Mastering Brown University's 2023-2024 Supplemental Essays

n the highly selective process of college admissions, well-constructed essays can make all the difference. Particularly at a dynamic and diverse institution like Brown University, the supplemental essays serve as a critical platform to showcase your unique perspective and commitment. Today, we're offering an in-depth guide to navigating Brown University's supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 admissions cycle.

Prompt 1: "Tell us about an academic interest (or interests) that excites you, and how you might use the Open Curriculum to pursue it. (250 words)"

For this prompt, Brown wants to see your intellectual curiosity and how you intend to harness their unique Open Curriculum. Here's an example of an impactful response:

"As a child, I was always intrigued by patterns—finding rhythm in numbers, the layout of cities, the spread of diseases. As I grew older, I realized this passion found its academic home in Statistics. The ability to interpret data and predict trends excites me, and I yearn to delve into it further at Brown.

With the freedom of the Open Curriculum, I plan to take courses in Public Health and Urban Studies alongside my Statistics concentration. This interdisciplinary approach will allow me to apply statistical analysis in various contexts and broaden my understanding of its implications in the real world."

Prompt 2: "Why are you drawn to the area(s) of study you indicated in our Member Section, and what do you want to learn from these areas? (250 words)"

In this essay, Brown wants to understand your academic motivations and how they align with their programs. Here's a compelling response from a past applicant:

"Ever since I read 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks', I have been fascinated with the field of cellular biology and how it intersects with issues of ethics and race. The story of Henrietta's HeLa cells — taken without her knowledge, used in research worldwide, yet bringing no benefits to her family — was a poignant revelation of the disparities in healthcare and scientific research.

At Brown, I want to explore this intersection in greater depth. The Bioethics and Science and Society courses, as part of a concentration in Biology, would provide me an opportunity to study the ethical implications of scientific advancements. My aim is to help shape a future where scientific progress respects individual rights and promotes equitable outcomes."

In each essay, remain authentic, passionate, and precise. Your aim should be to communicate your genuine academic interests and how Brown's resources align with your objectives. Remember, at its heart, the admissions process is a two-way street: they're selecting you, but you're also choosing them.

Good luck as you craft your essays for Brown University!