Brown University Top Questions

As cliche as it sounds, college is really about what you want. Try not to let everyone else make your decisions for you. It's your experience and it's your education so don't risk regret and uncertainty. During the application process, ask lots of questions! The worse that could happen is that you receive "no" as an answer. Never be afraid to ask any questions concering financial aid. Also, don't be afriad to try something completely new; travel across the country, meet new people. Take advantage of everything you can.

Ultimately, regardless of how many schools you apply to and how many school you get accepted into, in the end, you will end up where you belong.

Do not be afraid to look at the small liberal arts schools, those not listed on the rankings for national universities. If you are willing to pay for a private education, your student is much more likely to get his or her moneys worth at a smaller school like reed or marlboro than at a big one like usc.

I encourage to attend and sit in classes for a day and really talk to students. If there is a pre-freshman event, then try going to it because it is really true what they say, you just know that it's right for you. Make sure that you research whether or not it has your major and really think about what you want to accomplish in college. It goes by fast and it doesn't mean that you have to make a decision right out of high school of what you want to be... find a college that can accomodate your needs. The best colleges aren't always the ones with the biggest names. College is really a chance for you do what you want and make mistakes. It's scary at times but it is so worth it if you find the right place. Don't sell yourself short if you think that it's out of reach and don't be afraid of the costs, the universities are a lot more generous than you might think. Good luck!

Students should approach finding the right college with intensity as it is a crucial decision that has lasting implications. They should start their searches in-state, looking at colleges and universities that match their academic profile, broadest career interests and personal characteristics. But they shouldn't stop there! While in-state universities are generally more financially feasible for most families, students should also look elsewhere, especially if they are of high academic caliber or have very specific interests or talents not satisfied close to home. Students should not sell themselves short by only applying to Mom or Dad's school. But they should also be realistic about their chances to avoid setting expectations unrooted in reality - this advice applies to families, too! Their interests can and probably will change, so they should go to a school that has myriad strengths rather than a narrow focus. Finally, students should seek informal advice from undergrads who actually attend your target schools. There is so much that is not printed in the guidebook that can be make-or-break their experience. Lastly, once they finally decide, they should be ecstatic as they will have the most rewarding experience of their lifetimes!

Find the college that is a good fit socially, academically, and politically

-pick Brown if you can handle the lack of a core and want the academic freedom and respsonibility that comes along with Brown's liberal academics -visit as many schools as possible -talk to current students to find out what it is really like to attend the school -a great place to start the process is to narrow down your search based on categories, for example: city vs. non-city, size of the school, athletic division, academic requirements and course offerings, etc.

The best advice I can give to parents and/or prospective students about finding the right college is that you only live life once so follow your dream and your heart . Forasmuch, my motto is to carpe diem and to not be confined by limiting circumstnaces like finances or physical disabilities because no one wants to grow up with the regrets of "what if".

Brown is a very unique institution. It prides itself on the size of its endowment and the degrees its professors hold. It doesn?t care about students needs. It has inadequate athletic facilities and a terrible food service. Classes are incredible and you really can't beat the education you will receive, but be warned that you don't matter in the eyes of the university. There is no school spirit and believe me, the kids at this school are STRANGE. Really though, you will meet the weirdest people in your entire life. For all of you parents out there wishing your kid went to an Ivy League school just be warned that the kids drink a lot, I mean Wednesday through Sunday every week. Your kid might be happier staying closer to home. I know that I am one of the few that actually say that they don't like the school but believe me, the majority of the kids hate the administration and are fed up with the social life. My recommendation: look somewhere else.

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