2009-2010 Brown University Application Thread

[premad]

---

Members don't see this ad.

So like some others on this forum, I received an interview invitation from Brown. I am not a PLME student and I know that Brown admits about half of its class from PLME applicants. So I was wondering if anyone could tell me what percentage of non-PLME interviewees get acceptance offers? US News says 176/196 intervieweed in 2008 got acceptances, but who knows how many of those were PLMEs. Anyone have any ideas?

PLME's don't do interviews. They're accepted into the program when they apply to the college, and never look back.🙂 So, based on that, I would assume that whatever US News reports refers to non-PLME routes.

However, Brown has several of non-PLME routes. There are 3 postbac program linkages (Goucher, Bryn Mawr, Columbia), early decision from local schools (Providence College, maybe URI, others?), a linkage with another university (Tugaloo, I believe), and then all of us regular route folks. So, I'm not sure how many of the reported acceptances come from non-standard route.

 

[fadfaruq]

Thanks!

 

[fadfaruq]

Its on the US News website but you have to have a subscription to view it: i bought one for like 15 bucks

 

[277768]

this is from a post i wrote a very long time ago:

"it seems like to me that each year they receive about 2500-3000 applicants. they interview ~250 of them and accept ~100."

this is from their FAQ online:

How competitive is Alpert Medical School?
For the Fall 2009 entering class, Alpert Medical School received 2,517 secondary applications and gave 113 offers of admission through the standard route.

good luck with the interview.

That's less than 1/2 of 1%? Lordy.

 

[oze]

Anyone know the lag between adding them to your primary and getting the secondary? I added them to my verified primary last week, and I want to plow through my remaining secondaries.

 

[kayakingaddict]

INVITE! 😀

(Don't know complete, but submitted a few days after it opened)

 

[BlueElmo]

INVITE! 😀

(Don't know complete, but submitted a few days after it opened)

Congrats!

 

[Toadsworth]

Interview Invite!!!

Complete around the 18th

Congrats Kayakingaddict!

 

[lrkoehle]

INVITE! 😀

(Don't know complete, but submitted a few days after it opened)

Congrats. Makes me wish I had submitted this secondary faster, damn it.

 

[kayakingaddict]

Congrats!

Congrats. Makes me wish I had submitted this secondary faster, damn it.

Thanks guys! Yours will come!

Interview Invite!!!

Complete around the 18th

Congrats!! to both of us, what an AMAZING school

 

[useurbrainlazy]

That's less than 1/2 of 1%? Lordy.

i think you got your decimals wrong...it's actually just under 5%...so I guess your chances just got 10x better...

 

[lrkoehle]

For those with interview invites, did they email you or did you just have to keep checking your status page?

 

[redwinger47]

For those with interview invites, did they email you or did you just have to keep checking your status page?

email

 

[Postal Blowfish]

Interview invite!

Has anybody figured out whether or not the purportedly high acceptance rate for interviewed students is true? I recall reading that it was something like 4500 apply, only 180 interviewed, and 155 accepted. Is this accurate?

 

[277768]

i think you got your decimals wrong...it's actually just under 5%...so I guess your chances just got 10x better...

Yup, I'm dumb. Still dont' like my chances 😉

 

[fadfaruq]

Interview invite!

Has anybody figured out whether or not the purportedly high acceptance rate for interviewed students is true? I recall reading that it was something like 4500 apply, only 180 interviewed, and 155 accepted. Is this accurate?

After much research, I am convinced this is true. For the 2008 entering class, 191 were interviewed out of about 5000 applicants. 176 of the 191 were offered admission and 84 matriculated (this is for out of state only according to US News and World Report, and MSAR). Also, it seems as if the interview process is not too rigorous. They ask you the basic questions about your interests and aspirations. But I think as long as you can articulate a solid reason for going to Brown, back up what you said on your secondaries/P.S, and don't spill coffee on your interviewer, you'll get in.

 

[Toadsworth]

After much research, I am convinced this is true. For the 2008 entering class, 191 were interviewed out of about 5000 applicants. 176 of the 191 were offered admission and 84 matriculated (this is for out of state only according to US News and World Report, and MSAR). Also, it seems as if the interview process is not too rigorous. They ask you the basic questions about your interests and aspirations. But I think as long as you can articulate a solid reason for going to Brown, back up what you said on your secondaries/P.S, and don't spill coffee on your interviewer, you'll get in.

I'm afraid that's not quite true. According to the most recent MSAR of the 5k that applied (both PLME and standard), 191 were interviewed (all of which I am assuming are for the standard route as PLME does not require an interview).

From the Brown Med FAQ:

"How competitive is Alpert Medical School?
For the Fall 2009 entering class, Alpert Medical School received 2,517 secondary applications and gave 113 offers of admission through the standard route."

So I think we're looking at a 113/191 or 60% from the interview. I assume that statistic will increase as they are looking to have more from the standard route. However, they may just interview more candidates as well.

 

[fadfaruq]

I'm afraid that's not quite true. According to the most recent MSAR of the 5k that applied (both PLME and standard), 191 were interviewed (all of which I am assuming are for the standard route as PLME does not require an interview).

From the Brown Med FAQ:

"How competitive is Alpert Medical School?
For the Fall 2009 entering class, Alpert Medical School received 2,517 secondary applications and gave 113 offers of admission through the standard route."

So I think we're looking at a 113/191 or 60% from the interview. I assume that statistic will increase as they are looking to have more from the standard route. However, they may just interview more candidates as well.

The MSAR has stats for the Fall 2008 class (2008-2009 entering class). So does US News, MSAR does not say how many were accepted, US News does (176). The Brown website has stats for Fall 2009, so I doubt it is 113/191.

 

[Toadsworth]

The MSAR has stats for the Fall 2008 class (2008-2009 entering class). So does US News, MSAR does not say how many were accepted, US News does (176). The Brown website has stats for Fall 2009, so I doubt it is 113/191.

Hmm that % just seems wrong to me. Even though you are right that I am confusing Fall 09 with Fall 08 statistics, 84 did not matriculate from a standard route. 84 is the total number including PLMEs, I believe. MSAR says there were 56 PLMEs so that leaves 84-56 = 28 standard route students. 28 matriculating out of the proposed 176 accepted seems far fetched.

 

[fadfaruq]

Hmm that % just seems wrong to me. Even though you are right that I am confusing Fall 09 with Fall 08 statistics, 84 did not matriculate from a standard route. 84 is the total number including PLMEs, I believe. MSAR says there were 56 PLMEs so that leaves 84-56 = 28 standard route students. 28 matriculating out of the proposed 176 accepted seems far fetched.

Okay so I think that is correct. In 2008, Brown only had about 35 seats for standard route students, and they interviewed 209 standard route. So, I also think the 176 accepted includes the PLME students, so subtract that and you get 120, so 28 matriculants out of 120 acceptances?

 

[brooklynblunder]

not that far off i guess

thats more than 20% matriculation rate, less than 30. happ'ns

i know vandy is around 30% ish

 

[WhatsUppDoc]

I am having a REALLY difficult time with the "Imagine it is 2030" prompt...okay I got my MD from brown. placed into a nice residency thanks to attending Brown. Completed a fellowship and got my certification for subspeciality. I have no idea what to say beyond that. What do I hope to have achieved?? Well I hope to have cured AIDS, cancer and genital herpes by 2030....but i can't really write that now can I? Can I get you guys to give me some ideas please?

 

[FuSoYa]

I am having a REALLY difficult time with the "Imagine it is 2030" prompt...okay I got my MD from brown. placed into a nice residency thanks to attending Brown. Completed a fellowship and got my certification for subspeciality. I have no idea what to say beyond that. What do I hope to have achieved?? Well I hope to have cured AIDS, cancer and genital herpes by 2030....but i can't really write that now can I? Can I get you guys to give me some ideas please?

I approached this like a "why are you interested in X School of Medicine" question. Mention the curriculum, electives, special programs, unique aspects; and tie it into your personal goals of pursuing medicine. i.e. I want to do X, Y, and Z as a physician, on top of a regular medical education, Brown also offers A, B, and C to nurture my specific interests. Of course A, B, and C may be something that most schools offer their students, but it shows that you've looked into the Brown SOM program and are not applying simply because of the "Brown" name.

edit: oh, and you don't have to use up all 6500 characters. write a good, strong essay, and if it's only half that, it's fine.

 

[WhatsUppDoc]

and what about the tense?? "In 2030, I would like to have done x, y, and z. I would like to have a monument after my name." Grrr. i hate this prompt.

 

[FuSoYa]

and what about the tense?? "In 2030, I would like to have done x, y, and z. I would like to have a monument after my name." Grrr. i hate this prompt.

Yea that's an issue that's been discussed, and there doesn't seem to be a consensus on how to handle it. I'm sure the Brown adcom sees all sorts of methods behind the tense, just make sure the content is there.

 

[Generic Student]

"In 2030 I plan on being super rich and donating HUGE sums of money to Warren Alpert Medical school. By HUGE I mean obscene amounts and having buildings named after me."

Essay Done. 😀

 

[FuSoYa]

"In 2030 I plan on being super rich and donating HUGE sums of money to Warren Alpert Medical school. By HUGE I mean obscene amounts and having buildings named after me."

Essay Done. 😀

 

[KMFDM]

I would love to get an interview here, if only to see Hermione.

 

[redsquareblack]

I would love to get an interview here, if only to see Hermione.

Hear, hear. Though I would also love to get an interview because Providence is aMAzing.

 

[archimedesxx]

I wonder what they are gonna ask me at this interview.lol. I mean I know the main hospital in and out. I know the big wigs at the school and i'm a proud alum to boot.Prolly gonna ask me why I wanna come back. I feel I have some unfinished business in Providence. Hmm, I hope they don't surprise me with any weird questions. I can count on its uber-liberal philosophy though. Oh Brunonia I love thee!

 

[starl3tte]

The 5000 and 6500 character limits are making me shake in my boots like UCSD's 2ndary. I'll have to tackle this beast tonight.

 

[Xoyes]

The 5000 and 6500 character limits are making me shake in my boots like UCSD's 2ndary. I'll have to tackle this beast tonight.

I wouldn't worry too much about the character limit. It's a maximum, not a minimum. I think they just want to make sure you have enough room to say what you want to say. I used 1/3 of the available characters for the first essay and 1/2 for the second and they offered me an interview. Quality over quantity!

 

[fadfaruq]

I am having a REALLY difficult time with the "Imagine it is 2030" prompt...okay I got my MD from brown. placed into a nice residency thanks to attending Brown. Completed a fellowship and got my certification for subspeciality. I have no idea what to say beyond that. What do I hope to have achieved?? Well I hope to have cured AIDS, cancer and genital herpes by 2030....but i can't really write that now can I? Can I get you guys to give me some ideas please?

I went all out on my 2030 essay, talked about my extremely ambitious goals and how brown helped me acheive them, i wrote it like a story looking back at the past, got an interview, so if you have done like 4 years of research in a lab studying tumoreogenesis and want to cure cancer 30 years from now, why not mention it!

 

[RSwim]

How many of us that have interviews are Brown Alums?? Do you think that is a disadvantage since there are already so many PLMEs? I would love to come back to Brown. Does anyone know the timeline with regards to how long after an interview decisions start to roll out? I wonder how many of those 100+ offers are waitlisted.

When do those of you who have interview have them scheduled for?

 

[archimedesxx]

How many of us that have interviews are Brown Alums?? Do you think that is a disadvantage since there are already so many PLMEs? I would love to come back to Brown. Does anyone know the timeline with regards to how long after an interview decisions start to roll out? I wonder how many of those 100+ offers are waitlisted.

When do those of you who have interview have them scheduled for?

I am a Brown alum and have my interview scheduled for October. Since Brown interviews very few applicants ( ~200) I think it wouldn't be wise to interview applicants they did not want in the first place. It is true that they would like Brown premeds to go to other places. Brown is one of the only schools in the country where almost all premeds who apply the first time get into places so they expect you to get in somewhere anyway. I personally know quite a number of Brown premeds who have matriculated at Alpert and some PLMEs who have left and gone to other medical schools.

 

[Scaundo]

I got an invite for November. I'm from Texas...I guess I'll try and refrain from saying y'all during the interview.

 

[PlatinumPenny]

app in process

they are waiting for a couple letters to come through interfolio

Why did my mother think that "brown" was a historically black college? ayayai

perhaps she was thinking about morris brown college IDK

 

[RevDM]

Do they notify you if you have been rejected/interview by email? I totally forgot to activate the status account page and now my temporary password doesn't work.

 

[TheFreak]

hey does anyone know alpert's policy on letters in addition to the 3 they require?

 

[BlueElmo]

hey does anyone know alpert's policy on letters in addition to the 3 they require?

I think you can submit additional ones if you want.

 

[ZackBot]

Just received an invite. very excited. complete in late August. They gave me a couple of options for interview dates from Dec-Jan. It would be much more convenient for me to go in January but do you think I should go in December since (presumably) more spots in the class will be available?

 

[lrkoehle]

Just received an invite. very excited. complete in late August. They gave me a couple of options for interview dates from Dec-Jan. It would be much more convenient for me to go in January but do you think I should go in December since (presumably) more spots in the class will be available?

Congrats. I had hoped for an interview here, but I doubt that will happen at this point.

 

[redsquareblack]

Congrats. I had hoped for an interview here, but I doubt that will happen at this point.

Me, too. This is my absolute first choice school, and I'd love to just visit. Hell, I'd settle for even being a bum in the basement of the medical library.

 

[ZackBot]

Congrats. I had hoped for an interview here, but I doubt that will happen at this point.

I wouldn't worry. Your profile (medapps) is great and you've already interviewed at schools I was rejected at (Mayo). I'm sure you'll get the affirmative soon.

 

[Infinitydrop]

Does anyone know if we should include the lab hours for science class semester hours?

 

[BlueElmo]

So if I have not heard by now, it's safe to assume a hold? I really want an invite here, as I see they accept majority of those they interview. It would be sweet.

 

[premad]

So if I have not heard by now, it's safe to assume a hold? I really want an invite here, as I see they accept majority of those they interview. It would be sweet.

Not sure that they do an official hold or anything, and yesterday was day #1 of interviews. They really take the time to read your application, so I would sit tight and hope for the sweetness.

 

[archimedesxx]

Not sure that they do an official hold or anything, and yesterday was day #1 of interviews. They really take the time to read your application, so I would sit tight and hope for the sweetness.

Premad, have already interviewed at Brunonia? How was the feeling? You know I don't hestitate to tell people I went there for undergrad. Love it.😍

 

[BlueElmo]

Not sure that they do an official hold or anything, and yesterday was day #1 of interviews. They really take the time to read your application, so I would sit tight and hope for the sweetness.

Okay, thanks. I hope some good news comes.

 

[premad]

Premad, have already interviewed at Brunonia? How was the feeling? You know I don't hestitate to tell people I went there for undergrad. Love it.😍

Yeah, I love it too. So, so much. Interviewed yesterday and it was G-R-E-A-T. First interview where I really, really liked both interviewers equally, and wanted them to invite me over for lunch and be my personal mentors, which I felt like they totally would do. Barbara, the assistant dean of admissions, is also amazing and keeps you laughing throughout the entire day. She brought up cool points about each of the 13 applicants during breakfast.

Only downside is that the day is really packed, and the folks who weren't Brown alums said that it was disorienting at times. Like, you start at the Hope Club with med students (sweet/fancy), then Barbara's overview, then FinAid talk (strangely fun for once), go to Rhode Island Hospital/Hasboro Children's for a tour, have lunch there with med students, splinter off for two interviews at the hospital and/or back at campus, then a med/undergrad campus tour.

And, I guess sometimes the other admissions dean can be a bit of a bear, so just tough it out if you get him as an interviewer (I did not). He's nice, but it seems like he's trying on the kind of 'tough attending' role. You wonder if he's wearing the bow tie ironically or non-ironically...I actually asked him basically that question once, and he said that he was "more proletariat" than a bow tie.

Anyway, this is all just to say, you all will love it. But archimedes already knew this. 😛