How To Write The Brown Supplemental Essays

How to Write Winning Brown Supplemental Essays

Brown University, known for its open curriculum and unique academic atmosphere, attracts thousands of ambitious applicants each year. To stand out from the crowd, your supplemental essays are crucial. They provide an opportunity to showcase your personality, passions, and fit with Brown's distinctive environment. This guide will help you craft compelling essays that highlight what makes you you and why Brown is the perfect place for you to thrive.

Understanding Brown's Supplemental Essay Prompts

Brown's application usually includes several supplemental essay prompts. These prompts aim to understand your intellectual curiosity, personal experiences, and how you envision your place within the Brown community. Pay close attention to the specific wording of each prompt; this is crucial for a successful response.

Common Themes and Questions to Consider:

• The Open Curriculum: Brown's famed open curriculum is a major selling point. How would you leverage this freedom to pursue your academic interests? Think about specific courses, professors, or research opportunities that excite you and explain why they align with your goals.
• Your "Why Brown": While not always explicitly stated, every essay should implicitly answer "Why Brown?" Don't just list Brown's rankings or prestige. Focus on specific programs, faculty, resources, or aspects of the Brown community that resonate deeply with you and explain why.
• Your Unique Qualities: What sets you apart? What are your passions, values, and experiences that shape your perspective? Show, don't tell. Use vivid details and anecdotes to illustrate your personality and intellectual curiosity.
• Community Involvement: How have you contributed to your community? Brown values students who are engaged and committed to making a difference. Highlight experiences where you demonstrated leadership, collaboration, or service.

Crafting Compelling Brown Supplemental Essays: A Step-by-Step Guide

1. Analyze the Prompt: Carefully read and understand each prompt. Identify the keywords and the underlying message. Break down the prompt into smaller, manageable questions to guide your brainstorming.

2. Brainstorm and Reflect: Spend ample time reflecting on your experiences, passions, and aspirations. Identify specific anecdotes and examples that showcase your personality and connect with the prompt.

3. Develop a Strong Thesis: Each essay needs a central theme or argument. What's the key message you want to convey to the admissions committee? Your thesis will guide the structure and content of your essay.

4. Show, Don't Tell: Use vivid language and sensory details to paint a picture for the reader. Instead of stating your qualities, use specific examples to demonstrate them.

5. Structure Your Essay: Follow a logical structure with a clear introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Each paragraph should contribute to your central thesis and maintain a consistent tone.

6. Revise and Edit: After drafting your essays, take time to revise and edit carefully. Pay close attention to grammar, spelling, punctuation, and clarity. Have others read your essays for feedback.

7. Proofread Meticulously: A polished essay demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism. Proofread your essay multiple times to catch any errors before submitting your application.

Examples of Strong Essay Approaches:

• Focusing on a specific professor's research: Detail a professor's work that inspires you, explaining why and how it aligns with your academic interests.
• Highlighting a unique academic program: Discuss a particular program at Brown that excites you and how you plan to engage with it.
• Showcasing your contribution to a community project: Describe a community project you've led or participated in, focusing on your role and the impact you made.
• Illustrating your intellectual curiosity: Share a story that showcases your passion for learning and your willingness to explore new ideas.

Remember, your Brown supplemental essays are your opportunity to shine. By following these guidelines and investing time and effort, you can craft compelling essays that demonstrate your unique qualities and strengthen your application. Good luck!