brown university example essays

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’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)

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.

Table of Contents

• 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?

Ryan Chiang , Founder of EssaysThatWorked

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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...

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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....

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How to Write the Brown University Supplemental Essays: Examples + Guide 2023/2024

How to Write the Brown University Supplemental Essays TABLE OF CONTENTS

• What are the Brown University supplemental essay prompts?
• How to write each supplemental essay prompt for Brown
• Prompt #1: "Why us" essay
• Prompt #2: "Community contribution" essay
• Prompt #3: "What brings you joy" essay
• Prompt #4: Short answer question
• Prompt #5: Extracurricular activity essay
• Prompt #6: "Create your own class" essay
• Prompt #7: Short answer "Why us" essay
• PLME Program Prompt #1: "Why major" essay
• PLME Program Prompt #2: "Positive impact" essay
• PLME Program Prompt #3: "Why us" essay
• RISD Dual Degree Program Prompt #1: "Why us" + "community contribution" essay

Brown University is perhaps most famous for its Open Curriculum and the freedom and opportunity that it provides students for charting their own academic journeys.

Unlike colleges with a more structured academic curriculum (For example, Columbia University, St. John’s College, and University of Chicago), Brown provides optimal academic flexibility to the right type of student.

Let’s take a look at the required prompts, and how to make the most of these questions.

Before you begin writing, you may want to get deeper insights into the kind of student Brown is looking for, and how it views itself. You’ll find an extensive, by-the-numbers look at its offerings, from enrollment and tuition statistics to student life and financial aid information, on its Common Data Set . For a better sense of how Brown envisions its role in academia and how it wants to grow and evolve, read its strategic plan here .

What are Brown University's 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)

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)

In one sentence, Why Brown? (50 words)

Brown PLME Prompt #1

Required for applicants to the PLME (Program in Liberal Medical Education) Applicants

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)

Brown PLME Prompt #2

Health care is constantly changing, as it is affected by racial and social disparities, economics, politics, and technology, among others. How will you, as a future physician, make a positive impact? (250 word limit)

Brown PLME Prompt #3

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? (250 word limit)

Brown RISD Program Prompt #1

Required for applicants to the Brown|RISD Dual Degree Program:

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 diverse spheres of academic and creative inquiry, culminating in a capstone project that interrelates the content, approaches, and methods from two distinct learning experiences.

Based on your understanding of the academic programs at Brown and RISD and the possibilities created by the BRDD program's broadened learning community, specifically describe how and why the BRDD program would constitute an optimal undergraduate education for you. As part of your answer, be sure to articulate how you might contribute to the Dual Degree community and its commitment to interdisciplinary work. (650 words)

How to Write Each Supplemental Essay Prompt for Brown University

How to write the brown supplemental essay #1.

This prompt is your classic “Why us?” essay, with a Brown-specific twist that asks you to focus on one aspect of Brown: its renowned Open Curriculum program. Before you start brainstorming, we recommend checking out this complete guide on how to write the “Why us?” essay . Pay close attention to the “Why Cornell” and “Why Penn” examples, which are our favorites.

Here’s the short version of how to write the typical “Why us?” essay:

Spend 1 hr+ researching 10+ reasons why Brown’s Open Curriculum might be a great fit for you (ideally 3-5 of the reasons will be unique to the school and connect back to you).

Make a copy of this chart to map out your college research.

Create an outline for your essays based on either Approach 1, 2 (recommended), or 3 in the full guide above.

Write a first draft!

Here’s a great example. Note how it starts with a very specific interest the student would like to pursue at Brown. 

After growing up on diplomacy and a love of politics, I am eager for a college experience that would allow me to decipher the complexities of foreign relations negotiations, while also being able to specialize in Middle Eastern politics.  Brown’s Open Curriculum would feed my inquisitive mind, allowing me the flexibility to pursue the International and Public Affairs concentration while also exploring a wide range of interests. For example, in Making Decisions, I’d learn the factors that impact choices, helping me to analyze negotiation tactics. In Spain on Screen: 80 Years of Spanish Cinema, I’d continue to pursue my love of Spanish by learning about its cultural landscape in a fun, unique way. With the Development track and focus on the Middle East region, I’d have access to an exciting combination of classes. With economic diplomacy becoming a powerful tool in international relations, I could better understand the power of economic influence through Diplomacy, Economics and Influence, while The Making of the Modern Middle East would strengthen my understanding of the region’s historical evolution and the associated political and economic implications. I’d also capitalize on the Watson Institute’s resources, especially the Center for Middle Eastern Studies and the Rhodes Center for International Economics and Finance, attending workshops and researching Middle Eastern developmental challenges.    After being able to explore a wide range of interests at Brown, rather than having to choose one narrowly focused concentration, I’d build important skills like assertiveness and empathy that could assist me as a compassionate diplomat. (250 words) — — —

Tips + Analysis

Embrace “and.” A big selling point at Brown is its open curriculum, which allows you to take classes across several disciplines and explore outside your major. Brown shows how important this flexible approach to learning is by devoting a whole supplemental essay prompt to asking what you’d do with the opportunities the open curriculum offers. A key part of acing this prompt is to think expansively rather than in the confines of a single academic interest. If you’re primarily interested in biology, also consider other classes you might want to explore out of sheer curiosity. Don’t feel like you need to lay out a hyper-specific career path. Brown is all about embracing the “and” of learning, and it’ll serve you well to take a similar approach in your essay. Notice that, in this example, the student notes a primary interest in Middle Eastern international relations but also demonstrates excitement for Behavioral Science, Spanish language, and film. This makes his response more multi-faceted and shows that he really understands Brown’s approach to education.

Get specific. The great thing about this essay is that it’s clear the student has done his research. Take a close look at Brown’s course catalogue and list of majors to see what you’d actually want to take if you ended up going there. Citing specific classes, professors, and areas of study is a great way to show your dedication to the university and how you’d make the most of what Brown has to offer. This student highlights a specific concentration/track (International and Public Affairs/Development with a focus on the Middle East), some classes (Making Decisions and Spain on Screen: 80 Years of Spanish Cinema), and some campus resources he’d want to make use of (Center for Middle Eastern Studies, Rhodes Center, etc). If you need help brainstorming these kinds of details, check out our BEABIES Exercise to get started (Tool #2 on this post ).

Highlight connections. Although Brown wants you to have fun exploring outside the confines of a specific major, it also wants to see that you’re not choosing topics randomly. In the meat of your essay, demonstrate how your interests connect. This student does a great job of sharing his understanding of how Behavioral Science would help him with negotiation tactics,while a Spanish language class would give him a greater grasp on different cultural landscapes. The key is that when he mentions an interest, he always explains the why behind it.

Because this prompt takes such a unique approach to the “Why us?” we figured we’d gift you with a bonus example.

After seeing The Vagina Monologues, I began exploring gender independently. From watching Mrs. America to reading The Second Sex, I sought solidarity and inspiration in art, media, and literature that shed light on marginalized voices. Studying an online course on international women’s health, I became more informed on topics such as female circumcision, son preferences, and domestic violence – and more enamored of the process of self-directed, interdisciplinary learning.  Brown’s Open Curriculum would allow me to double concentrate in Gender and Sexuality Studies and Economics while exploring other areas such as Modern Culture and Media. The S/NC option will encourage me to take courses such as The Late 60's: Film Countercultures, an area I am deeply interested in but new to.  Brown will allow me to build an interdisciplinary understanding of gender and economics with a classroom of self-driven students. Through Inequality of Income, Wealth, and Health, I will explore the causes of inequality, and how poverty can be addressed by economic policies and public education. Through A Gender Perspective on Women and Enterprise, I can examine gender inequality in economic areas including property ownership, capital, and markets. In addition, I am fascinated by the differences journal’s approach to gender studies --- analyzing it with race, culture, and art.  I am excited to become the architect of my own education at Brown, realizing my academic vision with a group of passionate and motivated students. (234 words) — — —

How to Write the Brown Supplemental Essay #2

At first glance, this prompt may seem slightly similar to prompt 1, and you’d be right in the sense that both are asking for you to take parts of your past and connect them with your Brown future. But one important difference with this prompt is its focus on your contribution to the larger Brown community, not just the academic one.

Another detail to note is Brown’s encouragement to show where you come from—the people, places, and things that have shaped who you are today. This is your chance to connect your unique upbringing, in a very broad sense of the word, with what has helped make you unstoppable. So take it.

While there are many things outside of “community” that might fit this prompt, if you’re looking for a way to brainstorm ideas, that’s a good place to start. (But keep in mind that you’ll want to include some “how will you contribute” details in your essay—this isn’t just a “tell us about a community” prompt.)

For a full guide to “community” essays , head there, but here’s the short version:

STEP 1: DECIDE WHAT COMMUNITY YOU WANT TO WRITE ABOUT

Create a “communities” chart by listing all the communities you’re a part of. Keep in mind that communities can be defined by...

Place: groups of people who live/work/play near one another

Action: groups of people who create change in the world by building, doing, or solving something together (Examples: Black Lives Matter, Girls Who Code, March for Our Lives)

Interest: groups of people coming together based on shared interest, experience, or expertise

Circumstance: groups of people brought together either by chance or external events/situations

STEP 2: USE THE BEABIES EXERCISE TO GENERATE YOUR ESSAY CONTENT

You’ll find detail on the BEABIES Exercise + a chart you can use at that link.

STEP 3: DO SOME “HOW WILL YOU CONTRIBUTE” RESEARCH

You’ll want to offer a few specific ways that show how the experience/s you’re discussing in your essay will allow you to contribute to Brown. The easiest way to do this is to do some “Why Us”-like research and find ways you’ll engage with and contribute to the Brown community. 

STEP 4: PICK A STRUCTURE (NARRATIVE OR MONTAGE)

Step 5: write a first draft.

This is a brand-new prompt for Brown this year, but here’s an essay, written for Columbia, that could have worked well for this prompt:

At family dinners over gnocchi and arancini, my grandpa would always ask my two older brothers how their education and sports were going. I’d wait for my turn, but the question was never directed my way. In contrast, my grandma always tells me how thankful she is that I’m able to get an education of my own. She frequently mentions how she regrets never getting an education. I pursue my education with a fire within me to do what she wasn’t allowed to. During the summer of 2021, I realized that I could impact other girls in a similar way by writing a children’s book about influential women in STEM in order to inspire the next generation of female scientists.  At Columbia University, I hope to contribute to the empowerment of women by creating a Society of Women in Science, hosting Alumni Panels, Graduate Student Q&A’s, and creating a safe space for women in similar majors to discuss their successes and setbacks. In addition, joining the Student Wellness Project will provide another community that prioritizes mental health. This empowering environment is the ideal place to help me develop as both a feminist and a scientist. — — —

View the prompt broadly. While this prompt offers you the perfect opportunity to explore the impact race, socioeconomic status, and other societal factors have had on you, don’t feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of the prompt. As in the example above, where the student recounts her experiences with a cultural and generational divide, there are many experiences we’ve had that have shaped who we are. Some are deep, like being the only person of color at your high school, while others are more light-hearted, like having to learn to make your own grilled cheese at age 8 as a latchkey kid. Both are admirable in their own ways. Both may be really important to you. And both can make really effective responses.

Make campus connections. The second part of the prompt is as important as the first. While Brown wants to hear about your past experiences, they’re just as curious about how they’ll shape your time on campus, leaving the school better than as you found it. But remember, they probably want at least some (if not all) focus on outside-the-classroom experiences here, so dive into their list of student organizations and find a few that truly resonate with you and that you feel you could make a meaningful contribution to. The student above does just that with their reference to the Student Wellness project and how they expect to contribute.

Be a changemaker. Can’t find an organization at Brown you'd like to join? Create your own! The student in the example above plans to start their own organization and even outlines some of the specific events she plans to hold. It's clear she's done her research to see where the college might be lacking in female-centered organizations—and she's going to take the charge to correct that.

Tie the two together. Make sure your past connects with your future. That means tying the lessons from your childhood, preteen, and adolescent years with the contributions you're going to make on campus. The response above does a great job in doing that. As a young female who has, from a young age, been committed to empowering young women, it’s clear how this student is going to make a specific impact on Brown's campus community.

And here’s a bonus example for an older Brown prompt that works very nicely for the first half of the new prompt (Share how an aspect of your growing up has inspired or challenged you) but would need some changes/additions in the second half to address the second part of the prompt (what unique contributions this might allow you to make to the Brown community) :

Bonus Example:

“Why on earth do you have to volunteer at places like that?” My dad spoke abruptly during our drive home.  I had just finished working at an LGBT-friendly bar, raising funds for an LGBT workplace diversity campaign. As I walked out smelling like tobacco and beer, his face stiffened. But I knew what angered him more was that I’d turned down a volunteering opportunity at the UN and chosen the Beijing LGBT Center, an NGO he deemed illegitimate.  “Because...” I began. “I don’t want you to work there anymore.” Dreadful silence prolonged in the car. I was devastated that he didn’t approve of the work I’d prided myself in.  But I didn’t tell him these things. I hadn’t (and haven’t) come out to him yet.  I love my father. He’s the superman who let me ride on his shoulders, who spent his savings on providing me the best education possible, and who cried when I told him I was lonely in boarding school. But he didn’t want me volunteering at the bar. And I didn’t want to let him down. So I compromised. I never worked again at the bar. I could continue volunteering at the LGBT center, but not more than twice a week. And I should never discuss my work publicly.  As I gave in to my family’s wishes, my mind flashed back to my other queer activists who had not. A transgender woman, Qing, has a father who hasn’t spoken to her in ten years because she refuses to cut her long hair. Nana’s mother nearly disowned her because she married her girlfriend.  I’ve come to realize that activism isn’t just about marching in rainbow parades and running ambitious campaigns. It may involve conflicts with our loved ones who hold opposite beliefs. Upholding personal beliefs could lead to a broken family, and vice versa. There is not a right answer but only a matter of choice.  And that’s a painful lesson. (324 words) — — —

Bring it back to you. Although the prompt asks you to talk about a perspective you encountered that was different from your own, remember that the person reading your application ultimately wants to know more about you. This writer centers her essay around her father’s disapproval of her LGBTQ+ advocacy/volunteer work. But she makes sure to bring their difficult conversations back to how it informed her own perspective and the compromises she had to make as a result of her father’s beliefs. Think about how you can weave yourself into the story as you write. Why? This will make you an active participant (rather than a passive observer) in your own story.

Consider the nuance. As you’re writing, you may be tempted to tie your response up into a neat little bow. It might seem nice to end on a happy or resolved note. But beliefs and values are complicated. We don’t normally encounter perspectives different from our own and immediately accept them. More often than not, difficult conversations end in some mix of compromise and disagreement. Don’t be afraid to talk about that tension in your essay. It can be fundamental to demonstrating your depth of character and maturity. Notice, for example, how this student openly admits to struggling with accepting her dad’s judgements—and how that vulnerability makes it easier to empathize with her. The ending is painful, and the student doesn’t shy away from sharing the messiness of her growth. When you’re writing, reflect on the kinds of conversations you have and what you learned from them. Even if you didn’t change someone else’s worldview, you can still have a topic worth writing about.

Incorporate dialogue (or don’t). This student does an excellent job of using the tough conversation she had with her father about her bar job as a way to illustrate their conflicting viewpoints, quickly hooking us into her narrative. When used effectively, dialogue can bring readers into the action in an interesting, evocative, and visceral way. Especially in answering a prompt like this about ideas, engagement, and communication, dialogue can be a useful literary tool (Brown even mentions dialogue in the prompt itself!). However, too much dialogue or mundane snippets of conversation can be boring, eating away at your already-limited word count. Use your best judgment and consider whether dialogue would be a smart storytelling device for you.

Show how this shapes your contributions. Because it was written for an older version of Brown’s prompt, the essay above lacks any “how will you contribute” details. But the student could easily do some research on organizations at Brown that connect to these past experiences and incorporate them into the end of the essay (probably by building a new paragraph after “And that’s a painful lesson”).

How to Write the Brown Supplemental Essay #3

This is another new one for Brown, but we find it to be very similar to Stanford’s old “what’s meaningful and why” and “what makes you generally excited about learning” prompts. Check out that crash course here for discussions and examples of those. When approaching this Brown prompt, think about these key phrases as you brainstorm a possible topic and go to write: “care deeply about their work and the world around them,” “contentment, satisfaction, meaning,” “daily interactions and major discoveries.” Seize on any one of those that speak to you. Maybe it’s a pet project you started to improve your community (care deeply), or a hobby you do for the fun of it (satisfaction, meaning), or even your mastery of derivatives and integrals (hey, that’s some students’ love language). Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something that truly brings you joy and that can generate 200-250 words of content.

Here’s an essay written for another school that would work well here.

Last summer, I became an addict. A pickleball addict. A pickler. I had once dismissed the game as an old dude’s sport, or merely just too hard. However, the game grew on me as I went from barely keeping the ball in bounds, to serving aces and hitting consistent put-away shots for hours on end. The game’s simplicity blew my mind, and I quickly became hooked. As the school year began, I couldn’t come to terms with the fact that I would only be able to play twice per week, instead of my usual five. So, I founded the Ralston Valley Pickleball Club, and it quickly transformed into one of the most populated clubs at school. Students from many different cliques and backgrounds come together weekly, whether through casual games or competitive, organized tournaments.  The staggering rate at which my peers formed new connections daily happily surprised me, as the game’s effects were not simply left on the Pickleball Courts: the hallways at my school reverberated with new conversations. By utilizing an unusual, inclusive sport, I was able to introduce my immediate community to the diversity all around them. (189 words) — — —

Consider starting with a powerful one-liner. The first sentence of this essay is cryptic, smart, and a little funny, and it makes you want to keep reading. The second and third sentence fragments are even better. The writer has barely written 10 words, and already we feel like we know so much about him. It’s a lovely beginning. Stumped on how to start this (or any) essay? This blog has some ideas that may help.

Use structure to highlight your narrative arc. Although this essay is short, the author has a clear story to tell. The story has distinct parts. He became interested in pickleball, founded a pickleball club because he enjoyed it so much, and spread his love of the sport to other members of his school community. Those are the points he’s trying to convey, and you can see them reflected in each of his paragraphs. Simple paragraph breaks like these can help you clarify your main points to your reader.

Emphasize uncommon values. This author picked a pretty cool topic, but he could have easily written a boring essay if he hadn’t connected it to interesting insights and values. When we think of sports, some words that come to mind might be physical health, athleticism, sportsmanship, or competition. However, reading this essay, we see the author has emphasized values that aren’t as commonly written about in sports essays, like simplicity, community, connection, and happiness. The essay takes us in an unexpected direction, which a) makes us want to keep reading and b) helps this essay (and applicant) stand out.

How to Write the Brown Supplemental Essay #4

Every written response in your application is a chance to be memorable and differentiate yourself from other applicants—especially other applicants with similar academic profiles. So with only three words at your disposal for your response, you want to make them count. In other words, in a pasture full of horses, be a little bit more zebra. While we’ve got a how-to guide for answering these short-answer questions for highly selective colleges that goes into more detail on these (and other) questions, keep reading for our take on how to get the most bang for your three-word buck. 

And check out the examples below to learn how much you can learn about a student in just three words.

Examples:  

Simple, Calculator, Wizard — — — Korean-food-loving, Taekwondo-Blue-Belt, Innovator — — — Fish, intuitive, hungry — — — Sondheim-loving, Tofu-eating, Noctivagant — — —

Avoid repetition and super-common descriptors. We know how tempting it is to put “creative, passionate, leader”—especially if those words fit you really well. Don’t give in to the temptation. Chances are, if you really are those things, they’re coming through loud and clear in other parts of your application. Don’t repeat them here. For the answers given above, don’t you find yourself wanting to know more about the students who wrote them? Exactly. Those words have done their job.

Hyphenated-words-are-OK-here. Don’t overdo it, though. But you can absolutely connect related descriptors, like the student’s “Korean-food-loving” submission above. It works because it’s all related to a singular idea. Still, use them sparingly and to enhance your answer, not to sidestep the prompt’s instructions.

Think beyond adjectives. Of course, your default reaction is probably to use adjectives. But as you’re thinking beyond those blah adjectives (see tip 1 above), why not think past adjectives entirely? Wizard. Noctivagant. Mulan. Thinking outside that adjective box can yield some pretty amazing (and highly visual) results. 

How to Write the Brown Supplemental Essay #5

Great news for you on this prompt: This is your all-purpose extracurricular activity essay (although you probably knew that already)—and you’ll likely be able to repurpose this essay for other prompts from other schools (or vice versa). 

If you’ve already written this essay for another application, then BOOM, you’re probably done (with maybe a little editing to fit word count). Starting from scratch? Then you can check out our deep dive on how to write a great extracurricular activity essay , or keep reading for our top tips for writing a strong essay in just 100 words.

Because this prompt is new, we don’t have any Brown-specific samples to show you. But the sample below was written in response to a similar prompt for Stanford (although with a longer word count), and they do a great job laying the foundation you can use for your own, shorter, essay.

Example:  

Whether it’s painting for a teenager getting out of rehab, dissecting the anti-war meanings behind Banksy’s street art, or dancing a Bharatnatyam piece that communicates how we’re all one and the same, I’ve seen first-hand art’s power to persuade, influence, and urge people to act.  My next project is a multimedia piece that speaks to an issue of utter importance to me: suicide prevention. My brother, a peer, and I are working on a campaign, with support from the national mental health organization SAVE and our school, with a call to action— share one reason worth living for each day.  To support the campaign, my piece will be centered around a dance choreographed to two poems focusing on the little beauties of life: “People Should Fall in Love More” by Courney Peppernell and “And In Wonder And Amazement I Sing” by the Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore—sung in Bengali. Since those with suicidal tendencies often have racing thoughts, I want our piece to calm them with the steady beat of the tabla playing in the background. With each line, I plan to use hand gestures like Alapadma and Hamsasya, to wordlessly communicate the poems’ important messages of life, love and purpose.  I hope this audiovisual experience will inspire my audience with hope, so that they see the beauty in even small things. Using my art for action gives it meaning through impact. — — —

Value function (information) over form (flowery writing). This may seem like a no-brainer, but there’s a difference between writing a 100-word essay and writing an effective 100-word essay. With no extra words to spare, you need to be crystal-clear in conveying what you’ve done, and what you’ve learned as a result. The writer of this essay gets right to the point in the first line and uses every word to support their involvement. 

Be clear about your takeaways. Admission officers want to see clear growth from the activities you’re involved in, so don’t hesitate to show what your involvement in this activity meant to you. The author of this essay reveals what their art means to them—“Using my art for action gives it meaning through impact”—leaving no doubt about its importance.

Ignore the word count… at first. The problem with writing a 100-word essay is you think you have to start by writing a 100-word essay. Our top tip for writing? Overwrite. Make it long. Brain dump. Word vomit. Brainstorm. Whatever you like to call freewriting. Just dive in. The best 100-word essays almost always start at 250-300 words and then are ruthlessly but methodically cut down . When you (at first) ignore the word count, you’re more likely to include the deep stuff and the important stuff, and then you can trim out all the superfluous content. But when you write to word count from the get-go, you’ll probably miss the opportunity to add the real impact to your story.

As an extra-special bonus, here’s another Stanford essay written for a similar prompt. Again, while it’s too long for Brown, it does a great job of showing how meaningful this activity was to the student.

Bonus example:

The issue of educational injustice is deeply important to me. School closures during the pandemic exacerbated this inequality, with many public institutions staying closed the 2020-21 school year as opposed to their private school counterparts—their students’ educational experience being less optimal as a result. Seeing this disparity, I decided to start TutorDigital, a non-profit free tutoring and technology donation service for Bay Area students. My interest in tutoring began in middle school through volunteering as a peer tutor. In high school, I created a tutoring club, giving my peers the opportunity to help younger elementary students on financial aid with their homework. With the club being sidetracked by COVID-19, I tutored for 826 Valencia. This experience prompted me to transition my old club to a remote format, while also rebranding it with a friend: naming it TutorDigital, registering it as a non-profit, designing a website, and recruiting additional tutors. These efforts expanded our reach to include local public schools. Since then, we’ve provided tutoring services to 34 students and identified other opportunities to support public schools like donating upwards of 60 iPads. While the issue unfortunately will not be solved overnight, educational injustice must be aggressively addressed, now more than ever given the impacts of the pandemic. But for now, I gain great satisfaction from each thank you note from a parent or good grade achieved by a student, knowing my efforts have potentially improved the academic trajectory of these children and helped to address educational injustice in my community. — — —

How to Write the Brown Supplemental Essay #6

This prompt gives you the perfect opportunity to talk about what really lights you up and brings you joy. After all, if you’re going to be teaching a class for a whole semester, it’ll hopefully be on something you’re passionate about, right? So harness that passion and convert it into 100 impactful words. Regardless of the topic you choose, this is your chance to show what kind of thinker and planner you are and what new, unique, and exciting perspectives you’re going to bring to Brown. If you want to go into an even deeper dive on this essay topic, check out our longer guide at this link .

While these responses were written for other schools with different word counts, they’re great examples of how to approach your own response to Brown.

The Exalted Power of Music: How Our Ears Inspire Our Eyes Course Description: Music dominates our society–pop songs and singers are hugely influential in today’s time. But where else in our lives does the enchanting power of music hold influence? As we investigate and unravel the techniques of modern artists through a diverse slate of plays, cartoons, and films, we will discover the vital role of music in enhancing benchmark works of visual fiction. Simultaneously, through philosophical readings of Walton and Nietzsche, we will analyze the emotional and physiological effects of music, examining the dynamic interplay of visual and auditory elements. Finally, students will synthesize their research to create a short film or multimedia piece that displays their knowledge of visual aspects, music's attributes, and their combined impact on a universal audience. — — —

Remember the “or otherwise” part of the prompt. It’s tempting to go super-academic in response to this prompt, and that can definitely work well, but just remember they’re holding space here for you to show your creative, fun side, too. In the sample above, personal interests shine brightly through the “Exalted Power of Music” topic as the student dives deeply into fascinating (to our minds) aspects of what they’d explore.

Demonstrate your expertise. Regardless of what direction you take your response in, highlight your knowledge. Mentioning required readings (like the author does in the first example) positions you as a curious expert. Bonus: Finding pieces that are slightly off-topic from your course can be a great way to make uncommon connections and help your response stand out. 

Ask questions. Even simply asking smart questions can demonstrate your out-of-the-box thinking. Not only do they illustrate the deeper topics that get your brain humming, but they also show the critical thinking that Brown expects (and hopes to cultivate) on campus. The example above doesn’t have to do this, but keep in mind that a complex, intriguing question can often be more interesting than an answer.

And here’s a different example, again written for a different school’s prompt (that focuses on a single seminar, rather than a course), that illustrates a different possible approach.

Whenever I received birthday money from family or friends as a small child, my father, being a frugal man, would deposit it into my bank account. This became a running joke in the family, with my mom’s step-dad affectionately calling him “jingles.” Despite my complaints, I always assumed my father was ultimately right, doing something that would benefit me financially in the long run. Then I read John Maynard Keynes’ “Paradox of Thrift.” According to Keynes, we might have been wrong. Keynes asserts individual saving is bad for the overall health of the economy, negatively affecting the individual. For instance, say my grandmother gives me $20. If I save it, aggregate consumption decreases by $20, reducing firms’ planned investment, expecting $20 less to be spent on their goods. As a result, they need less labor, either causing layoffs or wage cuts which could adversely affect my grandmother, preventing her from giving me money on my next birthday and causing me to save less. Keynes’ theory demonstrates that saving can actually reduce saving, hence the “paradox.” My Flash Seminar would address Keynes’ theory, specifically how we forget to consider the aggregate impacts of our actions. From spending birthday money to taking shorter showers to bringing a reusable water bottle to school, Keynes’ theory illustrates how seemingly insignificant choices have large cumulative effects, something I’d want to pass along to my audience with the hope of persuading them to think less about themselves and more about the whole. — — —

How to Write the Brown Supplemental Essay #7

While it’s not easy to distill into 50 words why you want to spend your next four years at Brown, it’s not impossible, either. 

Since you’re writing an academic “Why Us” for the first Brown prompt, you should already being doing research that can set you up here. (Side note: If you haven’t checked out our step-by-step guide to writing the “Why Us” essay, check it out at this link .)

This Brown prompt, at just 50 words and one sentence, is a mini-version of this “Why Us” essay, honing in on just one (maybe two) unique aspects of Brown that you’re drawn to. While you can include academic and extracurricular activities in your response, avoid covering common topics, like the open curriculum (you’ve already written about it) and passing through the Van Wickle gate. Instead, the best answer is going to incorporate why You + Brown = The Perfect Match.

Here’s a nice example written for Stanford that packs a lot of answers to “Why” in this pint-sized word count.

Loving my favorite lines of Latin poetry for their ingenious manipulation of language, I anticipate studying comedy—humankind’s most clever use of language—through the Making Fun of History: Insults, Mockery and Abuse Language in Antiquity IntroSem.  — — —

Dig deep to find your “Why.” Really go through Brown’s website. Find (and read) a course syllabus. Check out student reviews. Check out expert reviews. What are they saying about what sets Brown apart from all others? You might be surprised at some of the answers. Then take what you’ve learned to connect it back to you. After all, Brown knows why they’re great. But they don’t know why they’re great for you. The author of our sample essay above clearly demonstrates they understand how a past classroom favorite will connect to coursework and the college—and why it’s a perfect fit for them.

Have some fun in your answer. We know this feels like a big risk in a high-stakes situation, but you can absolutely (and effectively) show your personality in these answers. In our sample essay above, beyond seeing the connection between their interest (language) and the college’s offerings, we come away knowing a little more about the author—like, we’re pretty sure they have some wicked-good comeback lines. 

Get right to the point. With such a limited word count, this is no time to wax poetic or include intros or conclusions. Cut things like “I want to attend Brown because.” Use contractions. It’s OK, we promise. 

And here are a couple more examples, without analysis, just to give you other directions to head in.

Interdisciplinary research at the Stanford Institute for Materials and Energy Science (SIMES), a space where I can collaborate with students in many different majors and work on an issue very important to me, climate change, through research projects such as analyzing “gold-cage” perovskites with tunable light absorption . — — —  I am thrilled to audition for the Stanford Swing Dancers, since I am trained in ballet, ballet folklórico, hip-hop, contemporary, tap, jazz, salsa, tango, ballroom, and some African styles, and I am almost always moving and would be delighted to broaden my repertoire. — — —

How to Write the Brown PLME Supplemental Essays

If you’re applying to other BS/MD programs, we have an in-depth BS/MD guide here , built from advice from BS/MD admissions readers. For examples and analysis from Brown’s PLME program, keep reading.

How to Write the Brown PLME Prompt #1

Required for applicants to the PLME (Program in Liberal Medical Education) 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. (250 word limit)

This prompt is specifically for prospective students who want to apply to Brown’s combined BA and MD eight-year program (more details here ). This program encourages students to take classes in a variety of different disciplines as they prepare for a career as physicians or medical scholars. Here, the school asks you to consider why you’re drawn to medicine and reflect on the values/experiences that shaped that interest. Brown is a big proponent of academic exploration and interdisciplinary curiosity. While those principles are still important in the PLME program, committing to a specific career path right out of high school is a big deal, and Brown wants to make sure you’ve thought deeply about it before jumping right in.

Here’s a great example essay:

The two things I love most are science and talking. Unfortunately, they don’t always align. But I’ve gotten a taste for their intersection in both research and teaching.  As a volunteer lab assistant at the University of Illinois, I helped researchers with projects—everything from collecting ice for materials storage to compiling data on pancreatic cysts. As a student for Dr. Rubin’s Mini Medical School, a local program that fosters high school students’ interests in the world of medicine I learned basic factoids (the anatomy of various organs, how to insert an IV, how to suture, how to cast, and how to read an X-Ray, among other things).  But the following year, after becoming a TA for the program, my eyes were opened to the significance of developing good communication skills, especially humorous dialogue, in the medical field. When I was teaching students, I frequently needed to identify ways to encourage conversations as part of the curriculum.  When teaching about baby delivery, I started by asking who was familiar with the Kardashians. After a group discussion on the pseudo-royal family, I would slip in references to the lesson (the nutrients contained within a placenta) by asking if they were all aware of the fact that Kourtney had ingested hers. My goal as a physician is to connect people and medicine in creative and beneficial ways. While studying the sciences I want to keep learning, teaching, and encouraging conversations, and therefore, connections. (240 words) — — —

Make uncommon connections. A lot of people want to be doctors, but if you can find a way to connect that career goal to uncommon values, it’ll be easier for you to stand out. This student talks about the importance of clear communication and humor in relation to wanting to be a physician—values we might not normally associate with the profession. He ties those values to tangible anecdotes about Kardashian baby delivery analogies and teaching other students as a TA. Everyone who answers this prompt is essentially going to be writing about the same topic (wanting to be a doctor), but if you can find unique personal values to embed in your essay, you’ll have a better chance of standing out.

Emphasize past experience. Notice that this author is coming in with some prior experience in the world of medicine. This helps us get confidence that he’s basing his career choice on real-world insights. Only 50 people get accepted into the PLME program each year, so Brown really wants to make sure you know what you’re getting into and have solid reasons for why you deserve a spot at its institution for eight years. It’s crucial that you emphasize what you’ve done to develop your current interest in medicine as well as the skills you’ve learned along the way. For this student, his past experience helped him learn basic “factoids,” like how to suture, cast, and insert an IV. It also gave him an appreciation for effective scientific communication and how to practice that communication in a clinical setting.

Consider the future. While it’s important to draw on past experience in this essay, it’s equally important to think about where a professional medical degree would take you in the future. This student’s goal is to use his degree to “connect people and medicine in creative and beneficial ways.” You don’t have a huge word count, so your discussion of the future can be broad like this example (although this student could have dug a little deeper on the “right fit for you” aspect of the prompt). Just give your reader a sense of what you’re working toward so that they know what motivates and inspires you in this particular field of study.

How to Write the Brown PLME Prompt #2

Required for applicants to the PLME (Program in Liberal Medical Education) Health care is constantly changing, as it is affected by racial and social disparities, economics, politics, and technology, among others. 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. (250 words)

At first glance, this prompt may seem intimidating, since the topic is politically, socially, economically, and culturally charged. But solid brainstorming techniques will help you break this essay down into smaller chunks. Before you start writing, identify a current problem in the healthcare system that means something to you (Ex. lack of transparency about medications, accessibility challenges for low-income students, etc). Try this technique:

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). 

Step 4: At the ends of the lines on the right, brainstorm ways you could address that central problem (Ex. federal regulation, fewer financial incentives for doctors to prioritize wealthier patients, etc). 

Step 5: As you build out your mind map, start to identify the bones of your eventual essay:

Reasons why it affects, concerns, bothers, or motivates me

Potential solutions to make a positive impact

Your essay doesn’t necessarily have to be that linear, but having these basic building blocks will help you to make this broad prompt more digestible.

Here’s an essay we love that was written for another school but could work well for this prompt. While it would have to be 200 words shorter for this year’s Brown prompt, the content, structure, and specificity are the key takeaways.

People should not have to pay extraordinary prices for necessary emergency treatment in the United States. If doctors turn patients away because they can’t pay, what’s the point of the profession? I want to become a doctor and create structural changes within the United States healthcare system to transform the medical field. My interest wasn’t initially as firm as it is now, rather I was just curious at the beginning. I dedicated hours to explore the medical field. After I became eligible in the middle of my junior year, I applied, interviewed, and was accepted as a volunteer at AMITA Health Hospitals. In March, I got my vaccinations and fulfilled the requirements to volunteer; however, COVID-19 struck—the program was shut down. Despite this obstacle, I persisted. I virtually shadowed doctors and continued learning about the medical field through Virtual Pre-medicine Shadowing and the BRAINterms Summer Seminar Series.  The experience of Trauma Surgeon Dr. Brian Williams and his surgeries for gunshot wounds impacted me. It was the first time I was exposed to images of gunshot wounds. I had never imagined myself before being able to save people who had experienced such horrible injuries. He dealt with such difficult cases on a daily basis, but rather than it frightening me, I wanted to take up a similar challenge. The joy Dr. Williams expressed when telling stories of the patients who lived made me realize what an honor it is to have the expertise over life and death.  The cascade of information from the lives of actual doctors made me realize that I wanted to be one myself. So, how could I help people or get involved if I couldn’t treat patients directly? As a junior, I took Advanced Biological Systems in order to expand my foundational knowledge of biology, but I had a desire to learn beyond the classroom. I wanted to deeply dive into biology and the medical aspect of the field, so I cold emailed professors in hopes of pursuing an internship through IMSA’s Student Inquiry and Research Program. I was accepted by Dr. Daniel C. Lee at Northwestern University and am currently interning there. Learning about the functions of the heart as well as cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was fascinating and solidified my interest in biology.   A degree in Healthcare Management & Policy would allow me to further understand my interests in policy and medicine. I’d be able to learn about the intersection of those two interests with the Georgetown curriculum through the health policy analysis track with a pre med concentration. The major would prepare me for my future aspirations as a doctor and a policy maker working to change health care legislation, and it would allow me to pursue research and internship opportunities with more understanding of my favored fields of study. (465 words) — — —

Start with the problem. In this essay, it’s really easy to find the healthcare problem that the student is addressing because it’s in his first paragraph. Right from the start, we know he’ll be talking about making prices more equitable in the healthcare system. It helps orient the reader and contextualize the rest of his essay. You don’t want your reader to be confused or have to search for your thesis in the body of your response.

Talk about yourself. This might seem obvious, but it’s easy to forget to do this when answering this kind of prompt. Many students get so sucked into identifying and describing problems that they forget to discuss what unique solutions they’d bring to the table. This student first makes it clear what frustrates him about the healthcare system, then he delves into his personal experience volunteering at AMITA Health Hospitals and shadowing a trauma surgeon. He also mentions specific high school classes and research opportunities that prepared him for studying medicine. He smoothly transitions from the problem to his academic background. Remember, this is your application, so don’t shy away from discussing your accomplishments. That being said, don’t lose track of answering the prompt as you talk about yourself. In the end, this student circles back to the original problem and discusses how a degree in Healthcare Management & Policy would help him take action in the medical field through policy implementation. Had he been writing to this prompt, he could have expanded more specifically on what policy measures he’d take to effect positive change. The more you can do to show you’ve done your research and are prepared to take real action, the better.

Emphasize persistence. One aspect of this essay that really stands out is the student’s grit and determination in making the most out of the opportunities available to him. Even though his volunteering job was interrupted by COVID, he made the most of his opportunities by signing up for external seminars and virtually shadowing doctors. Even though he was disturbed by the gunshot wounds he observed Dr. Brian Williams treating, he turned it into a source of ambition and motivation. He advocated for himself by cold-emailing professors, and landed a great college-level internship. Whenever you can, show how you overcame obstacles or worked with what you had in a meaningful way. It’s not about what’s handed to you, it’s about making the effort to reach for what may be just outside your grasp.

How to Write the Brown PLME Prompt #3

Required for applicants to the PLME (Program in Liberal Medical Education) 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? (250 word limit)

Think of this one as another “Why us?” prompt, but this one’s all about the PLME program. Here are some steps you can take as you prepare to write this prompt:

Step 1: Do your research. If you haven’t already, do a deep dive into the program, looking for courses and opportunities that appeal to you. How do you see yourself taking advantage of those offerings? What “why me” elements can you add in connecting what you’ve already done with what you hope to do in Brown’s PLME program? 

Step 2: Take a moment to think through what “your academic personal and professional goals as a person and a physician of the future” are. The prompt is essentially asking to learn more about two aspects of your aspirations: How do you want to grow (academically) as a person in the PLME? And what are your professional goals as a future doctor? 

Step 3: Make a copy of this chart to map out your research.

Step 4: As you write, think about dividing the essay into two parts: the first outlining your personal and professional goals, and the second using specifics (courses, professors, research opportunities, etc.) to show how you expect the PLME program to help you attain those goals.

Here’s a nice example of a student who did just that. While the example below was written for when the word count was 500, it nicely illustrates your goal with specific details and “so whats”, and would just need cuts.

Throughout preschool, I was only fluent in Tamil, so I carried a bright green piece of paper covered with crayon scribbles and coffee stains. Wrinkled beyond perception, it was my key to communicating with those around me. Over the course of two years, my mother had written translations that would enable my teachers to understand what I was saying at any given point in time.  After that green paper had come and gone, I started to notice new ones appear every once in a while. First, it was just a simple guide on verbs in Spanish, then it was a trigonometry review in Precalculus, until finally it was my formula sheet for Chemistry. At this point in time, the green sheet of paper represented a bridge between two worlds: one that was unknown and one that was familiar. Since I valued it so much, I made it my goal to become such a bridge. As a hospital volunteer, I spoke in Spanish, Telugu, and Tamil in order to help visitors find what they were looking for. This is where my interest in the medical field stems from—forming connections. My goal, as a physician, is to better my patients’ social and emotional health in addition to their physical well-being. PLME will give me the opportunity to explore my interests in a shorter, more structured timeframe, while also encouraging growth in various fields during my two years as an undergraduate student participating in medical school coursework. I hope to take part in Brown’s study abroad programs (if Covid allows it!), participating in extensive learning in places like Argentina and Japan. I’m very eager to study biology and medicine through the lens of new cultures. Additionally, within Providence, I’d be privileged to lend my skills to the Community Health Advocacy Program. At Brown, I want to continue my love of research. When I was a research assistant at the University of Illinois, I collected data on pancreatic cysts; but I would like the chance to participate in research on my particular interest in neural pathways and how they relate to cognitive function. I am especially intrigued by Dr. Sasaki’s work on how both the REM and NREM sleep cycles affect the learning process. I might also finally get the chance to conduct the study on total recall (not the movie) that I designed in my psychology class. From the limitless opportunities for exploration to a simultaneous science-oriented and clinic-oriented approach throughout my PLME experience, I’m confident that Brown will be a place in which I can thrive and become the bridge I have always sought to be— that green sheet of paper, connecting the known and unknown. (444 words) — — —

Connect to Brown’s resources. This essay isn’t just about you. It also isn’t just about Brown or the PLME program. “Why us?” = why you + why Brown/PLME. So try to craft a response that both demonstrates your unique interests and connects those to what the college/program has to offer. This student highlights her interest in traveling, translation, and connection in relation to medicine by talking about her experience volunteering at a hospital. She then connects those personal experiences to specific opportunities at Brown, like studying abroad in Argentina or Japan, participating in the Community Health Advocacy Program in Providence, and doing research on sleep cycles. We get a distinct sense of her excitement to engage with what the school has to offer. It’s specific to the PLME program and her love of medicine, but it also expands to the broader university. Getting as specific as possible about the clubs, labs, classes, majors, or professors you want to engage with will show that you’ve done your research—and that you’ve found lots at Brown to be excited about.

Explain your impact. The author here doesn’t just reference opportunities at Brown in passing; she does so with intention. Every time she mentions a campus organization, professor, or aspect of the PLME program, she explains why she’s interested in it and what she’d do with it as a resource. Writing about the contributions you see yourself making helps admission officers envision your impact on their campus environment. It also shows that you’re thinking through your involvement in the community on a deeper level, demonstrating a commitment to Brown’s core values.

Make your structure clear and logical. This essay is easy to follow because separate thoughts and experiences are grouped in separate paragraphs. The first few are more about how the student developed an interest in medicine as a kid/young adult. The next few are about Brown and the PLME program resources she’d want to take advantage of. And the last paragraph is more broadly about her goals and why she wants to become a physician. These clear paragraph/content delineations make the essay easy to read and understand in the context of the prompt.

How to Write the Brown RISD Program Supplemental Essays

How to write the brown risd prompt #1.

Required for applicants to the Brown|RISD Dual Degree Program: 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 diverse spheres of academic and creative inquiry, culminating in a capstone project that interrelates the content, approaches, and methods from two distinct learning experiences. Based on your understanding of the academic programs at Brown and RISD and the possibilities created by the BRDD program's broadened learning community, specifically describe how and why the BRDD program would constitute an optimal undergraduate education for you. As part of your answer, be sure to articulate how you might contribute to the Dual Degree community and its commitment to interdisciplinary work. (650 words)

Brown and RISD’s Dual Degree program is no joke. Only about 15-22 students are accepted each year out of a large pool of applicants. To get on your reader’s radar, this needs to be a stand-out essay. Think of it sort of like a personal statement + ”Why us?” hybrid. And just like for your personal statement, great brainstorming is key. Here are some of our favorite brainstorming exercises to get you started:

Essence Objects Exercise : 12 min.

Values Exercise : 4 min.

21 Details Exercise : 20 min. 

Everything I Want Colleges to Know About Me Exercise : 20 min.

The Feelings and Needs Exercise : 15-20 min. 

Remember, you want your Dual Degree essay to be distinct from your personal statement and your other Brown supplemental essays. It’s okay if certain themes or values overlap or intersect, but try to talk about something you haven’t already covered in other parts of your application. Here are some general tips as you start writing:

Do your research! After brainstorming about yourself, explore the university’s website. What courses would you want to take? What concentrations interest you? What clubs or sports teams could you be a part of? Really think through the way you’d structure your experience at the two universities. Your reader won’t be able to envision you in the program if you can’t envision yourself there.

Make interdisciplinary connections. That’s what this program is all about: finding unique ways to marry an undergraduate education in something like Public Policy, Economics, History, or Arabic to an interest in a specific artform or style like Silkscreen, Film, or Industrial Design. Your reader needs to know how you’d benefit from an education at both RISD and Brown. What could you do with skills from both institutions that you couldn’t do by attending just one of these schools? That’s a question you should be looking to answer in your response.

Details! Be specific. The more visceral details you can share about yourself and what you’re discussing, the better you can distinguish yourself from the other applicants. Use memorable language and evoke unique images that are likely to stick with admission officers.

Remember, sometimes, the key to writing is getting started. Your first draft doesn’t have to be perfect. When in doubt, write it long, then cut it later after you’ve gotten all your thoughts on paper. The goal here is to emphasize your personal values and experiences, then tie those to the specific resources of the Dual Degree program and how you’d make use of them. Of course, this is easier said than done, but great planning, research, and brainstorming will set you up for success.

With all these tips and examples in mind, you’re ready to start writing the Brown supplemental essays!

Special thanks to Julia for writing this blog post.

Julia published her first “book” on the elusive Pika in elementary school and has been writing fervently ever since. She’s thrilled to unite her quirky love of grammar and master’s in psychology to help students tell their most meaningful stories. Her favorite punctuation mark is the apostrophe because, in the words of Imagine Dragons, it’s “a symbol to remind you that there’s more to see.”

Top values: Collaboration | Family | Productivity

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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. 

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Article Contents 9 min read

Brown supplemental essay example #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)

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. 

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).

"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 Get Into Brown PLME (Sample Essays Included)

How hard is it to get into the brown program in liberal medical education learn the plme requirements and read sample plme essays.

Part 1: Introduction

Part 2: brown plme admissions requirements, part 3: applying to plme early decision vs. regular action, part 4: 2023–2024 brown plme supplemental essays, part 5: brown plme interviews and video portfolios.

Does your child dream of becoming a doctor and studying more than the standard premed fare? Are they drawn towards the long-term assurance of a BS/MD program but hesitant to give up the academic freedom of a liberal arts education? If so, Brown University’s Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) may be the perfect option.

PLME is an eight-year BS/MD program, meaning students simultaneously gain admission to both Brown’s undergraduate program and medical school. Unlike the majority of BS/MD programs, PLME allows its students to choose any major available at Brown, making it an attractive option for both traditional premeds and future doctors hoping to study in the humanities or arts. 

In addition, as the only BS/MD program in the Ivy League, PLME is widely considered one of the best in the country, which is reflected in its extremely selective acceptance rate. 

If your child hopes to gain acceptance to PLME, read on. In this guide, we’ll break down PLME’s admissions process, explain how your child can stand out in their application, and show you examples of successful secondary essays. 

First, let’s go into more detail regarding PLME and why your child might want to apply.

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Students accepted to PLME spend four years as Brown undergraduates and then four years as MD students in Brown’s Warren Alpert Medical School . PLME is a major route of entry into Alpert Medical School; 37 percent of students who matriculated in the class of 2025 were accepted to Alpert via PLME.  

Like all BS/MD programs, PLME is only worth considering if your child is 100 percent certain that they want to attend medical school. Because PLME entails an eight-year commitment right out of high school, students who aren’t completely sure of their goals would be better served by applying to traditional four-year undergraduate programs instead. 

If your child does have their heart set on a BS/MD program, PLME is an excellent choice for a couple of reasons. Not only does it offer the rigor, prestige, and resources of a Brown education, it’s also distinctive among BS/MD programs for its educational philosophy. 

Flexibility is a key concept in both PLME’s curriculum and Brown’s self-directed Open Curriculum , which PLME students also participate in. While many BS/MD programs require students to adhere to a traditional premed pathway by majoring in the sciences, PLME allows its students to select from any of Brown’s nearly 100 concentrations (majors). So, whether your child wants to study biomedical engineering, anthropology, or theater, they may do so while still being assured a spot in medical school.

On top of this, PLME students are spared not only the stress of medical school applications but also the pressure of studying for the MCAT, which isn’t the case in every BS/MD program. 

PLME notes on their website that the goal of the program “is enrichment, not acceleration.” This is evident in how it empowers future doctors to undertake a broad liberal arts education. If this appeals to your child, they should consider applying to PLME for the unique opportunity to follow their intellectual and creative passions—without jeopardizing their chances of medical school acceptances.

PLME tuition and scholarships

Tuition for PLME undergraduate students is the same as it is for other Brown undergrads. Similarly, all medical students face the same tuition, including those who gained entrance via PLME. 

For the 2023–2024 academic year, the undergraduate cost of attendance at Brown runs $87,648 per year. The first-year cost of attendance at Alpert Medical School is higher, at $96,940.

Brown has need-blind undergraduate admissions and is committed to meeting 100 percent of demonstrated financial need without student loans . Accepted students whose families earn less than $60,000 per year and have assets under $100,000 can expect to have all of their tuition covered through a combination of scholarships and grants for the duration of their undergraduate years.

Alpert Medical School has its own financial aid process and works closely with students to secure funding according to each student’s need through a combination of institutional and external sources. 50 percent of Alpert aid recipients receive institutional scholarships ; in 2018–2019, the average award was $33,730. Your child may also receive medical school financial aid in the form of loans and part-time employment.

How hard is it to get into PLME?

Let’s take a look at admissions statistics for PLME’s class of 2026:

Applicants: 4,192

Offers of admission: 74

Matriculants: 55

Acceptance rate: 1.77%

Admission into PLME is extremely competitive. In fact, it’s more than twice as competitive as acceptance into Brown’s general student body, already highly selective (in 2023, Brown accepted 5 percent of applicants, including PLME students).

This likely leaves you wondering what Brown looks for in PLME students. We’ll explain below.

Brown PLME academic requirements

Neither PLME nor Brown have strict prerequisites that prospective applicants must fulfill. That said, PLME encourages applicants to complete honors or AP coursework , if available at their high school. 

In addition, Brown’s Office of College Admission suggests that all applicants complete the following high school coursework :

English: 4 years of literature and academic writing

Math: 4 years, through calculus, especially for students bound for STEM programs

Science: 3-4 years (with 2 years of lab), focusing on biology, physics, and chemistry when possible

History: 3-4 years, with both history courses and courses that focus on government, economics, and politics

Foreign language: 3-4 years of consecutive language learning

Music and art: Encouraged though not officially recommended

Brown also states that, if your child plans to major in science, engineering, or math, they should take as many advanced courses in that area as possible. 

Generally speaking, Brown favors students who have pushed themselves in a specific area of interest and who have proven that they’re academically inquisitive and ready to be challenged.

Brown PLME testing requirements

PLME matriculants between 2017 and 2019 averaged the following standardized test scores:

SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing: 742

SAT Mathematics: 770

2023–2024 admissions to Brown are test-optional due to the hardship of COVID-19. This means that, though your child is welcome to submit SAT or ACT scores , their application won’t be penalized for not doing so and will receive full consideration either way.

However, Brown states that if your child does have a test score available, they would like to consider it and will bear in mind that applicants may not have had the chance to test more than once. 

If you’re planning ahead for a future PLME application, note that Brown’s test-optional policy will likely be reviewed each cycle, but for now, it remains optional.

Brown PLME application requirements

PLME applicants complete the same application that traditional applicants to Brown do. The only difference is that PLME applicants must also submit three supplemental PLME-specific essays—we’ll discuss how to tackle these in a bit.

Your child’s complete PLME application will consist of the following:

Common Application

Brown supplemental essays, including three that are PLME-specific

$75 application fee or fee waiver

Forms sent from your child’s school:

Transcript, school report, and midyear school report

Counselor recommendation

Two letters of recommendation from teachers (PLME applicants must submit at least one recommendation from a science or math teacher)

First quarter/trimester grades

Optional in 2023–2024: SAT or ACT results

Optional: Supplementary materials such as music, visual art, academic papers, research, or material that highlights other accomplishment

Optional: Video portfolio (we’ll discuss this further down)

Part 3: PLME Early Decision vs. Regular Action

PLME applicants are able to apply either Early Decision or Regular Action. In order to decide which option best suits your child, it’s important to understand that a PLME application is also inherently an application to Brown. It’s not possible to apply to PLME only. 

In other words, your child will complete an application to Brown in which they’ll indicate their interest in being considered for PLME. One possible outcome of this system is that your child could gain acceptance to Brown but be rejected by PLME. 

That’s why applying Early Decision can be tricky. Because Early Decision at Brown is binding, if your child applies to PLME Early Decision, they must be okay with the possibility that they might end up committing to attending Brown as a traditional undergraduate rather than as a PLME student. 

Early Decision applicants who are turned down by PLME but accepted to Brown are still considered for PLME at the Regular Action deadline. However, if your child would be unhappy committing to attending Brown outside of PLME, a Regular Action application would be the better choice.

(Suggested reading: Early Action vs. Early Decision: Pros and Cons and What Your Child Should Do )

2023–2024 PLME application timeline

Here are the important deadlines to keep in mind as your child applies to PLME:

Early Decision timeline

Application deadline: November 1

Video portfolio deadline: November 4

Decision notification: Mid-December

Regular Action timeline

Application deadline: January 3

Video portfolio deadline: January 9

Decision notification: Early April

In addition to a Common Application essay and three short, Brown-specific essays, your child will also need to complete three supplemental essays that address their interest in PLME. Let’s take a look at the essay prompts and some example responses.

Question 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. (250 word limit)

An excellent response to this prompt will be two-pronged. Your child should discuss the experiences through which they’ve developed their interest in medicine, such as coursework, extracurriculars , shadowing , research, or relevant personal experiences. They should also take care to convey that they’ve thought through their decision to dedicate themselves to a challenging profession. Admissions officers will be looking to see both exposure to the field and mature, clear-eyed commitment. 

I like helping others, but if that was my only motivation for becoming a doctor, there are a lot of career paths of less resistance I could have chosen instead.

In particular, I like helping others live more fulfilling, well-rounded lives, whether it be through spending time in nature, reading books, learning survival skills, or making art. But while these things are important pieces of the recipe for a good and happy life, they leave out a key component: physical wellbeing.

Luckily, I also happen to be passionate about STEM, which has opened my eyes to all the possibilities of what science can do to improve lives in the most tangible ways. My time volunteering with hospitals around Seattle has offered me a glimpse into what needs exist and how I could address them. I spend hours every week reading about new cancer treatments, and I can’t wait to contribute to developing more precise, less invasive treatments, like Professor Heinrich Elinzano’s DCVax-L cancer vaccine, which has been shown to extend the life expectancy of patients with glioblastoma.

As a doctor, I want to develop treatment plans that both benefit patients’ mental health and physical health by combining the wonders of modern medicine and technology with personalized mental health treatments to improve their quality of life both during and after treatment.  

Question 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. (250 word limit)

Prompt 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? (250 word limit)

Gain instant access to essay examples for every supplemental essay prompt from the top universities and BS/MD programs in the United States.

Brown doesn’t offer on-campus interviews for prospective students, PLME applicants included. Instead, they typically offer the opportunity to either interview with an alum or submit a two-minute video portfolio . Due to COVID-19, no interviews are being offered during the 2023–2024 application cycle, currently leaving video portfolios as the only option to create a “face to face” impression. 

Optional but strongly encouraged, video portfolios are a way to show the admissions committee the human behind the application. Your child may use their video to discuss their interests, experiences, why they’re applying to Brown/PLME, or anything else they’d like to convey. Production quality will not be evaluated, so your child should focus solely on the content of their video. 

Your child should consider what they want Brown to know about them that isn’t well represented in the rest of their application. That could mean discussing, for example, something they do for fun or a relationship that’s meaningful to them. It could also mean speaking about a different facet of an academic interest or extracurricular. Whatever your child chooses to focus on, they should try to relate it to their interest in Brown and PLME. 

Though creating a video portfolio might seem intimidating or unfamiliar, we suggest that your child approach it largely the same way they’d approach an interview. They should make use of the format to convey what’s sometimes invisible in written materials: human depth and personality. They should try to come across as polished, likable, comfortable, and, most importantly, like themselves.

Final thoughts

Great candidates for PLME are accomplished students who are set on a career in medicine but also value the breadth and flexibility of a liberal arts education. For the best chances of getting into this highly selective program, your child should focus on earning top grades in the most rigorous courses available, plus excellent standardized test scores if applicable.

Beyond this, they can stand out from the rest of the applicant pool by writing stellar essays that thoughtfully convey their commitment to medicine and which explain how PLME’s unique curriculum and philosophy will help them become the doctor they want to be.

About the Author

Dr. Shirag Shemmassian is the Founder of Shemmassian Academic Consulting and one of the world's foremost experts on college admissions. For nearly 20 years, he and his team have helped thousands of students get into top programs like Harvard, Stanford, and MIT using his exclusive approach.

THERE'S NO REASON TO STRUGGLE THROUGH THE BS/MD ADMISSIONS PROCESS ALONE, ESPECIALLY WITH SO MUCH ON THE LINE. SCHEDULE YOUR COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION TO ENSURE YOU LEAVE NOTHING TO CHANCE.

Choose Your Test

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

College Essays

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.

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 .

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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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.

At a glance…

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Providence, RI

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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Someone with the same interests, stats, and background as you

Brown University

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Want to see your chances of admission at Brown University?

We take every aspect of your personal profile into consideration when calculating your admissions chances.

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

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.

What Brings You Joy Short Response

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.

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?

Undergraduate Admission

How to apply.

Applications to Brown are submitted online via the Common Application. The online system will guide you through the process of providing the supporting credentials appropriate to your status as a first-year or transfer applicant.

• Applying to Brown

Common Application

Begin by creating an account on the  Common Application  website. Once registered, you will need to add Brown University to your list of colleges by the College Search tab.

The Common Application is divided into three sections:

• Information common to all the schools to which you are applying
• Brown University specific questions
• School forms submitted by your school counselor and academic instructors

Apply Now with the Common Application

Brown University Specific Questions

Questions specific to Brown, including our essays for the 2023-2024 application cycle, are found in the section labeled "Questions." If you are 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), you must also complete the special program essays.

Three essays are required for all first year and transfer applicants:

• 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)

First year applicants are also asked to reflect briefly on each of the very short answer questions below. We expect that answers will range from a few words to a few sentences at most.

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)

In one sentence, Why Brown? (50 words)

Transfer students are also asked to complete the following very short answer question: 

Three essays are required for applicants to the PLME in addition to the three essays required of all first year applicants:

• 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. (250 word limit)
• 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. (250 word limit)
• How do you envision the Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) helping to meet your academic, personal and professional goals as a person and future physician? (250 word limit)

One essay is required for applicants to the Brown|RISD Dual Degree Program in addition to the three essays required of all first year applicants:

• 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? (650 word limit)

Submitting Material

Within the Common Application, you will be presented with either online or paper methods of inviting appropriate school officials and teachers to supply records and recommendations. We suggest that you begin the process early to give them plenty of time to respond before the deadline.

We recommend having all official documents, including transcripts and recommendations, sent through the Common Application. Brown has also partnered with  slate.org , through which counselors may upload materials directly for applicants. If this is not an option, please arrange to have your materials sent by email to [email protected] . In the absence of other electronic submission options, items may be faxed to 401-863-9300. Please do not mail duplicate hard copies of items that have been sent to Brown, as this can slow processing times.

Application Fee

To apply to Brown you must submit a $75 non-refundable application fee, or a fee waiver. As part of our commitment to make a Brown University education accessible to students from all income backgrounds, Brown is making automatic application fee waivers available to more students.

Brown will automatically waive the application fee for any student who is enrolled in or eligible for the Federal Free or Reduced Price Lunch program (FRPL), as well as students who are enrolled in federal, state or local programs that aid students from low-income families (for example, TRIO Programs). Additionally, Brown will automatically waive the application fee for any student who belongs to a community-based organization or college access organization that promotes educational opportunity for low-income students.

Applicants to Brown who meet any of these requirements should select the "Brown Specific Fee Waiver" in the "Brown Questions" section of the Common Application.   Applicants who do not meet these specific requirements but believe they may qualify for a fee waiver may select the same options in the Common Application supplemented by a fee waiver request. We will accept fee waiver request forms from  College Board  or  NACAC , or school counselors may email a letter of support directly to  [email protected] .

Criminal History

We do not consider information on criminal history during our initial round of admission application review. Only upon selecting a pool of admitted candidates do we learn whether you have reported a criminal history, at which point we will offer you an opportunity to explain the circumstances. With this approach, information on misdemeanor or felony convictions can inform, but not determine, admission decisions. This ensures that applicants are evaluated based on their academic profile, extracurricular pursuits and potential fit - not criminal history - and enables us to continue to review this potentially important information.

Deadlines and Notifications

Complete the Common Application by:

• November 1 for Early Decision
• January 3 for Regular Decision

You will receive a confirmation email from the Office of College Admission confirming receipt of your Common Application. It is best to ensure that all application materials are sent by the deadline. However, if your application and application payment/fee waiver are submitted by the deadline, it is acceptable to have some of your supporting materials (transcripts, letters of recommendation, etc.) arrive within the following week.

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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Brown University 2023-24 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Early Decision: Nov 1

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 3

You Have: 

Brown University 2023-24 Application Essay Question Explanations

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)

This prompt sounds simple enough: describe what you want to study and why you like it—but not so fast. 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 your areas of interest are so varied? 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. 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 a formative experience: the best book you’ve ever read, the first time you spoke French to an actual French person, that one time when you used PEMDAS in the real world! Then marry the concrete details of your story with Brown’s academic offerings, and you’ll knock your response out of the park!

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 wants to accept students from a range of backgrounds who will contribute to their University community, so tell admissions about what makes you you and how you will be a meaningful addition to the student body. Think about times when you were challenged by or found strength in your identity, background, or skills. Maybe you were the only South Asian family in a predominantly white area and found inspiration by practicing classical Kuchipudi dance, which you intend to continue at Brown. Perhaps your aging grandparent moved in with you, and the changes to your household prompted you to take on more responsibilities, sparking a passion for leadership. What do you hope to share with others about your lived experience? How will you incorporate this element of your identity into your college experience? Show admissions that you’re eager to make your mark in their community. Bonus points if you can reference a specific component of the Brown experience (think clubs, the curriculum, volunteer opportunities, etc.) to demonstrate your interest and fit.

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)

Try not to overthink your response to this question. Admissions even goes so far as to say that the focal point of your response can be big or small. So, go with your gut. Maybe, you love watching the sunset on your grandmother’s porch over a pitcher of lemonade and a game of checkers. Or, perhaps, you want to tell admissions about the look on your sister’s face everytime you agree to a custom makeover (neon eyeshadows only). If you want to write about something bigger, maybe it’s the app you’re building to help people find volunteer opportunities in their community or the scientific discovery you made last spring. Whatever it may be, be true to yourself, and you’ll ace this response.

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 (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), in one sentence, why brown (50 words).

Short answers like these give you a chance to show something that isn’t apparent in the other parts of your application, such as different aspects of your personality, background, and interests. The key to nailing this section is brainstorming. Free your mind and spend a few minutes jotting down as many answers as you can think of for each prompt. Literally set a timer and force yourself to keep your pencil moving (or fingers typing) for the entire time. The more you go with your gut, the more likely you are to come up with a unique and truly personal answer; in the end, that’s really what admissions is looking for. Sure, many applicants play extracurricular sports, but how is your relationship to your sport unique? For the final question, consider not only the research you’ve done on Brown, but also how you’ll fit in with the unique campus culture. The point is not to waste time agonizing over what you think admissions wants to hear, but to think about who you are as a person. Trust yourself. 

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Home — Application Essay — University — Brown University

Brown University Admission Essays

Brown University, nestled in historic Providence, Rhode Island, is renowned for its distinctive approach to education. Founded in 1764, it stands as the seventh-oldest college in the United States, boasting a rich history and a commitment to academic excellence. Aspiring students often seek insights into the university's essay requirements, and this advices aims to shed light on Brown essay examples, offering guidance and inspiration for prospective applicants.

Introduction to Brown University Essays

Brown University, celebrated for its open curriculum and dedication to student-directed learning, places a significant emphasis on the essay component of the application process. These essays offer a unique opportunity for applicants to unveil their distinctive perspectives, experiences, and aspirations. Crafting compelling essays is paramount for setting oneself apart in the competitive admissions process.

With an esteemed commitment to an open curriculum and student-directed learning, Brown University stands as a distinguished institution in higher education. Navigating the intricate landscape of the application process requires prospective students to pay meticulous attention to a pivotal element: the essay component. Here, the strategic use of Brown essay examples, meticulously crafted and purposefully employed, serves as the guiding beacon leading applicants toward the coveted admission to this prestigious institution. Examining Brown essay examples provides not only inspiration but also practical insights, allowing applicants to understand the expectations and nuances that can make their essays stand out in the competitive admissions arena.

5 Main Facts about Brown University Essays

As students consider applying to Brown University, the importance of essays becomes evident. These Brown University essay examples are more than just requirements; they serve as windows into the applicant's perspective. In the following discussion, we explore five essential facts highlighting the role of essays in shaping the admission process at Brown.

• Open Curriculum: Brown's open curriculum empowers students to shape their academic journey. This ethos extends to the essays, encouraging applicants to express themselves freely.
• Individualized Approach: Brown values individuality. Essays are a chance for applicants to demonstrate how they will contribute to the diverse and vibrant Brown community.
• Reflective and Thoughtful: Brown's essays often prompt reflective and thoughtful responses, encouraging applicants to delve into personal experiences, challenges, and growth.
• Holistic Review: Brown University employs a holistic admissions process, considering various aspects of an applicant's profile. Essays play a pivotal role in providing a holistic view of the candidate.
• Connection to Brown Values: Successful essays align with Brown's values of academic freedom, creativity, and a commitment to making a positive impact on the world.

Essential Requirements for Admission to Brown University

Before embarking on the application journey, familiarize yourself with the key requirements for admission to Brown University. In addition to completing either the Common Application or Coalition Application, prospective students must adhere to the following essential criteria:

• Standardized Test Scores: Submission of standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT, is mandatory for consideration in the admission process.
• High School Transcripts: Applicants are required to provide comprehensive transcripts reflecting their academic performance throughout high school.
• Recommendation Letters: Submission of recommendation letters, typically from teachers or other individuals familiar with the applicant's academic and personal qualities, is an integral part of the application process.
• Well-Crafted Essays: Crafting thoughtful and well-articulated essays is a crucial component of the application. These essays provide an opportunity for applicants to express their unique perspectives, experiences, and aspirations.

Meeting these requirements ensures that your application to Brown University is complete and stands a strong chance of being thoroughly evaluated by the admissions committee. As you embark on the crucial task of crafting compelling essays, consider seeking inspiration and guidance from Brown sample essays. Analyzing successful examples can provide valuable insights and help you tailor your own narrative to align with Brown University's expectations and values.

Brown University Essay Prompts 2023

Brown University's essay prompts for 2023 are carefully designed to elicit thoughtful and genuine responses. These prompts provide applicants with the opportunity to showcase their personality, values, and aspirations. Here are the essay prompts for the upcoming admissions cycle:

• Essay Prompt 1: Reflect on a significant personal experience or achievement and its impact on you.

Example: Delve into a transformative moment where you demonstrated resilience, narrating how overcoming adversity shaped your character and influenced your outlook on life.

• Essay Prompt 2: Describe an obstacle you've overcome and how it has shaped you.

Example: Share a personal story of conquering a challenging obstacle, illustrating the lessons learned and personal growth that ensued from navigating that difficult experience.

• Essay Prompt 3: Share a time when you challenged a belief or idea. What prompted you to act? Would you make the same decision again?

Example: Narrate an instance where you courageously challenged a prevailing belief or idea, providing insights into the motivations behind your actions and reflecting on whether you would make the same decision in hindsight.

These examples aim to illustrate the diversity of experiences and reflections that the essay prompts can encompass, guiding applicants in crafting thoughtful and impactful responses.

As you embark on this journey of self-expression and introspection through the essay prompts, consider delving into the nuances of your unique narrative. This not only enhances the authenticity of your responses but also aligns seamlessly with the essence of Brown supplemental essays, an invaluable resource for gaining deeper insights into the expectations and preferences of the admissions committee. Utilizing Brown supplemental essay examples as a reference allows you to refine your approach, ensuring that your responses not only meet the specified criteria but also resonate authentically with Brown University's values and ethos.

How to Write Brown University Supplemental Essay

When approaching to write Brown University's supplemental essays, it's essential to keep a few key principles in mind:

• Authenticity: Be true to yourself. Share genuine experiences and insights that reflect who you are.
• Connect to Brown: Demonstrate a clear connection between your values, aspirations, and what Brown University has to offer.
• Show, Don't Tell: Instead of listing achievements, vividly illustrate your experiences and their impact on your personal growth.
• Revise and Edit: Craft your essays with care, revising and editing to ensure clarity, coherence, and proper grammar.

Using Brown University Essay Examples

Examining successful Brown University essay examples can provide valuable insights and inspiration. Here are 20 potential essay topics along with brief prompts:

• Topic 1: Embracing Vulnerability – Share a moment when vulnerability led to personal growth.
• Topic 2: Cultural Kaleidoscope – Explore the impact of your cultural background on your perspective.
• Topic 3: Intellectual Journey – Reflect on a book, experience, or idea that sparked intellectual curiosity.
• Topic 4: Social Impact – Discuss a community service experience and its lasting effects on your worldview.
• Topic 5: Resilience in Adversity – Narrate a story of overcoming adversity and its influence on your character.

Using Brown Essays that Worked

Examining essays that have secured admission to Brown University can offer practical guidance. Here are two examples of essays that worked:

• Essay Example 1: Title: "The Canvas of My Identity" – A reflective exploration of cultural identity and its role in shaping personal values.
• Essay Example 2: Title: "Harmony in Diversity" – An essay highlighting the applicant's commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within their community.

Conclusion for Brown Essay Examples

As you embark on the journey of crafting your Brown University essays, remember that each word is an opportunity to paint a vivid picture of who you are. Use the essay prompts as a canvas to showcase your uniqueness, experiences, and aspirations. By leveraging the insights gained from examples and understanding the core values of Brown, you can create essays that not only meet the requirements but also stand out in the competitive admissions process.

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The Pursuit of Intellectual Exploration: A Journey to Brown University

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The Intersection of Science and Art at Brown University

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In an era defined by superficiality, conformity, and the pursuit of material success, Brown University emerges as an oasis that nurtures individuality, intellectual curiosity, and authenticity. As a college student yearning to transcend societal norms and uncover my true potential, Brown University stands as an…

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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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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?

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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: 

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)

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. 

Related CollegeVine Blog Posts

Pre-Law Advising

• Apply to Law School

Clear writing is essential as your application will include a number of essays.

The admissions essays convey important information about you in several ways. First, they provide the substantive information about you that is provided in the essay itself. Second, they demonstrate your ability to write clearly and effectively. Third, they allow you to introduce yourself as a person and give admissions teams an idea of how you’ll be as part of the law school community.

Types of Essays

Historically, law schools have all required the same general “personal statement” and an optional “diversity” or “identity” statement. Many have also included mandatory and/or optional idiosyncratic essays. Following the Supreme Court’s decision in Students for Fair Admissions v. President and Fellows of Harvard University in 2023, a number of law schools have modified or added new essay prompts.

There are a few different types of essays that may be required, including:

• Personal Statement
• Diversity Statement, Idiosyncratic Essays and Why This School Essays

Note: The prompts for these can change each year so it is important for you to check with each school to see what they require.

There are a number of resources at Brown to help you with writing essays for law school.

• Pre-Law Advisor Individual Appointments
• Pre-Law Advising Writing Workshops
• Writing Center at Brown

It’s a mistake to guess what admissions staff “want to see” or what will be impressive. Authenticity is the most important aspect of all your essay writing. Your goal is to create an honest and compelling portrait of yourself in your essays. These readers have read thousands of essays and met thousands of students. They are adept at discerning genuine sentiment from calculation and artifice.

It’s a good idea to be organized about all the application tasks, but it’s particularly important to keep track of essays. Make a spreadsheet for yourself of all the essays that you’ll need to write. Include the prompts in the spreadsheet, and give yourself target dates for generating drafts, finalizing them and submitting them.

Literary Arts

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 V. Board of Education: the Pinnacle of the NAACP’s Struggle for Equality

This essay about Brown v. Board of Education highlights the significance of this landmark 1954 Supreme Court case in challenging racial segregation. It traces the efforts of the NAACP and key figures like Thurgood Marshall, detailing how the case dismantled the “separate but equal” doctrine of Plessy v. Ferguson. The essay also discusses the resistance to desegregation and the ongoing struggle for civil rights, emphasizing the enduring impact and importance of collective action in the fight for justice and equality.

How it works

In the intricate tapestry of American history, few legal battles stand out as prominently as Brown v. Board of Education. This pivotal Supreme Court case, etched into the nation’s collective memory in 1954, served as a beacon of hope in the tumultuous seas of racial inequality. It wasn’t just a legal confrontation; it was a seismic shift, a defining moment that reshaped the contours of civil rights in the United States.

The roots of Brown v. Board of Education delve deep into the fertile soil of the early 20th century, when the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) took root in 1909.

Born out of necessity, the NAACP emerged as a bastion of resistance against the suffocating tendrils of racial discrimination, wielding legal strategies as its sword and shield in the fight for equality. Visionaries like Thurgood Marshall and Charles Hamilton Houston, luminaries in their own right, helmed the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, orchestrating a symphony of legal maneuvers aimed at dismantling the scaffolding of segregation that marred American society.

The saga of Brown v. Board of Education found its protagonist in Oliver Brown, an ordinary man with an extraordinary resolve. Hailing from Topeka, Kansas, Brown’s daughter, Linda, became the unwitting catalyst for change when she was denied entry to a nearby white school solely because of her race. Outraged and undeterred, Brown joined forces with the NAACP, setting into motion a legal odyssey that would forever alter the course of history.

At its core, Brown v. Board of Education was a frontal assault on the legal doctrine of “separate but equal,” a hollow facade that concealed the ugly truth of segregation. For decades, this doctrine, sanctified by the Supreme Court in the ignoble decision of Plessy v. Ferguson (1896), served as a bulwark of oppression, legitimizing the segregationist policies that relegated African Americans to second-class citizenship. Yet, the NAACP dared to challenge this orthodoxy, arguing that separate can never be equal, that segregation breeds inequality like a noxious weed choking the garden of democracy.

The courtroom became the battleground, where legal titans clashed in a duel of wits and precedents. The NAACP marshaled an arsenal of evidence, drawing from the wellspring of social science research to expose the pernicious effects of segregation on the minds and spirits of black children. The landmark “doll test” conducted by Kenneth and Mamie Clark laid bare the psychological scars inflicted by segregation, revealing the profound damage wrought upon the self-esteem and identity of African American youth.

On that fateful day, May 17, 1954, the Supreme Court delivered its unanimous verdict, rending asunder the shackles of segregation with a stroke of the judicial pen. In a sweeping decision penned by Chief Justice Earl Warren, the Court declared that separate educational facilities were inherently unequal, shattering the legal edifice of segregation and heralding a new dawn of equality. The echoes of Brown v. Board of Education reverberated across the land, a clarion call for justice that could not be ignored.

But the victory was not without its tribulations. In the wake of Brown, a tempest of resistance swept through the South, fueled by the embers of hatred and bigotry. White supremacists dug in their heels, defying the tide of progress with acts of defiance and violence. The specter of “massive resistance” loomed large, as segregationists sought to thwart desegregation efforts through legislative chicanery and intimidation.

In the years that followed, the struggle for civil rights raged on, fueled by the indomitable spirit of those who dared to dream of a more just society. The NAACP and its allies continued to wage war on multiple fronts, battling segregation in schools, housing, and public accommodations. Each legal victory, each hard-won triumph, brought the nation one step closer to the elusive promise of equality enshrined in the Constitution.

Today, as we reflect on the legacy of Brown v. Board of Education, we are reminded of the power of collective action and the resilience of the human spirit. It serves as a testament to the enduring quest for justice, a beacon of hope for future generations in their struggle against oppression and injustice. The journey towards equality is long and arduous, but as long as there are those willing to stand up and fight, the flame of freedom will never be extinguished.

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Brown v. Board of Education: The Pinnacle of the NAACP’s Struggle for Equality. (2024, May 21). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/brown-v-board-of-education-the-pinnacle-of-the-naacps-struggle-for-equality/

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PapersOwl.com. (2024). Brown v. Board of Education: The Pinnacle of the NAACP’s Struggle for Equality . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/brown-v-board-of-education-the-pinnacle-of-the-naacps-struggle-for-equality/ [Accessed: 26 May. 2024]

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"Brown v. Board of Education: The Pinnacle of the NAACP’s Struggle for Equality," PapersOwl.com , 21-May-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/brown-v-board-of-education-the-pinnacle-of-the-naacps-struggle-for-equality/. [Accessed: 26-May-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Brown v. Board of Education: The Pinnacle of the NAACP’s Struggle for Equality . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/brown-v-board-of-education-the-pinnacle-of-the-naacps-struggle-for-equality/ [Accessed: 26-May-2024]

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