2014-2015 Brown University Application Thread

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Perhaps a student or someone who's interviewed can comment on this: Does anyone know how Brown reviews applications? Some schools don't look at rec letters until later, post-interview. Does Brown consider LOR prior to inviting for an interview or do they wait as well?
 
Long time lurker here! Is there anyone here with an interview invite who applied to the MD-ScM program?
 
bookworm30 said:
Perhaps a student or someone who's interviewed can comment on this: Does anyone know how Brown reviews applications? Some schools don't look at rec letters until later, post-interview. Does Brown consider LOR prior to inviting for an interview or do they wait as well?
Click to expand...

First year here..it would be my guess that they review the application in its entirety prior to sending out interview invites. The reason I say this is because of the very very small number of students invited to interview (compared with other schools). The post-interview acceptance rate is pretty high which makes me think they have definitely read letters of recommendation prior to you interviewing. I also remember my interviewer bringing up something that one of my letter writers had mentioned. I hope that helps.
 
Mike Ross said:
First year here..it would be my guess that they review the application in its entirety prior to sending out interview invites. The reason I say this is because of the very very small number of students invited to interview (compared with other schools). The post-interview acceptance rate is pretty high which makes me think they have definitely read letters of recommendation prior to you interviewing. I also remember my interviewer bringing up something that one of my letter writers had mentioned. I hope that helps.
Click to expand...
Thank you so much! I hope your first year is going well and hopefully, if luck/chance/the universe, are in my favor, perhaps I'll be offered an interview.
 
Brown reads your entire application before the interview. I know this for sure because one of my interviewers brought up a specific letter of rec from my application.

For those of you wondering what the interview day is like: very friendly and upbeat. You start with an intro by admissions, get presentations on financial aid and diversity, have lunch (+ awesome desserts) with current students, go on a student-led tour, and have two open-file interviews. Everyone is excited to meet you, from faculty to current students and physicians. You will definitely leave with warm, fuzzy feelings about Brown!
 
elizabetts said:
Brown reads your entire application before the interview. I know this for sure because one of my interviewers brought up a specific letter of rec from my application.

For those of you wondering what the interview day is like: very friendly and upbeat. You start with an intro by admissions, get presentations on financial aid and diversity, have lunch (+ awesome desserts) with current students, go on a student-led tour, and have two open-file interviews. Everyone is excited to meet you, from faculty to current students and physicians. You will definitely leave with warm, fuzzy feelings about Brown!
Click to expand...

To add more, they've reviewed your file so well they know who you are the moment you step foot on campus. The students are also very interested in the interviewees and the admissions staff does its best to put you in touch with current students with your interests (especially during lunch). By far the best interview experience I've had.

They took very detailed notes of my application prior to my interview and brought it in during my one on one interview so they could ask specific and meaningful questions. Interviewers even alluded to my personal statement and letters of rec. They care about you as a person so much here. I can't wait until we find out!
 
Panasonic25 said:
To add more, they've reviewed your file so well they know who you are the moment you step foot on campus. The students are also very interested in the interviewees and the admissions staff does its best to put you in touch with current students with your interests (especially during lunch). By far the best interview experience I've had.

They took very detailed notes of my application prior to my interview and brought it in during my one on one interview so they could ask specific and meaningful questions. Interviewers even alluded to my personal statement and letters of rec. They care about you as a person so much here. I can't wait until we find out!
Click to expand...

Yes, this is spot on. The admissions staff took the time to thoroughly research some of my activities. They even emailed specific students and asked them to come to the lunch and talk to me due to our similar interests. It was very impressive and made me feel extremely welcome and valued.
 
My friends. . . rejoice with me! As we used to sing in grade school, "So I'll take it out, and I'll put it on--it's a great big Brown-ie smile!" I am so pleased to take this smile out of my pocket at last!! II today. (Sorry if I'm a bit over the top!)
 
BengaliBrat said:
My friends. . . rejoice with me! As we used to sing in grade school, "So I'll take it out, and I'll put it on--it's a great big Brown-ie smile!" I am so pleased to take this smile out of my pocket at last!! II today. (Sorry if I'm a bit over the top!)
Click to expand...

Congrats! When were you complete?
 
BengaliBrat said:
My friends. . . rejoice with me! As we used to sing in grade school, "So I'll take it out, and I'll put it on--it's a great big Brown-ie smile!" I am so pleased to take this smile out of my pocket at last!! II today. (Sorry if I'm a bit over the top!)
Click to expand...

Congrats!!!!! It's a great school 🙂
 
BengaliBrat said:
My friends. . . rejoice with me! As we used to sing in grade school, "So I'll take it out, and I'll put it on--it's a great big Brown-ie smile!" I am so pleased to take this smile out of my pocket at last!! II today. (Sorry if I'm a bit over the top!)
Click to expand...
That's so wonderful! I hope I get some Brown love soon. Starting to lose hope. But congrats!!
 
Anyone who already went to interview knows whether we can leave luggage at the admissions office? I feel like we can since they transport us to airports/train station right after but i just want to double check. Thought I'd check here first before I bother the admissions office.

Edit: just called office and turns out you cannot speak to a person and best way is to e-mail. Oops.
 
Last edited:
timeturner said:
Anyone who already went to interview knows whether we can leave luggage at the admissions office? I feel like we can since they transport us to airports/train station right after but i just want to double check. Thought I'd check here first before I bother the admissions office.

Edit: just called office and turns out you cannot speak to a person and best way is to e-mail. Oops.
Click to expand...
They have an office you can use where they let interviewees store luggage!
 
BengaliBrat said:
I was complete on August 12 and had all but abandoned hope. LizzyM, if I calculate correctly, is in the distinctly middle-class neighborhood. Somewhere around 70, and I graduated two years ago. Wishing my good luck to all the other hopefuls here!
Click to expand...
what were your stats?
 
BengaliBrat said:
So, just to elucidate. . .GPA was 3.75 and MCAT 38. These are not the stats that start Admissions folks drooling. . .
Click to expand...
yes they are! But Brown is known for its holistic review of applicants. Be proud of your accomplishments! You've done extremely well.
 
baloo4 said:
yes they are! But Brown is known for its holistic review of applicants. Be proud of your accomplishments! You've done extremely well.
Click to expand...
Aw, shucks. . .(blush, blush) You shore do talk mighty pretty. . .:shy:
 
sunflower18 said:
A 38 is incredible!!!!!!
Click to expand...
Thanks for the kind words. Evaluation by the numbers makes me a squirm, but I do know that the schools have to have something by which to sift through the thousands of applicants. I have friends whose numbers leave me in the dust--one had 21 interviews and only one rejection. Sigh. I do appreciate the encouragement, though!
 
BengaliBrat said:
Thanks for the kind words. Evaluation by the numbers makes me a squirm, but I do know that the schools have to have something by which to sift through the thousands of applicants. I have friends whose numbers leave me in the dust--one had 21 interviews and only one rejection. Sigh. I do appreciate the encouragement, though!
Click to expand...

I think I am proof that schools look at more than just an MCAT score, so I definitely agree! But don't for one second think that your stats aren't "good enough" because they are absolutely incredible -- much better than mine 🙂
 
sunflower18 said:
I think I am proof that schools look at more than just an MCAT score, so I definitely agree! But don't for one second think that your stats aren't "good enough" because they are absolutely incredible -- much better than mine 🙂
Click to expand...
+1
 
BengaliBrat said:
Thanks for the kind words. Evaluation by the numbers makes me a squirm, but I do know that the schools have to have something by which to sift through the thousands of applicants. I have friends whose numbers leave me in the dust--one had 21 interviews and only one rejection. Sigh. I do appreciate the encouragement, though!
Click to expand...
You have phenomenal stats! I have started to have so much hope that many more schools are doing holistic reviews. I was nervous applying with a pre-postbacc GPA of 3.03 but I had a friend who interviewed with a 3.1 at schools like Harvard and UCSF (not URM, neither am I, no research) last year, which was promising. I'm currently sitting on 14 interviews and 1 rejection. Schools are definitely looking for competent physicians, not test takers 🙂 I know this is anecdotal but hope it gives a perspective.
 
Panasonic25 said:
You have phenomenal stats! I have started to have so much hope that many more schools are doing holistic reviews. I was nervous applying with a pre-postbacc GPA of 3.03 but I had a friend who interviewed with a 3.1 at schools like Harvard and UCSF (not URM, neither am I, no research) last year, which was promising. I'm currently sitting on 14 interviews and 1 rejection. Schools are definitely looking for competent physicians, not test takers 🙂 I know this is anecdotal but hope it gives a perspective.
Click to expand...
Hearing this makes me feel so much better! My MCAT score did not turn out as well as my practice tests 🙁 I have only had 1 interview and it's been at my state school so far...but hearing this makes me more hopeful for sure.
 
Panasonic25 said:
You have phenomenal stats! I have started to have so much hope that many more schools are doing holistic reviews. I was nervous applying with a pre-postbacc GPA of 3.03 but I had a friend who interviewed with a 3.1 at schools like Harvard and UCSF (not URM, neither am I, no research) last year, which was promising. I'm currently sitting on 14 interviews and 1 rejection. Schools are definitely looking for competent physicians, not test takers 🙂 I know this is anecdotal but hope it gives a perspective.
Click to expand...
wow (s)he must have had some insane experiences/activities! any (vague) details you can divulge? (my sGPA is ~3.2)
 
kjj17 said:
wow (s)he must have had some insane experiences/activities! any (vague) details you can divulge? (my sGPA is ~3.2)
Click to expand...
Wow thats crazy.. I really do wander what the applications are like for those people with 21 interviews and 1 rejection.
 
shirlly89 said:
Wow thats crazy.. I really do wander what the applications are like for those people with 21 interviews and 1 rejection.
Click to expand...
And I quote my friend: "I don't get why people get so stressed out. Just relax and be yourself!" Sigh. As Oscar Wilde suggests, I don't really have much choice BUT to be myself. Everybody else is already taken! (My friend, despite being brilliant, is actually very nice.)
 
What's Brown's policy on Thank You letters? I had a great experience and would like to write some!
 
g-baby said:
What's Brown's policy on Thank You letters? I had a great experience and would like to write some!
Click to expand...
As a compulsive reader of that "ensure-your-place-in-the-hideously-competitive-arena-of-medical-school-admissions" genre, I can pass along the consensus of advice: write thank you notes, right away. If you know the names of those you encountered, write to those folks. If not, write (the suggestion is) to the highest-ranking person you encountered. The authors of these books say that the notes may have little impact, but are appreciated. My own bizarre take is that saying thank you is good for the soul and sends positive energy radiating in all directions. (I know, I know. No empirical evidence thus far!) So few people express gratitude (maybe not so many of us feel it any more?), that I can't help believing that there are intrinsic (and positively extrinsic?) rewards. Appreciate at will! (Sez me.) :phantom::phantom: (Oh, and by the way. I was told that I was awarded a postgrad fellowship in a really tough competition because I "was so polite in the interview and sent thank you notes afterward.")
 
g-baby said:
What's Brown's policy on Thank You letters? I had a great experience and would like to write some!
Click to expand...

I'd agree with BengaliBrat. I sent thank you emails (my premed advisor recommended sending emails over hand-written notes) to both of my interviewers, as well as to Barbara, and a general one to the general admissions email address thanking anyone else I could remember by name (e.g. the financial aid officer, the administrative assistant, the students I met, etc. I figured that emailing them personally might be a bit creepy... ) Anyway, it might have been overkill, but I did get my acceptance 2 weeks later. 🙂
 
sunflower18 said:
I think I am proof that schools look at more than just an MCAT score, so I definitely agree! But don't for one second think that your stats aren't "good enough" because they are absolutely incredible -- much better than mine 🙂
Click to expand...
What are your stats if you don't mind sharing
 
ksyhe said:
I sent thank you emails (my premed advisor recommended sending emails over hand-written notes)
Click to expand...
May I ask if your advisor gave any reason for this suggestion of email rather than hand written ones?
 
Does anyone know when the next wave of interviews is likely to occur? (Rough estimate from previous years if possible)
 
Thank you letters won't affect your admissions decision either way, but you should generally ask your interviewers whether it's okay to send them a thank you note. If so, they'll give you their email address or a business card.

One of my interviewers at Brown actually asked me not to send a thank you card, and instead to use the time doing something to help someone.
 
What's interesting is that by now in most of the previous threads there have been 2 waves of rejections... or pretty close to it. I wonder why this cycle is so different...I really hope that Brown likes us! But as mid-October nears, I'm getting worried about the unfortunate outcome that seems to be looming. 🙁
 
bookworm30 said:
What's interesting is that by now in most of the previous threads there have been 2 waves of rejections... or pretty close to it. I wonder why this cycle is so different...I really hope that Brown likes us! But as mid-October nears, I'm getting worried about the unfortunate outcome that seems to be looming. 🙁
Click to expand...

It might be the fact that all medical schools are currently inundated with a large number of applications due to AMCAS's efficiency this cycle!
 
NettleHead said:
If we haven't heard back from Brown by now, is it safe to assume we're most likely rejected?
Click to expand...

I doubt it, but I really have no idea!! They didn't give us any insight into that on interview day.
 
Friendly_female_house said:
May I ask if your advisor gave any reason for this suggestion of email rather than hand written ones?
Click to expand...

Yup! Many interviewers are doctors who work in multiple labs/offices/hospitals, so there's no guarantee that a physical letter would get into their hands in a timely manner, if at all. Also, emails are quicker, so they will get it while you are still fresh in the interviewer's head. And emails allow for easier potential future interaction with the interviewer (e.g. one of my interviewers replied to my thank you with an article on a topic that had come up in our conversation). Hope that's helpful!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

chilly_md
2024-2025 Brown (Alpert)
5 6 7 8 9
Replies
400
Views
126K
appliedtofiftyschools
A
chilly_md
2023-2024 Brown (Alpert)
6 7 8 9 10
Replies
488
Views
151K
sapphire_fire
sapphire_fire
chilly_md
2024-2025 Boston University
21 22 23 24 25
Replies
1K
Views
264K
an2five
A
wysdoc
2024-2025 Saint Louis University
6 7 8 9 10
Replies
498
Views
108K
Sue C
Sue C
wysdoc
2024-2025 University of Washington
10 11 12 13 14
Replies
680
Views
144K
stew_md
S
Top