’re divided between two different subjects that are hard to reconcile. If you choose to include topics like this, make sure to give insight into why they are challenging to combine and what draws you to each.

Since Brown’s academic branding is highly focused on the open curriculum, this essay is also like a “Why Brown” essay. In fact, in the past, this prompt used to include a question about “Why Brown?” alongside the language about Brown’s open curriculum.

Therefore, when writing this essay, try to frame your interests in a way that shows that the open curriculum at Brown is the best way to explore them. Demonstrate that you would be served well by having the opportunities specifically allotted to you by Brown to explore your academic interests and that it would be much harder for you to do so in a core curriculum system.

Before you write, be sure to do your research into academic opportunities and programs related to your interests at Brown. Ultimately, you will want to tie in any relevant academic offerings at the university naturally into your essay.

For example, if you are interested in biology and geology and plan to write about your fascination with the line between living organisms and the natural world, you will also need to include specific examples as to how you will pursue these interests at Brown.

Something that you might want to bring up are the Departments of Earth, Environments and Planetary Sciences, or DEEPS, which at Brown, is the overarching academic department covering both biology and earth sciences. By doing your research into Brown’s academic offerings and course structure, you’ll be better able to organically explain why you specifically seek to pursue your interests at Brown.

Keep in mind that when including specific opportunities and programs, you should not be artificial. It is important to show that you’ve done the research, but it has to come from the heart, or admissions officers will immediately notice, and you may sound awkward or inauthentic.

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, 4 tips to write a winning "why brown" essay.

College Essays

opening_brown_CampusScenes-courtesy-of-Brown-University_PAUR-01_1200px

Students who are applying to Brown have to answer the "Why Brown" essay question. This essay prompt asks students why they want to attend Brown and what they hope to contribute to Brown's unique community.

In this guide, we'll discuss what the "Why Brown" essay prompt is, why it exists, and how to answer it well. We'll also go over a real "Why Brown" essay example.

Note on 2022-2023 Brown Essays

Unlike in past years, the 2022-2023 Brown essays don't include a "Why Brown" prompt that all applicants need to answer. Therefore, the information in this article doesn't apply to most applicants this year.

However, applicants to the PLME and Brown/RISD programs do have an essay prompt that asks them to explain why they're choosing Brown and that program specifically. You can use some of the tips outlined below to help you with those essays, and, for help on all the Brown essays, check out our in-depth article on the Brown supplemental essays.

What Is the "Why Brown" Essay Prompt?

Here is the "Why Brown" essay prompt from the 2020-21 application season:

At Brown, you will learn as much from your peers outside the classroom as in academic spaces. How will you contribute to the Brown community? (250 words)

You might be wondering why Brown asks this question—what are they hoping to learn about you from this essay?

While Brown has a great academic reputation, the admissions committee already knows that and doesn't want to hear about it . The admissions committee wants to know why you'd rather go to Brown over any of the other Ivy League universities or top schools in the world .

Specifically, they want to know what unique qualities and/or experiences you'll be able to bring to the school's special community. Brown's admissions committee wants to make sure that you'll be a good fit on their campus, both academically and socially.

What Is the Purpose of the "Why Brown" Essay?

Why do schools like Brown require you to answer a "Why This College" essay ?

Colleges and universities want to see that you really want to attend their school. Applicants who love their school are more likely to be active and happy students and, later, active and happy alumni.

Your essay should prove to the admissions committee that you really love Brown , which will in turn make them feel more confident that you'll be a great addition to the campus.

Brown wants to make sure you know and value what they offer, and they also want to assess how you'll take advantage of the many opportunities on Brown's campus to further your academic and professional career.

Applicants that really want to attend a school are also more likely to enroll, meaning that Brown's yield will be higher.

This essay is a great opportunity for the admissions committee to weed out students who haven't done their research on Brown or for whom Brown's community and values wouldn't work.

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What Should You Write About in Your "Why Brown" Essay?

The "Why Brown" essay is essentially asking you what you believe you can and will contribute to the Brown campus and community.

Like all colleges, Brown values its student body and what each student brings to its unique community . You want to show that you have something special to offer Brown.

Because this question asks about how you'll contribute to the community, you don't have to limit yourself to purely academic interests—feel free to discuss your extracurricular passions, too!

Your essay can focus on existing clubs or activities on Brown's campus, but you could also discuss how you'd bring your own interests and passions to the school. If you love Scrabble, for instance, and want to start a Scrabble club, you could talk about that in this essay.

Regardless of what you choose to write about, you'll need to make it clear that you'll add value to Brown's campus . The admissions committee wants to make sure that you'll participate and get the most out of your four years in Providence.

A Real "Why Brown" Essay Example

To give you a better idea of what a great response to this prompt can look like, below is a "Why Brown" essay example from a current student, YouTuber heyitsjoshco . We'll then explain what makes this an excellent response.

This "Why Brown" essay sample answers a previous version of the "Why Brown" essay prompt that did not ask about the student's contribution to the Brown community and instead focused on how the student would take advantage of Brown's Open Curriculum .

In his "Why Brown" essay, the student explained that he'd take advantage of the Open Curriculum to pursue "learning for the sake of learning," which indicates that he'll study topics that interest him on all levels—not just those that are related to his major .

This mindset is exactly what Brown hopes to encourage in its students. The student presents himself as a curious intellectual, which indicates that he'll be an active participant in his education.

By listing the exact programs and departments he's interested in, the essay shows that the student really wants to attend Brown specifically.

4 Essential Tips for a Great "Why Brown" Essay

Regardless of how you decide to answer this prompt, there are four tips everyone should keep in mind to ensure they're fully answering the question, giving Brown the information it wants to see, and standing out from other applicants.

#1: Do Your Research

Before you begin writing your response to the "Why Brown" essay prompt, know exactly why you want to attend Brown.

Familiarize yourself with key features of Brown , such as the Open Curriculum. Try reading the school website to see what kinds of extracurricular activities/clubs are listed and which ones you might want to participate in .

Talking to a current or former student is also a great way to find out what Brown has to offer and how you can bring something unique to the community there.

It might be worthwhile to schedule a meeting with a Brown professor as well , especially if you have a particular area of study you're extremely interested in.

#2: Be Specific

From your research, you should have come up with specific reasons for why you would be an ideal fit at Brown. The more specific you can be when answering this prompt, the better.

Don't just say that your passion for architecture makes you unique. Be clear about how this quality sets you apart from other students and also how it'll positively impact the Brown community .

#3: Show Your Passion

Brown wants students who care a lot about their studies and their school, so make sure this comes across in their response. A bland statement, such as "I will bring my passion for drawing to Brown," won't make you stand out.

Highlight exactly what you plan to contribute to the Brown community and how this quality will ultimately enhance the campus and school as a whole.

#4: Proofread

Your Brown essay should be the strongest example of your work possible. Before you turn in your application, make sure to edit and proofread your essays, including your "Why Brown" essay.

To ensure your work is free of spelling and grammar errors, run your essay through a spelling and grammar check function before you submit.

It's a good idea to have someone else read your "Why Brown" essay, too. Seek a second opinion on your work from a parent, a teacher, or a friend. Ask that person whether your work represents you as a student and person.

Have them also check that you haven't missed any small typos or errors. Having a second opinion will help your "Why Brown" essay be the best it can be.

Conclusion: How to Write a Stellar "Why Brown" Essay

Your "Why Brown" essay can help give the admissions committee a good idea of why you're an ideal fit for the Brown community.

The purpose of this essay prompt is for you to prove that you've done your research on the school, feel that Brown's a good fit for you, and already know some of the opportunities there that you want to make the most of .

When writing your essay, be sure to do lots of research on the school, be specific, emphasize your passions and how they'll contribute to Brown, and mention plans you have for the future.

Looking at "Why Brown" essay examples can also help , though they'll be on previous versions of the prompt. So be aware of the differences before your write your own response!

What's Next?

Trying to figure out what makes a good SAT score for each section of the test ? We can help!

The "Why This College" prompt is a common question on college applications. Learn how to write a great "Why This College" essay for every school you're applying to .

Looking for more great essay examples? We have links to 100+ great college essays .

Want to write the perfect college application essay? We can help. Your dedicated PrepScholar Admissions counselor will help you craft your perfect college essay, from the ground up. We learn your background and interests, brainstorm essay topics, and walk you through the essay drafting process, step-by-step. At the end, you'll have a unique essay to proudly submit to colleges. Don't leave your college application to chance. Find out more about PrepScholar Admissions now:

Hayley Milliman is a former teacher turned writer who blogs about education, history, and technology. When she was a teacher, Hayley's students regularly scored in the 99th percentile thanks to her passion for making topics digestible and accessible. In addition to her work for PrepScholar, Hayley is the author of Museum Hack's Guide to History's Fiercest Females.

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Brown University 2019-20 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision:

Brown University 2019-20 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 3 essays of 250 words; 1 essay of 150 words

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why , Community , Activity

Brown’s Open Curriculum allows students to explore broadly while also diving deeply into their academic pursuits. Tell us about an academic interest (or interests) that excites you, and how you might use the Open Curriculum to pursue it.

This prompt sounds easy enough: describe what you want to study and why you like it — but not so fast. Since Brown has an open curriculum , you need to not only show that you have some direction, but also the ability to explore and cross-reference new subjects to inform your studies. First things first: the Open Curriculum, a.k.a. the requirement-less Holy Grail coveted by many applicants. It’s not enough to say, “I want to go to Brown because of its uniquely flexible curriculum.” You need to explore exactly how this curriculum — among Brown’s many other assets — will benefit you specifically. Is it because of the way you hope to study your topic of choice? Is it because greater flexibility will help you manage a learning difference? While you might be tempted to get technical or poetic, this essay will be more personal and memorable if you can share a story. By telling the story of how you gained a valuable (to you) skill or struggled with a gripping intellectual challenge, you will demonstrate a personal relationship to your chosen area of study or broader interest. What excites you and why? When was the last time you got drawn down a Wikipedia rabbit hole — and what was the topic? While you don’t need to recount the unabridged origin story of your interest, try to zero in on some formative experience: the best book you ever read, the first time you spoke French to an actual French person, that one time when you used PEMDAS in the real world! The concrete detail of your story will not only make the case for your genuine interest in an obscure or challenging topic, but also stick in the memory of your application reader when decision time rolls around.

At Brown, you will learn as much from your peers outside the classroom as in academic spaces. How will you contribute to the Brown community?

How will you fit within the Brown community, a.k.a. the student body and alumni network? You’ve probably answered this question in some shape or form elsewhere, but your response to this question should be deeply tied to your hopes for your experience at Brown, specifically. Do you hope Brown’s Open Curriculum will allow you to explore your varied interests, like the connection between the mind and the body, and introduce your peers to the wonders of dance therapy? Are you hoping to fuse your passion for culinary arts and world history by creating a club in which members gather together to cook and enjoy cuisines from all over the world and throughout time? (And can we join?) You only have 250 words, so make sure to be succinct!

Tell us about a place or community you call home. How has it shaped your perspective? (250 words)

This prompt is deceptively straightforward. If Brown had simply wanted to know where you have lived, they could have asked you to submit a list of towns or schools you attended. Why devote 250 words to the answer? Brown wants to know what is important to you: what, where, or who you hold close to your heart. What’s “home” to you and why is it special to you? Is it the camp you’ve been going to every summer since you were seven? Is it your local LGBTQ group that supported you through the coming out process? Is it anywhere with a roof and running water, because being a member of a military family taught you how to be resilient and be at home anywhere? Give the admissions department at Brown some insight into what you hold dear.

Please briefly elaborate on one of your extracurricular activities or work experiences.

Surprise! We bet you didn’t see this sneaky question when you were first browsing through the Brown writing questions on the Common App. That’s because it’s one of the hidden prompts that we warn you about in our Common App tutorial . This prompt will ambush you in the “Activity” section of your Brown application, but don’t worry — the prompt itself isn’t all that surprising. Activity essays like this one are pretty common and really are as straightforward as they seem. The trickiest part is usually selecting the activity you want to talk about. So, we return to our favorite mantra: tell admissions something they couldn’t learn elsewhere. If you wrote your Common App essay about your tenure as captain of the basketball team, for this prompt you should focus on a different (ideally non-athletic) activity that shows a different side of who you are. This can be a great opportunity to highlight your leadership skills and any accolades you may have received as a result of participating in a particular activity. Did you win a community service award? Now is a great time to elaborate on your work. No matter what you choose, it should probably be something you’ve been involved in for a while, so you can demonstrate your growth and the impact that you have had on others.

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Supplemental essay, mfa applications.

The Graduate School is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive academic community and educating and training a distinguished and diverse cohort of students. Exposure to a broad range of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences is essential to fostering both breadth and depth in intellectual knowledge and is an educational benefit.

At Brown, the term "diversity" is used in the broadest sense to encompass many dimensions of students' backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. Brown welcomes applications to its graduate programs from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, color, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, caste, disability, status as a veteran, language, socio-economic background, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, political ideology, or theoretical approach.

In 300 words or less, please respond to at least one of the following prompts:

Discuss specific examples of how your background, knowledge, and life experiences would influence your ability to both benefit from and contribute to Brown’s inclusive academic community;
Discuss how you aspire to contribute to our mission to promote diversity and inclusion through your research, teaching, or service.

Brown University: PLME and Brown-RISD Essay Guide

In this PLME and Brown-RISD Essay Guide, we will cover how to approach the 2020-2021 supplementary essays for Brown University’s specialized undergraduate programs. For more guidance on personal essays and the college application process in general, sign up for a monthly plan to work with an admissions coach 1-on-1.

First, we will discuss Brown University’s PLME program. Then, we will cover the supplementary essay question for the Brown-RISD dual-degree program. For Brown University’s general undergraduate application essay guide, click here .

Brown University: Program in Liberal Medical Education – PLME Essay Guide

“PLME” stands for Program in Liberal Medical Education, and it is Brown University’s combined baccalaureate-MD program – the only one in the Ivy League. If you are accepted to this program, then you are accepted into Brown not only for undergrad, but for medical school as well, at Brown’s Warren Alpert Medical School. You won’t have to take the MCAT or fill out medical school applications. This is an 8-year program, from which you will receive your MD upon completion. It is, suffice to say, a huge commitment . With this in mind, Brown only wants to accept students who are extremely serious about their desire to become a physician.

1. Committing to a future career as a physician while in high school requires careful consideration and self-reflection. What values and experiences have led you to believe that becoming a doctor in medicine is the right fit for you? (250 word limit)

If you have any experience in healthcare, such as volunteering at a nursing home, shadowing a doctor, or taking a CPR class, now is the time to write about it. Make sure to be specific about what you loved about this experience and how the things you loved about it are also relevant to what a physician does.

You can also draw upon experiences that aren’t directly related to healthcare, but that have informed your decision to pursue a career in medicine, such as anything that involves science, working with people, and helping others.

Make sure you don’t skim over the word “values” in this essay – the PLME admissions officers aren’t asking for values or experiences, they’re asking for both . So put some serious thought into what you think is important in life, and why being a doctor is aligned with those beliefs and values. For example, you could write about empathy, and connect it both to your experiences volunteering at a hospital, as well as babysitting.

2. Most people describe a career as a physician/doctor as a “profession”, beyond a job. Describe for us what “professionalism” and “the profession of a physician/doctor” mean to you . (250 word limit)

For this essay, you need to do some deep reflection and be ready to show why being a doctor is what you believe you are meant to do. Explain how you’ve gained an understanding of what it means to be a doctor, ideally through your experiences in healthcare. This could be through extracurricular activities like shadowing or volunteering, or it could even be through personal experiences, such as dealing with illness in your family.

Make sure to be specific, using anecdotes to detail why you feel the way you do. For example, maybe you’ve realized that being a doctor isn’t just about having expertise in your field and lots of research experience, but also about making connections with patients, and gaining their trust.

Another possible route would be to share your views on the role of healthcare in society, or on what qualities a good doctor must possess. This essay needs to be colored by your unique experiences, beliefs, and ambitions.

How do you envision the Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) helping you to meet your academic, personal, and professional goals as a person and as a physician of the future? (500 word limit)

The key idea here is that the PLME program allows you to craft an education for yourself that is truly interdisciplinary and free of the constraints that a typical pre-med student faces. Many PLME students choose a concentration that isn’t directly related to medicine, such as a language, art, or even economics.

It sounds counterintuitive, but you may benefit from thinking first about your goals and interests outside of science and medicine . Once you’ve done that, tie them into medicine. For example, maybe you’ve really enjoyed your high school economics classes and you’d like to pursue that subject more. You could write about how important it is to understand the relationship between health and economics – there’s lots of overlap, through concepts like insurance, productivity, and infrastructure.

You should get specific by naming classes, concentrations, and professors you find interesting. Make sure to also look into the different programs offered by the Warren Alpert Medical School. Since you won’t have to spend junior and/or senior year preparing for the MCAT, perhaps you’d like to write an undergraduate thesis or pursue some other interesting project.

Don’t forget to talk about your personal goals outside of academics and being a doctor. Brown has a very unique campus culture that emphasizes community, collaboration, independence, curiosity, and social justice. Consider your values and write about how you want to further pursue them, and why the PLME program will allow you to do so. For example, perhaps you would like to get involved in clubs at Brown such as Thoughts, Prayers, Action, which deals with issues like gun violence. Or maybe you’d love to become a mentor to a young refugee through BRYTE (Brown Refugee Youth Tutoring and Enrichment).

The Brown|RISD A.B./B.F.A. Dual Degree Program – Essay Guide

The Brown|RISD A.B./B.F.A. Dual Degree Program draws on the complementary strengths of Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) to provide students with the opportunity to explore and engage with diverse spheres of academic and creative inquiry. The culmination of students’ five-year program is a capstone project that relates and integrates content, approaches, and methods from two distinct learning experiences.

1. Considering your understanding of the academic programs at Brown and RISD, describe how and why the specific blend of RISD’s experimental, immersive combined studio and liberal arts program and Brown’s wide-ranging courses and curricula could constitute an optimal undergraduate education for you.

Additionally, how might you contribute to the dual degree community and its commitment to interdisciplinary work (650 word limit).

The Brown-RISD dual degree program is an incredibly selective, 5-year program in which students are fully enrolled at both colleges and graduate with two degrees. When answering this prompt, you need to emphasize that you would not be able to achieve your personal, academic, and professional goals without attending both schools.

You should identify why it is you are interested in both art and the liberal arts, and how your different interests intersect with and complement each other . For example, maybe you are very interested in medical illustration, and you want to have a solid understanding of both biology and illustration in order to pursue that career path. Or perhaps you love fashion design and creating clothing, but you also are fascinated by business and hope to start your own brand. By the end of reading your essay, it should be clear that both schools will be equally essential in preparing you for your career.

Don’t forget to answer the second part of this question as well: the Brown-RISD dual-degree community is very small and tightly-knit, so it’s important that they admit people who will be a good fit. You will have already addressed your own interdisciplinary interests in your answer to the first part of the prompt; now, think about your experiences and beliefs around collaboration and community. You could talk about the importance of surrounding yourself with people who will inspire and motivate you, or you could write about your excitement at potentially creating art and doing research with other members of the Brown-RISD community.

Applying to Brown University

In this essay guide, we covered how to approach the supplementary essays for both the PLME and the Brown-RISD programs. For Brown University’s general undergraduate application essay guide, click here .

This PLME and Brown-RISD essay guide was written by Elinor Martinez , Brown University ‘21 . If you want to get help writing your Brown application essays from Elinor or other CollegeAdvisor.com Admissions Experts , register with CollegeAdvisor.com today.

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23 Brown Essays That Worked

Updated for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle.

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Brown University is a storied Ivy League university based in Providence, Rhode Island with a reputation for cutting-edge scholarship and groundbreaking academic programs. Founded in 1764, Brown is one of the nation's oldest colleges and places a premium on studying subjects from several disciplines. Students at this progressive school are encouraged to think beyond the box and pursue academic rigor and breadth. As such, unlike other schools, Brown has an Open Curriculum, which empowers students to choose the courses they want, rather than having to fulfill general education requirements. This tight-knight, politically active campus is a great fit for free thinkers and free spirits hoping to make the world a better place.

Unique traditions at Brown

1. The Nude Olympics: A student-coordinated streaking event held in Brown's major quadrangle, Vartan. 2.The Spring Weekend Concert: An annual concert, which has seen renowned performers including Lauryn Hill, Flume, Wu-Tang Clan and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. 3. The Van Wickle Gates and President's Walk: Every year, first-years symbolically and formally mark the conclusion of their transition to college life by walking through the historic Van Wickle Gates and completing the President's Walk, a path encircling the entirety of Brown's main campus. 4. Splash!: An event held annually, where students and professors can teach courses on almost any subject for a day and then come together for a celebratory Splash dance. 5. The Wave: Every year during the homecoming football game, students, alums, staff and faculty join hands in a giant wave around the fields of Brown's football stadium.

Programs at Brown

1. Brown Boat Club: Brown University's rowing team. Established in 1836, they practice in the head of the Seekonk River and compete against some of the best collegiate rowing teams in the country. 2. Brown Debate Society: Brown's debate union since 1964. They are competing in events like the World Universities Debating Championship or the European Universities Debating Championships, practicing Argumentation and improving their public speaking skills. 3. Semester at Sea: An academically rigorous program providing the opportunity to visit multiple worldwide ports and earn academic credit. Students can pick from a variety of courses and further explore their studies. 4. Swearer Center for Public Service: An organization focused on creating opportunities for students to gain experience in the public service sector. There are a variety of mentorship, internship and career development resources available. 5. Entrepreneurship at Brown: A university program which accelerates ideas and discoveries in the entrepreneurial space. With faculty support, students have access to resources to bring their ideas to life and create new businesses.

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Real Essays from Brown Admits

Prompt: brown’s open curriculum allows students to explore broadly while also diving deeply into their academic pursuits. tell us about any academic interests that excite you, and how you might use the open curriculum to pursue them while also embracing topics with which you are unfamiliar..

As far back as I can remember, I have had a deep-rooted interest in history. Captivated by each story, I watch every documentary on King Henry VIII, read every book on the Cambodian Genocide, and listen to the stories of my family's struggle during the Nicaraguan Proxy Wars. My passion for history intertwines with my love for International Affairs. While exteriorly different, international affairs have been the leading causes of several historical events. To this day, the history and legacy of World War II have continued the United Nations purpose in maintaining global peace. The United Nations saved my family in the Nicaraguan Proxy War, and as such, history upholds peace in intersection with international affairs. The Engaged Scholars Program at Brown takes on this approach. Providing me with the hands-on experience to serve humanitarian efforts and public service, the program takes history onto theoretical and analytical levels of community engagement. Furthermore, I could discover new passions and interests at Brown, such as Greek Mythology, by contributing to the Brown Classical Journal. While also studying at the Brown Center for Language Studies to learn the mother tongue of my Aztec ancestors: Nahuatl. My passions are a necessity rather than an option. While studying at the Brown Open Curriculum, I can be free to become a changemaker in my education in serving the world. To have the possibility of studying multiple pursuits while continuing International Affairs, I see that my place fits Brown as a member of its diverse community.

Essay by Indiana Vargas

Freshman at Harvard majoring in Government and History

Prompt: Brown students care deeply about their work and the world around them. Students find contentment, satisfaction, and meaning in daily interactions and major discoveries. Whether big or small, mundane or spectacular, tell us about something that brings you joy.

As my pen hits the page and I complete that first stroke of ink, all of my stress vanishes. Art is not a hobby that I merely enjoy, but a necessary component of my lifestyle.

Exploring visual art allows me to have a space in which I don’t have to worry about gaining validation from people around me. I create art just for the sake of creating, and it's brought my life some much-needed balance. My many failed attempts at illustrating new pieces have taught me that failure only highlights areas in my life that require growth. I went from scribbling on a page to creating illustrations of saints to adorn my Church walls, and that kind of improvement proved to me that real growth takes time and dedication.

However, art has done more than just improved aspects of my own life. I remember seeing the joy on my sister’s face the first time she saw the portrait I drew of her. She noticed the richness of her dark skin and the volume of her curls jumping off the page and said to me, “I feel seen!” That moment made me realize that I have a medium to highlight topics and issues that I wish to address. With my artwork, I strive to remedy the lack of representation in the media by implementing various skin tones and hair types in my digital illustrations to allow humans of all ethnicities to feel as beautiful and seen as my sister did.

Essay by Sage Hanks

Hello! I am a prospective neuroscience major at Princeton, and I'm interested in the intersections between neuroscience, race, and gender!

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6 Brown Essays That Worked + Why Brown Examples
Brown University Essay Example #1. Prompt: Brown's Open Curriculum allows students to explore broadly while also diving deeply into their academic pursuits. Tell us about any academic interests that excite you, and how you might use the Open Curriculum to pursue them while also embracing topics with which you are unfamiliar.
8 Brilliant Brown University and PLME Essay Examples
March 28, 2024 Brown University, Essay Examples. View all. Related CollegeVine Blog Posts. How to Write the Macalester College Essays 2022-2023. Essay Guides 2022-23. How to Write the Rice University Essays 2019-2020. College Essays, Essay Breakdowns, Essay Guides 2019-20.
How to Write the Brown University Supplemental Essays: Examples + Guide
Step 1: Write that problem down on the center of a piece of paper. Step 2: Draw lines off it to the right and left. Step 3: At the ends of the lines on the left, brainstorm reasons why that problem bothers you (Ex. I'm a student, and I have trouble getting my medications, so this is a personal problem).
Brown University Supplemental Essay Examples That Stand Out
Brown supplemental essay example #5. Brown students care deeply about their work and the world around them. Students find contentment, satisfaction, and meaning in daily interactions and major discoveries. Whether big or small, mundane, or spectacular, tell us about something that brings you joy. (200-250 words)
3 Top Tips for Writing Stellar Brown Supplemental Essays
All the 2022-2023 Brown Supplemental Essays, Analyzed. In this section, we'll be looking at the 2021-2022 Brown essay prompts in depth. Remember that with the Brown prompts, you don't get to choose which essay you would like to write—you need to answer all the questions required for your particular program of study. Let's take a look at each of the Brown essay questions and go over how you ...
Brown Essays Examples
Along with Brown University essay examples, this guide will go into more detail on the essay prompts, application information, deadlines, and the Brown PLME essays. The Brown PLME essays are prompts that students can use to apply Brown's unique baccalaureate-MD program—the only one in the Ivy League. Brown also has special essay prompts for ...
Brown University Essay Examples (And Why They Worked)
For more help with your Brown supplemental essays, check out our 2020-2021 Brown University Essay Guide! For more guidance on personal essays and the college application process in general, sign up for a monthly plan to work with an admissions coach 1-on-1.
How to Write the Brown University and PLME Essays 2023-2024
Prompt 1: Brown's Open Curriculum allows students to explore broadly while also diving deeply into their academic pursuits. Tell us about any academic interests that excite you, and how you might use the Open Curriculum to pursue them while also embracing topics with which you are unfamiliar. (200-250 words)
Brown University Supplemental Essays Guide: 2021-2022
Some potentially successful examples could include an enlightening debate in class, a brand new kind of work experience, or a transformative conversation with somebody in your community. Whatever the scenario may be, zooming in and then out can add intriguing layers to your Brown University essays. Brown Essay Draft Key Questions:
How to Write the Brown University and PLME Supplemental Essays 2018
Brown is currently ranked #14 by the US News College Ranking, and for the Class of 2022, accepted seven percent of total applicants. Notable alumni from Brown include actress Emma Watson, current Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi, and World Bank President Jim Yong Kim. Brown, founded in 1764, is the seventh oldest institution of higher education in ...
How to Write the Brown Supplemental Essays 2023-2024
General Tips. One of the key features about each of these Brown University supplemental essays is their length: they are short. Limiting each response to 250 words maximum can be challenging, especially when discussing complex interests or topics about which you are passionate. The key to writing a succinct yet impactful essay is to limit the ...
How to Write the Brown Supplemental Essays
Students can choose from the Common Apps' list of prompts and compose a response of approximately 650 words. Brown University has a series of supplemental essays that students must answer in addition to the required Common App essay. For first-year applicants, there are three questions, and each response should be approximately 200-250 words.
Brown Supplemental Essays 2023-24 Prompts & Advice
He is a co-author of the books The Enlightened College Applicant (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016) and Colleges Worth Your Money (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020). We offer advice on the Brown supplemental essays and examine the three prompts for the 2023-24 admissions cycle.
Brown University's 2023-24 Essay Prompts
250 Words. Brown students care deeply about their work and the world around them. Students find contentment, satisfaction, and meaning in daily interactions and major discoveries. Whether big or small, mundane or spectacular, tell us about something that brings you joy. Read our essay guide to get started.
Brown Supplemental Essays
Brown Supplemental Essays- Quick Facts. Brown University acceptance rate: 6% - Brown is a highly competitive school. Requirements for the Brown University supplemental essays: 1 half-page (200-250 word) "Why School" essay. 1 half-page (200-250 word) essay. 1 half-page (200-250 word) essay. Requirements for the Brown PLME Essays:
How To Stand Out In Your Brown Supplemental Essays 2022/23
What are Brown University's Essay Prompts for 2022/23? Brown's supplemental essay prompts remain unchanged from the previous application year. Prompt 1 Brown's Open Curriculum allows students to explore broadly while also diving deeply into their academic pursuits. Tell us about any academic interests that excite you, and how you might ...
How to Write Brown's Open Curriculum Essay
The first Brown University supplemental essay asks students to respond to the following prompt: Brown's Open Curriculum allows students to explore broadly while also diving deeply into their academic pursuits. Tell us about any academic interests that excite you, and how you might use the Open Curriculum to pursue them while also embracing ...
Brown University 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide
The Requirements: 3 essays of 250 words; 4 short answers. Supplemental Essay Type (s): Why, Community, Activity, Diversity. Brown's Open Curriculum allows students to explore broadly while also diving deeply into their academic pursuits. Tell us about any academic interests that excite you, and how you might pursue them at Brown. (200-250 words)
4 Tips to Write a Winning "Why Brown" Essay
In this guide, we'll discuss what the "Why Brown" essay prompt is, why it exists, and how to answer it well. We'll also go over a real "Why Brown" essay example. Note on 2022-2023 Brown Essays. Unlike in past years, the 2022-2023 Brown essays don't include a "Why Brown" prompt that all applicants need to answer.
Brown University 2019-20 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide
The Requirements: 3 essays of 250 words; 1 essay of 150 words. Supplemental Essay Type (s): Why, Community, Activity. Brown's Open Curriculum allows students to explore broadly while also diving deeply into their academic pursuits. Tell us about an academic interest (or interests) that excites you, and how you might use the Open Curriculum to ...
Supplemental Essay, MFA Applications
Supplemental Essay, MFA Applications. The Graduate School is committed to fostering a welcoming and inclusive academic community and educating and training a distinguished and diverse cohort of students. Exposure to a broad range of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences is essential to fostering both breadth and depth in intellectual ...
Brown University: PLME and Brown-RISD Essay Guide
Brown University. In this PLME and Brown-RISD Essay Guide, we will cover how to approach the 2020-2021 supplementary essays for Brown University's specialized undergraduate programs. For more guidance on personal essays and the college application process in general, sign up for a monthly plan to work with an admissions coach 1-on-1.
23 Brown Essays That Worked
23 Brown Essays That Worked. Updated for the 2024-2025 admissions cycle. About Brown. Brown University is a storied Ivy League university based in Providence, Rhode Island with a reputation for cutting-edge scholarship and groundbreaking academic programs. Founded in 1764, Brown is one of the nation's oldest colleges and places a premium on ...
National and international Fellowships
From Exploration to Application. Fellowships at Brown offers holistic, inclusive advising to guide and support you in the process of identifying and applying for a fellowship or scholarship. Meet with us to explore opportunities that fund domestic and international research and travel, teaching and public service, and post-baccalaureate degrees.

6 Brown Essays That Worked + Why Brown Examples

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What are the Brown Supplemental Prompts for 2022-23?

6 Brown University EssaysThatWorked

Table of Contents

Prompt: Open Curriculum

Why This Essay Works:

What They Might Improve:

Prompt: Brown's Community

What They Might Change:

Learn the secrets of successful top-20 college essays

Prompt: Why Brown?

Prompt: Area of Study

Prompt: Where You've Lived

Prompt: Communities and Groups

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How to Write the Brown Supplemental Essays 2023–2024

Brown University’s 2023-2024 Prompts

What three words best describe you? (3 words)

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2) Brown Supplemental Essay – Background

Brown Supplemental Essays (Continued)

3) Brown Joy Essay

4) Brown Supplemental Essays – Short Answer Questions (new this year!)

What three words best describe you?

What is your most meaningful extracurricular commitment, and what would you like us to know about it? (100 words)

If you could teach a class on any one thing, whether academic or otherwise, what would it be? (100 words)

In one sentence, Why Brown? (50 words)

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Brown University’s 2023-24 Essay Prompts

National Exams Short Response

Academic Interest Short Response

Overcoming Challenges Short Response

What Brings You Joy Short Response

Extracurricular Short Response

What Class Would You Teach Short Response

Why This College Short Response

RISD Dual Degree Essay

PLME Short Response 1

PLME Short Response 2

PLME Short Response 3

Common App Personal Essay

What will first-time readers think of your college essay?

How To Stand Out In Your Brown Supplemental Essays 2022/23

What are Brown University’s Essay Prompts for 2022/23?

How to Answer Prompt 1

1. Talk about your experiences

2. Talk about how Brown will further your interests

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How to Answer Prompt 2

How to Answer Prompt 3