2012-2013 Brown University Application Thread

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I think I read somewhere on the website that after an offer of acceptance, the recipient has three weeks to accept it. Is this true?

Maybe for early decision or some other niche admissions processes at other schools but here it's the standard decision date (May 15th if memory serves?) when you need to pick a single school to hold an acceptance at.

Edit: Technically, yes, you do have a limited time to accept the acceptance though in years past, Brown had no fee to do so. You can then hold mutiple acceptances until the 15th.
 
Two of my the guys in my interview group did not wear ties or suits. This really confused me and I concluded that Brown selected for laid-back candidates and that I was overdressed. Thank you for clarifying.
This is completely mind-boggling to me. Why try to stand out in any way other than what you have to say to your interviewer? If they remember what you're wearing, you're doing it wrong.
 
Two of the guys in my interview group did not wear ties or suits. This really confused me and I concluded that Brown selected for laid-back candidates and that I was overdressed. Thank you for clarifying.

This is completely mind-boggling to me. Why try to stand out in any way other than what you have to say to your interviewer? If they remember what you're wearing, you're doing it wrong.

Unless it's a military uniform, I don't see how people could choose to not dress professionally. It's either ignorance or arrogance, and neither's a trait you want to select for.

Edit: ...well, I guess a military uniform is kindof the definition of professional dress for someone in the service. So that clause notwithstanding...
 
Unless it's a military uniform, I don't see how people could choose to not dress professionally. It's either ignorance or arrogance, and neither's a trait you want to select for.

Edit: ...well, I guess a military uniform is kindof the definition of professional dress for someone in the service. So that clause notwithstanding...

I wouldn't hold it against a bona fide bearstronaut for wearing a space suit. In fact, I would probably hold it against them for not wearing one.
 
Just want to say hello! I'm an MS2 at Brown so please feel free to ask me any questions you want about the school, the students, and the faculty! If I don't personally know the answer, I'll make sure to pass on the query to someone who does.

Best of luck!
Do you know if any of the students in your class from the Southeast? I did some research on the website but it just says there are students from 27(?) states, I think. I want to talk about how my Southern roots will add to the diversity of the medical school community.
 
I think that is a bit of a reach for a diversity essay
 
i wouldn't hold it against a bona fide bearstronaut for wearing a space suit. In fact, i would probably hold it against them for not wearing one.

🙂


Do you know if any of the students in your class from the Southeast? I did some research on the website but it just says there are students from 27(?) states, I think. I want to talk about how my Southern roots will add to the diversity of the medical school community.

Probably not the strongest topic, but almost everyone thinks that so your essay may actually be unusual.


I think that is a bit of a reach for a diversity essay

I noticed what you wrote initially. I'm glad you changed it.
 
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Do you know if any of the students in your class from the Southeast? I did some research on the website but it just says there are students from 27(?) states, I think. I want to talk about how my Southern roots will add to the diversity of the medical school community.


I approve of your inquiry! ;-)
 
Do you know if any of the students in your class from the Southeast? I did some research on the website but it just says there are students from 27(?) states, I think. I want to talk about how my Southern roots will add to the diversity of the medical school community.

We have a couple Floridians and a some coastal people and a sprinkle of people I would consider to be from the deep South. Overall though, I'd say that the majority come from the northeast and west coast, with a good portion from the midwest.

I'd say it's always a good idea to discuss your roots, wherever they may be, but do so through the lens of how your roots lend you a different perspective and what do you bring to the table as a result. Do you come from a rural region with a strong sense of community and social bonds? Or is there some major public health issue specific to your region that you've been working to change? Whole point is, it should naturally be worked into your essay. As I said, diversity is about perspective and cumulative experiences. What is it about growing up in the Southeast that you think will make you a better med student/future doctor/humanitarian.
 
We have a couple Floridians and a some coastal people and a sprinkle of people I would consider to be from the deep South. Overall though, I'd say that the majority come from the northeast and west coast, with a good portion from the midwest.

I'd say it's always a good idea to discuss your roots, wherever they may be, but do so through the lens of how your roots lend you a different perspective and what do you bring to the table as a result. Do you come from a rural region with a strong sense of community and social bonds? Or is there some major public health issue specific to your region that you've been working to change? Whole point is, it should naturally be worked into your essay. As I said, diversity is about perspective and cumulative experiences. What is it about growing up in the Southeast that you think will make you a better med student/future doctor/humanitarian.

The South DOES have a major public health issue. There are not enough Bojangles. Granted, this is an endemic and catastrophic problem in the North, but we can't simply forget about southern shortcomings because our neighbors north of the Mason-Dixon line can't understand the vital deliciousness of true biscuits and sweet tea.

I advocated strongly for the resolution of this problem.
 
I would re-emphasize the tie and suit aspect, as well as the proper form of address. Brown definitely selects for a laid back group, but if you're not socially adept enough to figure out what's appropriate in an interview you may also have some issues gauging tricky patient situations. It's an interview, it's one day, suck it up and wear a g*d***n suit and tie, shake hands, and use proper forms of address. Such a stupid reason to sink an otherwise great application (which it clearly is if you're interviewing here) 😡

Also, military dress uniforms include ties (and BDUs would be entirely innapropriate) so moot point. If they lose your bag, post on the forum and one of us will try to help you out (or at least get you a set of scrubs, which I've seen a few people have to do on the residency interview trail, and doesn't reflect poorly at all given extenuating circumstances).
 
Do you know if any of the students in your class from the Southeast? I did some research on the website but it just says there are students from 27(?) states, I think. I want to talk about how my Southern roots will add to the diversity of the medical school community.

If that's your essay it would probably raise questions of whether or not you would actually come here. Put another way, if you're Southern cultural heritage is so strong that it would add to the diversity, how likely are you to come to snowy/eastcoast Rhode Island to learn how to be a doctor?
 
I seriously cannot believe people show up to medical school interviews without a suit/tie/MANNERS...
 
Thanks for your input, aloepathic and lorek. I think I've phrased my statement in a way that highlights a diverse perspective that could contribute to the med student community.

My current employment abroad should demonstrate that I'm willing to move far away for med school... even to a place with freaking cold weather. 🙂
 
I didn't get into next semester's play, but I wasn't too disappointed because I don't wanna use up all of my luck/karma. Here's to hoping for some good news in a month!
 
Did anyone else get a status change to "Your application is on hold for further review"? And, if so, anyone have any guesses at what the chances are that this could turn into an interview? Sounds unlikely to me...
 
Just checked, also on hold 🙁 complete mid Septemberish. Well, I think my day is ruined haha
 
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Did anyone else get a status change to "Your application is on hold for further review"? And, if so, anyone have any guesses at what the chances are that this could turn into an interview? Sounds unlikely to me...

I just found out I too have this status, but I haven't checked the secondary application site for well over a month so I'm not sure how long I've had this status for. I imagine it means we didn't get cut the first time they looked at our application, but we we didn't stand out quite enough to be offered an interview.

Seeing all the extremely well qualified applicants that have been rejected outright, I'm happy to still technically be in the running. But for the sake of sanity, I'm gonna go ahead and assume this will turn into a silent rejection come April. (*disclaimer: I have no evidence to support this idea haha). 🙂 Might try a second letter of interest in December.
 
Help! I can't seem to log onto the admissions website. Some issue with cookies? I keep deleting my cookies and browsing history, yet I can't seem to log in. Did anyone else have this problem? If, so, how did you fix it?
 
Help! I can't seem to log onto the admissions website. Some issue with cookies? I keep deleting my cookies and browsing history, yet I can't seem to log in. Did anyone else have this problem? If, so, how did you fix it?

Maybe you have to enable cookies to access the site? Also, try switching browsers.
 
Maybe you have to enable cookies to access the site? Also, try switching browsers.

Tried that too. Also tried logging in via Internet Explorer, Chrome, and Safari. I guess I'll call the help desk 😡

EDIT: Never mind, figured it out. I have the "on hold for further review" status too. Complete end of August. I hope this doesn't mean "re-review in March aka you're pretty much rejected!"
 
Also have the hold status, Sept completion.

I notice there have been no IIs in this thread in over a month. Maybe the school has decided they have interviewed enough people at this point :scared:😕
 
Also have the hold status, Sept completion.

I notice there have been no IIs in this thread in over a month. Maybe the school has decided they have interviewed enough people at this point :scared:😕

Iorek? Aleopathic? Help us...It's the hunger games all over again!
 
Ahh.. I don't have that status, but I almost feel like it's better??? At least y'all are getting reviewed further?! 🙁
 
Iorek? Aleopathic? Help us...It's the hunger games all over again!

No clue peoples. I wouldn't freak out; it's not a rejection after all. As per usual, Ayushman and Aloepathic would know more than me about admissions specifics.

Anyhow, hope everyone has an excellent Thanksgiving!
 
No clue peoples. I wouldn't freak out; it's not a rejection after all. As per usual, Ayushman and Aloepathic would know more than me about admissions specifics.

Anyhow, hope everyone has an excellent Thanksgiving!

Thanks! You too!
 
Thanks! You too!
Being in the hold bin definitely does NOT mean a silent rejection in April. Barbara frequently reviews holds to see if there is someone that should come off the list. Keep your heads up. Happy Thanksgiving! And please.....for your own sanity...stay off SDN 🙂
 
Being in the hold bin definitely does NOT mean a silent rejection in April. Barbara frequently reviews holds to see if there is someone that should come off the list. Keep your heads up. Happy Thanksgiving! And please.....for your own sanity...stay off SDN 🙂

Amen to that. Thanks ayushman 🙂
 
I made an anonymous call to the admissions office yesterday to ask about this "hold" status we are receiving. According to them, it means our applications are going to be looked at a second time! I was also encouraged to provide updates and/or letters of interest via email.
 
I made an anonymous call to the admissions office yesterday to ask about this "hold" status we are receiving. According to them, it means our applications are going to be looked at a second time! I was also encouraged to provide updates and/or letters of interest via email.

👍



fuuuuuuuuuuuuuu Should I comprise my own principles and update/loi....... the decisions
 
BTW everyone, looks like last year people with the "on hold for further review" status got rejected/invited in early December...hopefully that means we'll get some news around the same time!
 
👍



fuuuuuuuuuuuuuu Should I comprise my own principles and update/loi....... the decisions

You have a principle to not send them updates? That would seem to put you at a fair disadvantage.
 
You have a principle to not send them updates? That would seem to put you at a fair disadvantage.


no no no.. to not pander (loi, etc.). Why should I when others show plenty of interest in me without kissing ass, blah blah...

The updates of right now range from nothing spectacular to not great.






Yes, I realize I have a different view than many.
 
FWIW, I've heard from admissions people that they are sick of receiving these letters and they confer, at best, a marginal benefit because they're inundated with them every cycle. At worst, you just irritate your reviewers.
 
FWIW, I've heard from admissions people that they are sick of receiving these letters and they confer, at best, a marginal benefit because they're inundated with them every cycle. At worst, you just irritate your reviewers.

Ultimately, none of us know what works and what doesn't work. That is a subjective decision made by each adcom. I agree that the update letters probably become annoying or have diminishing returns after a certain point, but I don't really think 1 or 2 with significant updates or information could ever hurt.
 
Ultimately, none of us know what works and what doesn't work. That is a subjective decision made by each adcom. I agree that the update letters probably become annoying or have diminishing returns after a certain point, but I don't really think 1 or 2 with significant updates or information could ever hurt.

Yah, I'm going to concur with this. My experience (both personal and from what I've gleaned over the past year getting involved in the AAMC) updates and letters of interest aren't going to hurt you unless you are sending them in absurd quantities and you are inauthentic (or just perpetually pleading). It's good to show interest and worth and to do so in a manner that speaks to your maturity and ability to communicate well. At the end of the day, updates and LOI's will only help you if you are already on the border but simply writing them off (pardon the pun) as useless is self defeating. My personal advice is that you should do your best to develop an authentic correspondance whenever possible (seriously people, it's like dating, a little small talk and a sincere interest in others can help).
 
This might be a dumb question, but where did everyone see the "hold" status? Was it under the STATUS tab at the top?
 
Yah, I'm going to concur with this. My experience (both personal and from what I've gleaned over the past year getting involved in the AAMC) updates and letters of interest aren't going to hurt you unless you are sending them in absurd quantities and you are inauthentic (or just perpetually pleading). It's good to show interest and worth and to do so in a manner that speaks to your maturity and ability to communicate well. At the end of the day, updates and LOI's will only help you if you are already on the border but simply writing them off (pardon the pun) as useless is self defeating. My personal advice is that you should do your best to develop an authentic correspondance whenever possible (seriously people, it's like dating, a little small talk and a sincere interest in others can help).

Not writing them off, I think they serve a valuable purpose at times myself. Just passing along what I've heard.
 
This might be a dumb question, but where did everyone see the "hold" status? Was it under the STATUS tab at the top?

I second this question. My last correspondence just says my application is complete. That was on 9/11/12.
 
when you click on the STATUS tab on top, it will say in red: "your application is on hold for further review," just below the line: "The information below is your current application and reference status."
 
when you click on the STATUS tab on top, it will say in red: "your application is on hold for further review," just below the line: "The information below is your current application and reference status."

Ok thanks! My still just says Application File Complete with a green check next to it.
 
So if our application status is the green check with complete does that mean we may hear with an II later?
 
I as well. Looks like I am in good company. 36/3.75 Completed early Oct.
 
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