how to write the brown essays

How to Write the Brown University Supplemental Essays: Examples + Guide 2024/2025

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. Explain your personal motivation to pursue a career in medicine, and why the Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) will best meet your professional and personal goals. (500 words)

Brown PLME Prompt #2

Healthcare is constantly changing as it is affected by racial and social inequities, economics, politics, technology, and more. Please respond to one of the following prompts (250 words): a. How will you, as a future physician, make a positive impact? b. How has your personal background uniquely shaped your perspective on the field of medicine?

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) 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, and why the Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) will best meet your professional and personal goals. (500 words)

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. 

This year, Brown has combined what used to be two separate prompts into the single question above.

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.

Because the combined prompt is new this year, we don’t have an essay that addresses both parts, so we’ll give you examples that were written for when the prompts were separate questions, and you can see how you can build an essay that addresses both aspects.

Here’s a great example essay that addresses the first part of the prompt (“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.”) from when it was a standalone question):

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.

The second half of the PLME prompt one is another “Why us?” prompt (like the undergrad Prompt 1), but this one’s all about the PLME program and “why the Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) will best meet your professional and personal goals.” Here are some steps you can take as you prepare to write this portion of the 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 it was a separate prompt with its own word count of 500, it nicely illustrates your goal with specific details and “so whats”. The first section of the example essay below also fits the focus of the new combined prompt pretty well.

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 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) a. How will you, as a future physician, make a positive impact? b. How has your personal background uniquely shaped your perspective on the field of medicine?

Option A. How will you, as a future physician, make a positive impact?

At first glance, this prompt may seem intimidating. The word count is on the longer side for a supplemental essay, and 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 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.

Option B. How has your personal background uniquely shaped your perspective on the field of medicine? (250 words)

Like the other PLME prompts, others, this one is asking you to think more deeply about why this field of study appeals to you. But this one allows for some space to possibly get more personal and reflective, rather than just academic.

We don’t have any examples that were written for this new prompt, but you can see example essays written for similar BSMD essay prompts in our full BSMD essay guide .

Here’s an example from that guide that was written for another school but could be used for this prompt with some revisions:

Yahweh and Vishnu. These 2 gods, central to their religions of Christianity and Hinduism respectively, were confusing to me at a young age. How can something so incorporeal and sublime be responsible for all the natural processes we observe as humans on a daily basis. 

It was my first experience in a temple that changed me. I saw the energy and mantras that were taken into service at the temple, and it spoke to me on another level. I understood at that time that religion is a powerful force, as it allowed me to connect with people of all walks of life, and try and understand what uniquely binds us together. 

Religion really helped to nudge me in the direction of service I wanted to make a difference in and introduced the concepts of service leadership and spirituality. These 3 concepts have all tied back to my interest in how this world really works. The synergy of these 3 concepts really came to a head for my Eagle Scout Project, where I spearheaded a beautification project that created new flower gardens and pathways, as well as cleaning up the local temple grounds of trash to enhance temple beauty. Involving around 15 people, me and my crew in a day's work helped to improve a monument to our religion. 

This experience really spoke to me about the unifying impact of spirituality and service, as we all took a Saturday to make a place of worship a better place to get closer with everyone, and in modern times of division and polarization, it was nice that service and love of nature and getting to know each other was able to bring us together. 

I feel my spirituality and growing in a multi-religious background allows me to better understand and empathize with the patient's spiritual and cultural beliefs, allowing for better care, while doing God’s work.  I want to continue to aid in service by joining the Doctors with Borders and Akshaya Patra foundation, in order to effectively utilize my efforts to make meaningful impacts. (342 words)

Tips + Analysis:

Play with a hook. Start with something that raises more questions than answers and see where it takes you. This student starts with an interesting sentence fragment (“Yahweh and Vishnu”). Some readers may not be totally sure who these figures are, which makes us want to keep reading. Then, the author clarifies and expresses his own internal confusion. Ultimately, his first paragraph culminates in a question: “How can something so incorporeal and sublime be responsible for all the natural processes we observe as humans on a daily basis?” Don’t be afraid to ask questions in your essay, even (or especially if) you don’t have the answers. A great question can make for a great hook by bringing people into your world and making them want to keep reading in search of answers—or to go along your journey in search of the answers.

Find a thematic thread. For this student, the concept of spirituality and religion is a helpful guiding theme to orient the essay. It allows him to talk about seemingly disconnected experiences that were actually centered around very similar values (i.e., growing up in a temple, his Eagle Scout project, and aspirations to join Doctors with Borders and the Akshaya Patra foundation).

Approach medicine expansively. This tip gets back to the idea of making uncommon connections. For instance, we may not typically associate spirituality and religion with medicine. In fact, some might see those ideas in opposition to each other. However, this author finds a meaningful way of translating his experiences with religion into the values that motivate him to help others as a doctor. Sure, you could easily write about the importance of values like health or accuracy, but wouldn’t it be more interesting to read an essay about things like humor, adventure, beauty, family, or even listening in the context of medicine?

Show, then tell. One way this essay could be adapted to fit this prompt even better is to revise some of the phrasing and reflection in the latter part of the essay to more directly address the shaped your perspective on the field of medicine? part of the prompt. The author uses nice illustrative detail and examples in the first sections of the essay to show what some of this perspective might be. For this PLME prompt, he could spend more of the word count making sure we understand how those experiences shaped his perspective.

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:

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) — — —

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.”

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How to Write the Brown University and PLME Essays 2024-2025

Brown has one of the more extensive supplemental essay packages out there, with three 250-word supplements and four shorter responses required for all applicants. In addition to these seven prompts, applicants to the dual degree program with Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) will need to explain their interest in the program through a 650-word personal statement, and applicants to the Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) will need to do the same through two 250-word essays.

Even if you aren’t applying to either of these specialized programs, you still have seven prompts to respond to, so make sure you leave yourself enough time to give your Brown application the attention it deserves. In this post, we’ll break down how you want to approach each prompt, so you can be confident that your essays will help set you apart even within one of the most competitive applicant pools in the country.

Read these Brown essay examples written by real students to inspire your writing!

Brown University Supplemental Essay Prompts

All applicants.

Prompt 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 pursue them at Brown. (200-250 words)

Prompt 2: 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)

Prompt 3: 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)

Prompt 4: What three words best describe you? (3 words)

Prompt 5: What is your most meaningful extracurricular commitment, and what would you like us to know about it? (100 words)

Prompt 6: If you could teach a class on any one thing, whether academic or otherwise, what would it be? (100 words)

Prompt 7: In one sentence, Why Brown? (50 words)

RISD Dual Degree Applicants

Prompt: 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 words)

PLME Applicants

Prompt 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, and why the Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) will best meet your professional and personal goals. (500 words)

Prompt 2: Healthcare is constantly changing as it is affected by racial and social inequities, economics, politics, technology, and more. Please respond to one of the following prompts (250 words):

• Option A: How will you, as a future physician, make a positive impact?
• Option B: How has your personal background uniquely shaped your perspective on the field of medicine?

All Applicants, Prompt 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 pursue them at brown. (200-250 words) . .

This is essentially a “ Why This Major ” essay, designed to understand your academic interests and how you might take advantage of the Open Curriculum.

The first step is to take the time to ponder what it is about your selected subject that you really gravitate towards, and try to establish exactly why you want to study that subject (or subjects). The prompt urges you to think about why you are excited by your academic interests, so push yourself to think beyond “I’m really good at it” or “I have an excellent teacher.” 

The short essay is only 250 words, so aim to focus your interests on a maximum of two areas. Once you have established your key interests and taken the time to ponder why you’re drawn to them, examine your reasoning and try to find an underlying connection between the two fields. Alternatively, consider presenting an interdisciplinary field that connects the two subjects, and emphasize the opportunities presented at Brown through its particular courses/programs/majors that would allow you to pursue your interdisciplinary interests. If there isn’t a connection between the two subjects, that’s totally okay, too!

While this prompt might appear to only ask about your academic interests, it is also asking what you would like to study while at Brown (it is a Brown supplemental essay, after all). Admissions officers also want to know how you’ll use Brown’s resources (and the Open Curriculum) to achieve your academic goals.

But what about those who are undecided? There’s no need to worry if you’re not sure what you’ll study. You can simply mention your top 1-2 interests and why Brown is a good fit for you to develop those interests. It might be helpful to know that Brown is one of the few universities that allows you to construct your own major; if applicable, you can mention your desire to turn your multiple interests into a unique interdisciplinary major.

Below are several examples to illustrate meshing two seemingly contrasting interests into a potential future academic pursuit at Brown:

Example 1: Perhaps you’re interested in biology and geology. You could weave your interests together by emphasizing your insatiable curiosity for understanding both living and physical systems, and reference an example of something your desire to understand systems-thinking has led you to do in the past, or reflect on how this experience challenged your assumptions, etc. Your narrative could incorporate experiences that illustrate your interest in each subject – you can talk about a science fair project you worked on, a class you struggled in but overcame, a lab experiment you participated in, or a younger student you tutored, etc. Focus on the common reasons you are attracted to both subjects. You can mention the opportunity to pursue the joint Geo-Bio degree offered through the Department of Earth, Environment, and Planetary Sciences at Brown, without abandoning your interests in poetry and anthropology through the opportunities presented by the Open Curriculum. 

Example 2: Let’s imagine that you are interested in politics, activism, or community work, but you also are passionate about music and have been playing piano for many years. You could discuss your experiences on a political internship or your role in your school’s model UN, and discuss the opportunities available at Brown, through the Brown in Washington program or the Swearer Center for Public Service. However, you could also discuss the piano concert you organized and performed in to fundraise for your community’s homeless shelter. Whenever possible, selecting an example that bridges your seemingly contrasting interests can create a very compelling essay. You could conclude by explaining that you are aiming to use the Open Curriculum to explore the impact of music on the influence of political campaigns and a candidate’s perception, or on exploring the connection between music, Alzheimer’s, and memory, etc. 

All Applicants, Prompt 2

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).

Brainstorming Your Topic

While the phrasing is a little different, this is essentially a Diversity Essay . You want to share something about who you are that sets you apart from other applicants to Brown, and explain how it would make you a valuable addition to Brown’s campus community.

Before you start brainstorming which part of your identity you want to write about, do remember that the way colleges evaluate race specifically will be different this year, and moving forward, after the Supreme Court overturned affirmative action in June. Schools are not allowed to factor race into their broader admissions strategies, but they can consider it on an individual level through the essay. So, if your racial identity is an important part of who you are, this is a good opportunity to share it with admissions officers.

Of course, you are also welcome to write about a different part of your identity. The things that make us diverse aren’t just race, ethnicity, gender, sexuality, and the other features that normally first come to people’s minds when they hear the word “diversity.” Even the prompt itself casts a wide net, with the phrase “an aspect of your growing up.” In addition to the features just listed, that could also refer to hobbies, interests, your family culture, and pretty much any lived experience. Less traditional topics in this vein could include:

• Teaching yourself Elvish, the fictional language from Lord of the Rings
• Biking to school every day while your friends drove or took the bus
• Baking all the birthday cakes in your family from the time you were seven
• Raising chickens in the backyard of your suburban house

The only real rule here is that you choose a part of your identity that will help Brown admissions officers better understand who you are, and what you’ll look like as a college student. So long as that’s the case, anything is fair game.

Tips for Writing Your Essay

Once you’ve selected a topic, the thing you want to make clear in your actual essay is how this “aspect of your growing up has inspired or challenged you .” Like “aspect of your growing up,” “inspired or challenged” gives you a lot of flexibility, but what Brown admissions officers are saying is that they want to understand not just what sets you apart from other applicants, but why that thing is crucial to understanding who you are as a whole.

In other words, you don’t just want to say “I live with my grandparents, who spent most of their lives in Germany, and don’t speak very good English.” You want to go deeper, explaining how this dynamic made you feel, and how it shaped your personality and overall perspective on the world.

There’s no one right way to do that—only you know how this piece of your identity has impacted you. The most important thing is to just be honest, rather than trying to structure your response around what you think Brown wants to see. If you try to force a connection to a particular value, that disconnect will show. To illustrate our point here, compare the following two excerpts from hypothetical essays:

Excerpt 1: “I sometimes felt awkward when I had friends over, as my grandparents could do little more than wave and stumble over a heavily accented ‘How are you?’ But I always got over my embarrassment quickly, because cultural heritage is something to celebrate, since the only way we can learn is from engaging with those who are different from us.”

Excerpt 2: “When I was little, I didn’t see any issue with my grandparents not speaking English: they were my family, and that was all that mattered. But when I got older and started having friends over, their perplexed reactions to my grandpa’s heavily accented ‘How are you?’ caused me to feel a twang of shame—and then, a pinch of anger with myself, for being ashamed of my own family.”

While celebration of cultural differences is of course a wonderful thing, in the first excerpt the writer seems to be skipping ahead to their appreciation of this value, and glossing over a more complicated emotional journey in the process. 

In the second example, on the other hand, they are unafraid to be vulnerable, and share their true feelings about this experience. As a result, we have a much clearer sense of both who they are and how they became that person, which are exactly the questions admissions officers want you to answer in your essays. Plus, if they talk later on about the appreciation for cultural difference they eventually took away from this experience, we will have seen exactly how they developed this appreciation, which will make their connection to this value feel much more genuine.

One last tip here: try to rely on specific anecdotes as much as possible to illustrate your points. Both excerpts above draw on a tangible example of a moment (having friends over and their grandparents being unable to greet them) that made them wrestle with their identity. That specificity gives us a much clearer sense of how this student grew through this experience, whereas a general line like “Sometimes, I was proud of my heritage, but other times I was embarrassed” would leave us with a lot of questions about what caused the student to feel this back-and-forth.

Mistakes to Avoid

The biggest potential pitfall in a diversity essay is only sharing part of your identity, and not taking the next step outlined above of explaining how it’s relevant to understanding what kind of  college student you’ll be. If you don’t get to this deeper level of reflection, admissions officers may find themselves saying “Okay, we know [x] about you, but how does that help us figure out whether or not you’re a good match for Brown?”

All Applicants, Prompt 3

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) .

This essay prompt is very similar to the extracurricular essay archetype. However, there is a subtle difference in that this prompt allows you to discuss out-of-school activities and academic subjects. This would be a good place to demonstrate your love for a specific topic or activity that you included in other parts of your application. Or, if there is a very important part of your personality that hasn’t been captured by the rest of your application, you can write about that here. 

Pick a topic that genuinely interests you. Don’t write an essay about how you love titrating acids and bases to sound “impressive” or “intellectual” if you groan every time you walk into the chemistry lab. Admissions officers have read enough essays to tell when a student’s tone and details depict a genuine interest in a topic. You are given so much freedom, so you really should write about whatever brings you joy.

Maybe you love trying styling hair and nothing brings you as much joy as when you are backstage at your school show and you are styling, braiding, and pinning all of the actors’ hair. A topic like this is unique to the student, and since they are genuinely passionate about hairstyling, it will shine through in their writing.

A strong extracurricular essay will either show your emotions and state of mind when you participate in your activity, or how that activity has helped you develop new skills and personality traits. A great essay will do both. Like the other prompts, there is a limited word count to convey not only why you enjoy this activity so much, but how you have improved as a result of this activity. Here’s an example that accomplishes both of these:

“It was a hot day in New Orleans and the crowd stuffed together certainly didn’t make things better. Necks were craning to see the spectacle in the middle of the circle. I tugged on my dad’s shirt, and he placed me on top of his shoulders for the best seat in the house. My heart raced every time the daring performer threw a sword up – I really thought he’d eventually slice his hand open. But it was perfect every time.

By the end of our trip, I had tried my hand at juggling everything from toothbrushes to balls of socks. My mom was not as enthusiastic when I collected everybody’s knives at dinner to mimic the juggler’s final trick. When I finally got a juggling kit for my next birthday, I devoted every second of my free time to practicing moves I saw on YouTube. With more and more practice, I could tell how long it would take for an object to reach its zenith just by the weight in my hand.

At times, the level of control and focus I put into juggling is exhausting, but if I lose focus for one second, I run the risk of serious injury. Some tricks have taken years to perfect, but the gratification when I’ve mastered a new skill makes all my patience worth it. Nothing will be as thrilling as the day my audience’s hearts race with me as I catch a sword in my hand.”

In this example, the student’s passion for juggling is tangible. The reader sees what sparked this student’s interest, how it has developed, and how juggling has affected the student. By tying the conclusion back to the anecdote at the beginning, the essay has a satisfying conclusion that makes the reader feel this student is highly motivated by their passion and dreams, which is exactly what Brown is looking for.

If you’d like to see some examples of good responses to this prompt, check out our blog post breaking down “joy” essays written by real past applicants to Brown!

All Applicants, Prompt 4

What three words best describe you (3 words).

This prompt is as clear, straightforward, and short as you could ask for, but with supplemental essays, that unfortunately doesn’t automatically mean writing your response will be easy. Obviously, you have no space to elaborate on why you chose the three words you did, so you need to give yourself time to think deeply about your words.

The best advice we can give is to, as you brainstorm, remember two of the main purposes of the college essay. First, to set yourself apart from other applicants with strong academic and extracurricular resumes. Second, to give admissions officers information that can’t be found elsewhere in your application.

Keeping these two ideas in mind will hopefully help you use your three words as effectively as possible. For example, you don’t want to use flattering but vague adjectives like “smart,” “talented,” “funny,” or “creative” because those are words that most other applicants to Brown would also use to describe themselves. You also want to avoid highlighting a feature of yourself that already comes across in another part of your application—if your activities list says that you’ve earned 10 varsity letters, admissions officers already know you’re athletic, so don’t waste one of your precious three words on repeating that here.

Instead, try to pick descriptive, precise words that pick out some feature of your personality that, for whatever reason, doesn’t yet come across in your application. Only you know how to apply that advice to yourself, but here is a list of words that communicate a clear, tangible personality trait, and thus would teach admissions officers something substantive about who you are:

• Sentimental
• Adventurous

Hopefully, this list gives you a clearer sense of what kind of words you should be considering. You only have three, so use them wisely!

All Applicants, Prompt 5

What is your most meaningful extracurricular commitment, and what would you like us to know about it (100 words).

This is a textbook example of the “Extracurricular” essay , which is one you may well have already written for another school. If you do already have a version of this essay on hand, you are welcome to write about the same topic. However, you will still need to dedicate time to this prompt, as this essay’s word count is likely much lower than that of your other essay (usually, this kind of prompt has a word count in the 200-250 range), and you don’t want your essay to feel like an abridged version of another one. We’ll get into how to avoid that in the next section.

If you haven’t yet written this kind of essay, or if you have but want to write about something new, note that “most meaningful” can be read in a variety of ways. Perhaps you are inspired to write about classic extracurricular activities, like a sport, a club, volunteer work, or a part-time job. Those are all fantastic options, but you can also write about more unconventional activities if none of those things feel quite right, as “extracurricular activity” can refer to just about anything you do outside of the classroom.

For example, you could write about how you make trinkets out of the feathers that get left at your bird feeder. You could also write about your neighborhood’s caroling group, and how going door to door each year is your favorite part of the holiday season. Or you could describe teaching baseball to your much younger neighbor after watching you practice made him want to learn the sport.

While you probably don’t do any of these things, hopefully these examples of more unusual activities help you brainstorm things you do in your own life that could work for this prompt. Remember, like any college essay, the point of this prompt is to help admissions officers better understand who you are, so as long as your activity will help you do that, it’s fair game here.

If you’re writing about the same topic as another essay, you can certainly use that other one for inspiration, and potentially even use some of the same lines. There are only so many hours in the day, and recycling previous work can be a good time-saver.

However, you want to make sure this essay feels like a cohesive, independent unit, not like a Frankenstein’s monster pieced together from parts of another essay. So, don’t just pluck enough sentences to get you to 100 words and call it good. Rather, think about the ideas you express in that essay, and try to capture those same sentiments in a smaller package. 

As noted above, that may involve using a sentence or two from the other essay, but you will almost certainly need to generate new sentences, or rephrase existing ones, and of course pay attention to the structure to make sure the flow, progression from one idea to the next, and so on all make sense.

If you’re starting from scratch, the most important thing to do is make sure you answer the second half of this prompt: what do you want admissions officers to know about this activity? In other words, don’t just tell them “I do [x] in my free time.” Rather, explain how this activity has helped you grow, so that Brown admissions officers can see why your involvement in it is relevant to the kind of college student you’ll be.

Obviously, you don’t have a ton of room to do this, but you still want to rely on the old adage for college essays, “show, don’t tell,” as much as possible. Usually, that means describing specific anecdotes or life experiences in enough detail that you don’t have to tell your reader directly how the activity shaped you, because they can see it for themselves. Here, you don’t have the space to provide a ton of detail, but you still want to at least reference tangible examples to illustrate your points, as otherwise your essay may end up feeling cheesy or impersonal.

To see the difference between the two approaches, compare these two example responses:

Example 1: “ When I started volunteering at the Everett animal shelter, I wasn’t that excited about a lot of the tasks I had to do. I mainly just wanted something to do on the weekends. But as time went on, I started to find joy and fulfillment in duties that had previously just bored me. Now, I have a much more positive outlook when I try new things, because this experience taught me that learning and growth can happen in a lot of different ways–often ways you never even expected up front.”

Example 2: “My first day volunteering at the Everett animal shelter, I couldn’t help but wrinkle my nose and try to hold in my vomit as I scrubbed the cages of kittens and puppies that weren’t yet potty-trained. But gradually, I stopped noticing the smell as much, and instead started paying attention to how joyful the animals were afterward to be able to play freely, without avoiding soiled areas. Today, I try to approach everything in my life with the mindset that even tedious or gross tasks can be fulfilling if you consciously focus on the greater purpose of what you’re doing.”

The ideas conveyed in these two examples are the same. But the second one includes a specific example of a task they found unpleasant (cleaning cages), and describes what exactly made them start to change their mindset (seeing the animals happy in their clean cages). As a result, we get a more engaging story, which teaches us not just what the student learned from this experience, but also how they learned it.

The main thing you want to be on the lookout for here is using your space inefficiently, since you already have so little of it. Specifically, remember that this essay is not the only thing in your application, so you want to give your reader new information about yourself, rather than repeating details that can already be found elsewhere.

For example, if you already wrote your Common App essay about your experiences volunteering at the animal shelter, you’ll want to pick a different topic for this essay. Even if you feel you can shine a different light on the experience, you’ve already spent 650 words on it. Use these 100 to introduce Brown admissions officers to something entirely new about yourself.

Additionally, remember that, if you’re writing about something that appears in your activities list, admissions officers already know how long you’ve been involved in it, and how often you do it. So, an introductory line like “During my sophomore year, I started volunteering at the animal shelter every week,” is a waste of 13% of your space, as admissions officers already know that. 

Even if you choose an extracurricular that doesn’t appear in your activities list, you don’t really need to provide these kinds of factual details unless they’re essential to understanding the point you’re trying to make. For example, maybe you were feeling overwhelmed your freshman year of high school, and teaching your neighbor baseball helped remind you that you do have things you’re good at. Otherwise, those words could be used more efficiently.

All Applicants, Prompt 6

If you could teach a class on any one thing, whether academic or otherwise, what would it be (100 words).

You’re not even a high school graduate yet, and here Brown is dropping you into a professor’s shoes—what an amazing opportunity! As you think about which course you’re going to offer, note that Brown is casting an incredibly wide net with this prompt: you can teach about any subject, even a non-academic one. Admissions officers want to see your creativity, because once you get to college, you will be able to take a much, much wider variety of classes, and admissions officers want to see that you’re ready to take advantage of that freedom.

Plus, like with any college essay, your goal here is to share a side of yourself that isn’t reflected in any other part of your application, and the looser nature of this prompt makes this a great opportunity to share something that wouldn’t appear in a transcript or activities list. So, don’t be afraid to think outside the box and have some fun! Do you have any interests that are a huge part of your life, but unrelated to your academic or extracurricular passions? Tell us about them here! Is there something you’ve always been inexplicably fascinated by, to the point that it’s shaped how you’ve grown up? This is the place to describe it!

To give you a sense of just how creative you can get, here is a list of example topics you could write about:

• Using statistics to account for potential injuries when drafting your fantasy football team
• Theories and conspiracies about how the pyramids were built
• The incredible variation in Italian food from one region to another
• The chemistry behind making the perfect, sticky-but-not-too-sticky, sushi rice
• Extreme climates, like a desert in Chile that hasn’t gotten rain in hundreds of years

While the prompt only explicitly asks what you would teach about, the thing to bring out in your response is the implied “and why” at the end. You don’t want your response to be just about the history of making sushi rice. While that might be informative, it won’t help Brown admissions officers visualize you as part of their campus community.

Instead, use your topic as a lens to shine light on some feature of your personality. In other words, ask yourself what your interest in this subject says about you overall. For example, maybe dealing with the randomness of injuries to highly drafted players in your fantasy league has helped you accept that some things are ultimately outside of your control, no matter how hard you try to account for them. Alternatively, perhaps learning about the most extreme climates on earth makes you feel awe for the variety present in nature, which in turn inspires you to think about the variety of things you could do with your life.

The most important thing is that your interest in this topic is clearly connected to your growth and development. If that connection is vague or doesn’t seem particularly logical, your response may feel disjointed or impersonal. But so long as your explanation is honest and thoughtful, admissions officers should come away from your essay with a more comprehensive, nuanced understanding of what makes you tick, both intellectually and personally.

Really, the only thing you want to avoid in your response is not taking advantage of this opportunity to be creative. Even if you want to write about a conventional academic subject, like math or English, approach it from an unusual angle, like the example listed in the “Brainstorming” section about using statistics to help you in your fantasy football draft. That will prove to admissions officers that you aren’t just smart, but also curious and imaginative, and also show them a new side of you—the side that plays fantasy football—that probably doesn’t show up anywhere else in your application.

All Applicants, Prompt 7

In one sentence, why brown (50 words).

While writing the supplements for the other schools on your list, you have likely come across this “Why This College?” prompt. However, because Brown is giving you only 50 words, the usual approach to this kind of essay—citing several school-specific resources and explaining how they’ll help you achieve your goals—doesn’t work, as you just don’t have room to do that.

That being said, you still want to be precise in your response. The classic rule for this kind of essay, that you shouldn’t be able to swap in another school’s name and still have your response make sense, still applies. And 50 words is more than you think. While you don’t have space to incorporate academic, extracurricular, and social opportunities at Brown the way you normally would, you can still highlight one particular resource at Brown that interests you and give admissions officers a sense of why you’re drawn to it. 

Here’s an example of a response that accomplishes everything laid out in the previous paragraph:

“Brown’s spirit is making interdisciplinary connections, which I would do through the Brown in Bologna program by further exploring the Italian culture my grandparents preserved even after immigrating to Boston, and simultaneously informing myself about another country’s educational system so that I am better prepared to solve global educational inequalities.”

This response is exactly 50 words, and uses them efficiently to show admissions officers this student is a good fit for their school by explaining how they would take advantage of the opportunities available at Brown. To do the same in your own response, just make sure that you choose a resource that directly and concretely connects to your goals for college, rather than something you’re only sort of interested in. If you don’t already have a clear sense of what you want to say, 50 words isn’t enough to explain why you might be interested in something—you need to already know you are, and why.

One last note: “the Open Curriculum” doesn’t work as the kind of school-specific resource we’re talking about. While this is one of the school’s most famous distinguishing features, remember that the point of any college essay is to help set yourself apart from other applicants, and anyone who applies to Brown is at least somewhat drawn to the Open Curriculum. 

To give admissions officers a clear sense of how you personally would fit into Brown’s campus community, you’ll need to get more specific, by instead referencing a research opportunity, particular academic offering, or study abroad program (as in the example above). Then, explain how that resource reflects the broader culture of Brown, and how it connects to your own priorities and hopes for your time in college. Fitting all of this in isn’t easy, but again, it can be done. We believe in you!

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 words).

The Brown-RISD Dual Degree program is an intense, highly selective (2-3% acceptance) program in which students must get accepted to both Brown and RISD based on their respective criterion, and then be approved by a joint committee. Students in the program exhibit an intense degree of intellectual rigor, as well as a broad ranging curiosity for both an arts and liberal arts education. The key here is to convince the readers that you are a good fit in this specific program, rather than as a Brown student who takes a few RISD classes or a RISD student who takes a few Brown classes.

In this essay, you must be specific about why you would be a better fit spending five years getting degrees from both Brown and RISD rather than getting one degree from either of the schools. You must show that it is necessary for you to get both degrees, and how you would like to use the knowledge you gain from both schools in your future. It’s incredibly important to highlight the interdisciplinary nature of your goals, as this is specifically called out in the prompt.  

With 650 available words, this essay should feature the same depth as your Common App essay, and should complement it. Although the two should not overlap in content, you can definitely expand on topics you briefly touched on in one essay in the other. Here are a few possible avenues you could explore in this essay:

(1) Students in the program stretch the gamut of possible Brown + RISD major combinations: furniture and applied mathematics, computer science and industrial design, and comparative literature and painting. The program prides itself on this diversity, so explain how your passions and interests are disparate, but also connected to your overall identity. Talk about how being surrounded with other Brown-RISD students will foster your wide-ranging intellectual and artistic curiosities even further.

(2) If you ultimately want to become an artist, you could talk about how important the liberal arts have been and will be for you. Maybe you find literature critical for escaping into the worlds you want to create visually, and you want to dive deeper during your undergraduate years.

(3) Maybe you want to study both biology and industrial design, because you want to base your design work on biomimicry. You could talk about how you would draw equally from both fields, and how you want to design better transportation devices that take from the best methods of nature.

(4) Say you’ve always been interested in your Korean heritage and finding ways to express that through art. As a result, you want to study East Asian history at Brown, where you will understand the context that your parents immigrated out of, and textiles at RISD, where you can craft bojagi (Korean wrapping cloth) with a sensitivity to its historical context.

(5) Maybe you’ve always been passionate about both art and liberal arts, but have no concrete connection between the two, and that’s also perfectly fine. You could talk about how you want to further explore and hone in these passions, so that by your second year of undergrad, you’ll have a stronger idea of what specifically you want to study.

Your art portfolio, Common App essay, and other supplemental essays will also speak volumes about who you are, so make sure to use this essay to highlight parts of yourself previously unmentioned. You’ve also probably spent the previous essays explaining “why Brown,” so use this essay to delve deep into why you would thrive in an arts and design centered environment in conjunction with Brown’s liberal arts curriculum.

PLME Applicants Only

Brown’s Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) is a prestigious 8 year BS/MD program which gives students the opportunity to be admitted to Brown’s undergraduate program and Brown’s Warren Alpert Medical School simultaneously.

This is one of the most selective programs of any kind in the country, with an acceptance rate below 2% in recent years , so essays that show your true affinity and aptitude for medicine are absolutely essential.

PLME Applicants, Prompt 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, and why the program in liberal medical education (plme) will best meet your professional and personal goals. (500 words).

This prompt falls under the Why This Major essay archetype, as it asks you to provide two layers of reflection on why you’re applying to the Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME). 

First, explain why you want to become a physician – dig into your experiences, interests, and values to demonstrate a clear and compelling motivation for committing to such a demanding career at a young age. Then, explain why Brown’s PLME is the right program for you, as opposed to some other BS/MD program . You’ll need to demonstrate your understanding of PLME’s unique structure and illustrate how it aligns with your academic, professional, and personal aspirations.

PLME is a huge commitment for 17 and 18 year olds, who are essentially saying that they know what they want to do for the rest of their lives before even beginning their undergraduate studies. Brown admissions officers understandably want to accept candidates who have tangible reasons for wanting to become doctors, such as clinical or lab experience, or a specific ailment you hope to help cure, rather than just a vague interest in science or in helping people.

Consider the following questions as you brainstorm for each part of the prompt.

Personal Motivation :

• When did you first become interested in medicine, and what sparked that interest?
• Have you had any significant experiences (volunteering, shadowing, personal/family health issues) that solidified your desire to pursue medicine?
• What qualities do you possess that make you suited for a career in medicine?
• How do your values align with the responsibilities and ethics of being a physician?
• How does the interdisciplinary nature of PLME align with your interests outside of medicine?
• What specific aspects of PLME’s curriculum (e.g., the freedom to explore diverse academic interests) appeal to you?
• Are there particular faculty members , research opportunities , experiential learning programs , or other resources at Brown that resonate with your professional goals?
• How do you envision your future career as a physician, and how will PLME help you realize that vision?

Reflecting on your past experiences related to medicine is especially critical. Whether that is shadowing a pediatrician at your local hospital for a summer, volunteering with an organization like the Red Cross, or doing lab research on pancreatic cancer, let the admissions team know that you know what engaging in clinical or laboratory work is like, and that those experiences strengthened your desire to enter the medical profession.

You can also bring in personal experiences with healthcare, such as seeing a loved one hospitalized, if they contributed to your desire to enter the field. However, you want to avoid clichés like witnessing an older relative, usually a grandparent, pass away due to illness, and afterwards deciding to pursue medicine as a career. 

In cases such as these, make sure to make the experience as unique to you as possible, and to connect it to other health-related activities you’ve done as well. Focusing on just your sadness won’t do much to set you apart from the other talented students applying to one of the most selective programs in the country. 

Instead, you could talk about, for example, how your grandfather made efforts to extend his life by cutting sugar and caffeine out of his diet in his 60s, and how you became curious about the interplay between genes, diet, and longevity, which inspired you to participate in a summer program focused on nutrition research. 

Regardless of which anecdotes you highlight, you should also brainstorm your key values, and make sure that you integrate them into your story of how you decided to pursue medicine. If you aren’t sure of your values, think back to how you have spent your time, and look for trends.

For example, if you volunteer sorting clothes at goodwill, or care for your younger siblings, or tutor your peers, chances are you value looking beyond yourself and caring for those in need, both of which are critical traits of good doctors.

Or, maybe you write for your school paper and enjoy reading autobiographies. Those endeavors show that you have a love for interacting with other people and learning about them, which also speaks well of your potential as a doctor, so make sure to illustrate this point in how you describe your experiences.

Regardless of what your personal values are, using concrete things you’ve done in the past to illustrate them is much more powerful than just stating “my values are helping those in need.”

Finally, a strong response will describe both your background and future in the field of medicine from the viewpoint of PLME. Demonstrate how your personal values and aspirations align with what PLME specifically has to offer, to paint a clear picture of not just your future as a physician, but also how PLME will help you meet the incredibly high intellectual and ethical expectations of this career.

PLME Applicants, Prompt 2 Option A

How will you, as a future physician, make a positive impact (250 words).

Your essay should look to the future and answer how you will address a specific issue you see in health care today. Maybe you are concerned with high maternal mortality rates among mothers from lower socioeconomic statuses, and you want to work as an OBGYN in underprivileged areas to provide mothers with more attentive care. Possibly you are interested in developing a pill that will instantly stop bug bites from itching, because after years of your family’s annual camping trip you know how pesky bug bites can be.

Once you identify this specific aspect of health care which you are interested in and why you are interested, you should go into detail about how you hope to improve this issue. A student who already has experience with their issue might write about how in high school she tried to deter students from vaping by forming a Students Against Nicotine club at her school. However, once she has a medical background, she plans to specialize in respiratory illnesses so she can give talks at schools about the science behind what vaping does to a person’s lungs.

Another student might not have prior experience with racial disparities in health care, but they know that they want to address the toxic stress minority communities face which contributes to major health complications. This student could discuss their plan to popularize a method for identifying and prescribing toxic stress as a medical condition.

It’s important that your response to this prompt includes what you are interested in doing as a physician, where you learned about this issue or what sparked your interest in this specific topic, and how you plan to make a difference one day. You can further strengthen your response by describing how specific resources and opportunities (classes, researching with professors, clubs and organizations, etc) at Brown will allow you to reach your goals and address the issue.

Given the limited amount of space, it’s okay if you aren’t able to include resources at Brown, because your main focus should be on your aspirations and how you plan to solve a problem. Plus, you already have Prompt 1 to talk all about the specific things you hope to take advantage of through PLME.

One common mistake that students will make when it comes to this prompt is creating a potential impact in medicine that is not strongly reflected in the rest of their application. You don’t necessarily need to have worked in a hospital or a lab to connect the issue you are interested in to the rest of your application. You could have attended lectures and seminars on the topic, taken a class at a university about it, or read scientific journals and papers that discussed it, and make your connection there.

However, don’t claim you want to investigate the impact of biased artificial intelligence radiology tools in providing care for people of color without being able to explain where your interest and knowledge of this issue came from. 

PLME Applicants, Prompt 2 Option B

How has your personal background uniquely shaped your perspective on the field of medicine (250 words).

This prompt asks you to reflect on how your personal background—be it cultural, familial, socioeconomic, or another aspect—has influenced your view of medicine. It’s an example of the diversity archetype , which seeks to know more about your personal background and its impact on your worldview. 

With this kind of prompt, the most important thing to keep in mind is that identity can encompass a broad range of characteristics, including cultural background, values, beliefs, and even personal passions and hobbies. So long as the personal trait shapes your worldview, influences your actions, and defines you as an individual, it can be a strong topic.

One thing that makes this particular prompt a little different is the admissions committee is looking for insight into how your unique experiences will shape your approach to being a physician. You can still write about just about anything, but you want to make sure there’s a clear connection between the aspect of your identity you select and your future in healthcare.

As you brainstorm, think about your cultural, ethnic, racial, and religious background; socioeconomic status; hometown; any illnesses or disabilities; and interests and hobbies. The questions below could be a useful guide: 

• Is there a specific value or belief that drives your decisions and actions?
• Are there any personal passions that are central to your identity?
• Which aspects of your identity most impact your relationships with others?
• Has some part of your identity helped you overcome challenges or achieve goals?

Identity encompasses all the aforementioned attributes, so you have a lot of flexibility here. The most important thing is to choose something that will allow you to showcase individuality in your response. This prompt, like all the others, is an opportunity to set yourself apart from other academically qualified applicants, by sharing your unique perspective on life.

Don’t just list accomplishments or vague, box-checky markers of your identity. Instead, really dive into how this aspect of who you are influences your daily life and why it’s so meaningful in the context of your professional ambitions.

Next, to address the intersection between the classic Diversity archetype and the specific context of your medical education within PLME and eventual medical career, ask yourself: How has this part of your background provided you with a unique perspective of the field of medicine? 

This perspective could be related to healthcare disparities, patient care, medical ethics, or another relevant area. Go into detail about how your background will influence your approach as a student and physician. How will it help you become a better physician? What insights or skills will it give you that others might not have?

In other words, this essay isn’t just about explaining your background–it’s about making a direct connection between who you are and how you will approach medicine differently because of concrete features of your identity. The most compelling responses will make this link unquestionably clear and convincing. 

Avoid vague or cliché references, and don’t overemphasize obstacles you’ve faced or achievements you’re proud of without connecting these experiences back to how they shape your understanding of medicine and your future as a physician. The most important thing with this essay is that the relevance of your background to your interest in medicine in particular should always be clear.

Where to Get Your Brown Essay Edited For Free

Do you want feedback on your Brown essays? After rereading your essays countless times, it can be difficult to evaluate your writing objectively. That’s why we created our free Peer Essay Review tool , where you can get a free review of your essay from another student. You can also improve your own writing skills by reviewing other students’ essays. 

Need feedback faster? Get a  free, nearly-instantaneous essay review  from Sage, our AI tutor and advisor. Sage will rate your essay, give you suggestions for improvement, and summarize what admissions officers would take away from your writing. Use these tools to improve your chances of acceptance to your dream school!

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How to Write the Brown Supplemental Essays 2024–2025

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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. You have the opportunity to showcase multiple facets of your personality and demonstrate the abilities that will help you thrive at Brown. In this article, we will guide you through how to write the Brown University supplemental essays. 

Brown University’s 2024-2025 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. Instead, 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 or fewer)
• If you could teach a class on any one thing, whether academic or otherwise, what would it be? (100 words or fewer)
• In one sentence, Why Brown? (50 words or fewer)

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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. 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. However, 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, you can 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 X University?” essay type. What makes this prompt unique is that Brown’s Open Curriculum is highlighted. Students are expected to demonstrate a basic understanding of the core tenets of this curriculum in their essay responses.

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. Let these interests range from your intended major 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: you can craft your own unique educational experience.

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 an experience before high school.

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 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. Then, by the end of the essay, clarify 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 is the time for you to address what’s as yet unsaid.

The prompt goes so far as to note that the topic can be “big or small, mundane or spectacular.” Therefore, if something specific 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 stand out 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. This is 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!

What is your most meaningful extracurricular commitment, and what would you like us to know about it? (100 words)

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. Moreover, 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.

If you could teach a class on any one thing, whether academic or otherwise, what would it be? (100 words)

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. First, you can suggest teaching a class on something you legitimately have deep knowledge of. Second, you can suggest teaching a class on something you obviously have no knowledge of. Or, third, you can 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, these should be reasons other than “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 explaining 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. That said, this is totally up to you and depends on how many words you have left over.

In one sentence, Why Brown? (50 words)

This deceptively simple prompt requires you to distill your reasons for applying to Brown into just one sentence. Although you can compose up to 50 words in your response, make sure it’s all one sentence. Moreover, don’t feel pressure to get close to meeting the 50-word maximum.

Specificity is key in this answer. Many students may feel compelled by Brown’s open curriculum, extensive research opportunities, and beautiful New England campus. However, the best essay responses will stand out from the crowd. Therefore, it’s key that you identify why you specifically are drawn to Brown. Are there specific courses you hope to take? Is there a professor you hope to work with? Does the PLME program provide your ideal educational experience? Whatever your reasons, you’ll likely need to do some research in order to identify them. As long as you’re specific, clear, and genuine, though, you’ll do well in this essay.

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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Students Also Read

Make your essays their best possible for RD applications. →

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 Essays That Worked

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.

• Improve your essays in minutes, instead of hours
• Based on lessons from hundreds of accepted applications & essays.
• Easy and actionable strategies

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.

• Make a Strong Impression
• Capture Your Unique Strengths
• Write Outstanding Essays
• ...and Apply Confidently!
• 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.

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?

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Brown University 2024-25 Supplemental Essay Prompt Guide

Regular Decision Deadline: Jan 3

You Have: 

Brown University 2024-25 Application Essay Question Explanations

The Requirements: 3  essays of 250 words; 4 short answers

Supplemental Essay Type(s): Why , Community , Activity, Diversity

How to Write Compelling Brown University Supplemental Essays

Brown demands a whopping three additional essays and four short-answer responses, but fear not! CEA is here to guide you through them. All of these prompts are helping admissions learn about “your unique talents, accomplishments, energy, curiosity, perspective and identity” and how those might fit with their campus culture. With so many ways to reveal more about yourself, think about the stories and qualities you have to offer and make sure you distribute them across the supplements. Try as hard as you can not to be repetitive, and as much as you can, have fun with these. If you embrace the challenge laid out in front of you, your answers will be instilled with that positive spirit as well. Read on to discover our Brown application essay tips!

Brown University Prompt Breakdowns

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. 

Essay Questions for 2024-25 PLME (Program in Liberal Medical Education) Applicants 

Two 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, and why the program in liberal medical education (plme) will best meet your professional and personal goals. (500 words) .

If we know anything about applying to medical programs, it is this: everyone wants to help people; everyone wants to make the world a better place; everyone wants to make a meaningful contribution. Few fields lend themselves to service-oriented clichés and platitudes as readily as medicine does, so to safely navigate the minefield of hackneyed generalizations, start with something personal! What’s one eye-opening experience that made you believe healthcare could be your calling? Perhaps it was a single moment, like watching an ambulance come to your neighbor’s house. Or maybe it was something more long-term, such as navigating your school in a wheelchair after knee surgery and realizing you want to improve patient outcomes by researching physical therapies. Whatever the case, use your personal story as the backdrop for your argument. What did you learn? What problems do you hope to tackle? What change do you hope to help create? As we said, it’s not enough to just want these things; your job is to show admissions why medicine interests you personally. Once you’ve accomplished that, be sure to address the role PLME will play in your plan for the future. In other words, why do you want to study medicine at Brown in particular? A wise applicant will do some research so they can infuse their response with specific details that demonstrate meticulousness and drive.

Healthcare is constantly changing as it is affected by racial and social inequities, economics, politics, technology, and more. Please respond to one of the following prompts (250 words): 

How will you, as a future physician, make a positive impact .

This is a great option for students with a very clear idea of how they want to contribute to medicine upon graduation. Looking back at the required essay, try to expand upon your motivations for joining the field and identify some concrete ways you hope to make a difference. Perhaps you’re concerned about mental health among young adults and plan to open an inner-city psychiatry clinic for underserved youth. Maybe you aim to pioneer new laser surgery treatments that will significantly decrease recovery times for common procedures. Because the question builds so readily on the required essay, try to avoid repeating yourself; if you can identify specific impacts you hope to have that go beyond the first essay, you’ll have a strong, persuasive response. 

How has your personal background uniquely shaped your perspective on the field of medicine?

While many schools ask what makes you you , Brown is taking it a step further: they want to know how your personality, experiences, and identity have affected your view of the medical field. So start by articulating that perspective. What are your opinions, beliefs, and impressions of medicine? Then, think about how your own background and experiences contributed to those impressions. For example, maybe watching doctors brush off your mom’s chronic pain over and over showed you that practitioners can be prejudiced, inspiring you to join the field to improve care for Black women. Perhaps you were hospitalized with Covid-19 and were amazed by the innovations in treatment and care, which inspired you to join the forefront of medical research. The goal of this prompt is to learn more about both you and your views on the medical field as a whole, so make sure your answer encompasses both. 

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As you set your sights on applying to Brown University, one of the most compelling aspects to consider is their unique supplemental essays. For the 2024-2025 application cycle, Brown has structured prompts that not only invite you to showcase your academic interests but also your personal reflections and joys. Let’s dive deep into understanding these prompts and strategies to make your application unforgettable.

Understanding Brown’s Supplemental Essay Prompts

The Brown University supplemental essays include the following prompts and word counts:

Academic Interests: 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)

Personal Reflection: 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)

Source of Joy: 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)

Descriptors: What three words best describe you? (3 words)

Extracurricular Commitment: What is your most meaningful extracurricular commitment, and what would you like us to know about it? (100 words)

Teach a Class: If you could teach a class on any one thing, whether academic or otherwise, what would it be? (100 words)

Why Brown?: In one sentence, Why Brown? (50 words)

Approaching Each Supplemental Essay Prompt

1. academic interests (200-250 words).

Brown's Open Curriculum is one of its most defining features. Use this essay to show not just your academic passions, but how you plan to leverage the flexibility that Brown offers.

Be Specific: Mention particular courses, professors, or research opportunities that align with your interests.

Show Interdisciplinary Interests: Highlight how you’ll integrate different fields of study.

Use Personal Stories: Explain how your past experiences have shaped your interests.

2. Personal Reflection (200-250 words)

This prompt is your chance to share a part of your personal history that has shaped who you are. Reflect on challenges or inspirations and connect them to the contributions you will make to the Brown community.

Reflect Deeply: Think about significant moments in your upbringing.

Show Growth: How have these experiences influenced your character or aspirations?

Consider Impact: How will your background enrich the Brown community?

Use Sups AI to brainstorm and get feedback on how to best articulate these personal reflections. Their platform offers one-on-one chats with current students who can provide unique insights.

3. Source of Joy (200-250 words)

This prompt invites you to share something that brings you genuine happiness. Whether it is a simple pleasure or a grand passion, reflect on its significance in your life.

Be Authentic: Choose something that genuinely makes you happy.

Explain Why: Go beyond describing the joy; delve into why it matters to you.

Show Personality: Let your individuality shine through.

Utilize Sups AI to refine your thoughts and ensure your essay radiates your true self.

4. Descriptors (3 words)

In just three words, you get to convey a snapshot of your personality. Choose descriptors that are specific and unique to you.

5. Extracurricular Commitment (100 words)

Discuss an extracurricular activity that holds significant meaning to you. What did you learn, and how has it shaped your ambitions?

Focus on Impact: Detail your role and its significance.

Personal Insight: Reflect on personal growth through the activity.

6. Teach a Class (100 words)

If given the chance, what subject would you teach? This is an opportunity to showcase your passions and expertise.

Be Original: Propose a class that reflects your unique interests.

Describe Engagement: How would you teach this subject?

7. Why Brown? (50 words)

In one concise sentence, explain why Brown University is the right fit for you.

Be Precise: Avoid general statements.

Show Fit: Highlight specific aspects of Brown that align with your goals.

Remember, the supplemental essays are your chance to show Brown University who you are beyond grades and test scores. For personalized advice and ideas, consider using Sups AI to help craft essays that stand out. Sups has already assisted thousands of students in gaining acceptance to top universities by offering actionable feedback and unique insights.

How to Write the Brown University 2024-2025 Supplemental Essays

Deferred? Write a letter of continued interest and choose your EDII school!

Command Education Guide

How to write the brown university supplemental essays, updated for 2024-2025.

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)

Explanation:

A hallmark of Brown’s commitment to liberal arts education, the Open Curriculum allows students to take ownership of their education by giving them the freedom to design their own course of study without the constraints of traditional general education requirements. This means you can explore broadly across disciplines while also diving deeply into the areas that most interest you, from business to education, sociology, music, and more.

Your response to this prompt should first reflect a depth of knowledge about the Open Curriculum, then explain how its flexibility will enable you to pursue your academic passions. Mention specific courses, professors, departments, or research opportunities at Brown that align with your interests. For example, if you’re planning to study astrophysics, you could write about wanting to conduct research on atmospheric composition alongside a specific Brown professor or engaging with a center or institute that does similar work.

Following this up with a discussion of an interest in a field unrelated to your intended concentration—or perhaps an interest outside your intended concentration that could still inform your main work—can show exactly how the Brown Open Curriculum will help you pursue your multifaceted academic interests. Brown wants to understand how you plan to take ownership of your education, exercise your intellectual curiosity, and embrace an interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving in your discipline.

Growing up, I was always told that if I like to think analytically, I’m left-brained, and if I resonate more with my creative side, I’m right-brained. The problem is that I’m an Aristotilian, so the whole of my brain is greater than the sum of its parts. In that case, I’m just brained.

And thankfully, Brown’s Open Curriculum does not discriminate on the basis of one’s cerebral leanings. As a metaphysically whole-brained human, the academic flexibility that the Open Curriculum affords makes it possible for me to explore my dual interest in both philosophy and neuroscience and the intersections in between.

At Brown, I look forward to the opportunity to conduct research at the Carney Institute for Brain Science to continue my research efforts in pathogenesis, while drawing from the deep knowledge of philosophy professors like Dr. Christopher Hill to make connections to topics in the philosophy of mind. Since I also plan to continue writing for my Brain Philosophy blog, I look forward to partnering with students to write for Impulse, the largest undergraduate research journal focused on neuroscience.

Outside philosophy and neuroscience, I also anticipate cross-registering for graphic design courses at the Rhode Island School of Design to continue in my passion for designing aesthetic neuroimages. Coupled with Brown’s famous Introduction to Object-Oriented Programming and Computer Science course, I plan to explore the possibility of creative neuroimaging through code.

Whether I like it or not, I’m whole-brained—at Brown, I look forward to continuing being just that.

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)

This prompt requires you to think deeply about your identity—your roots—and how that has shaped who you are today. For example, perhaps you were born into an immigrant home that constantly moved across enclaves—an experience which has sparked in you a passion for sociology. Maybe you were raised by an ultra-conservative grandma who still encouraged you to think freely, which inspired your current belief system. Or, if you come from a diverse multicultural community, you might explain how this environment fostered your appreciation for different perspectives and your commitment to inclusivity. Where you started from doesn’t have to define where you’ll end up, so it’s best to show your open-mindedness as you prepare to engage with other students of all backgrounds and trajectories in college.

Lastly, illustrate how these experiences will contribute to Brown’s melting pot of a community. Does a particular aspect of your identity lead you to gravitate toward a particular academic area or extracurricular activity? How might the way you think now disrupt or challenge current modes of thinking on campus and lead to a more flourishing community? Wherever you came from, and whoever you are now, give Brown a glimpse of how you might leave your unique imprint on campus.

It was an ordinary trip down to the Philippine Foods market…until it wasn’t. As a curious but naive 7-year-old, my eyes peered toward the top shelf on Aisle 6, where a glass jar containing light-purple jam sat in brilliance. “Why is the jelly so bright?” I exclaimed. With a helpless sigh followed by her classic Filipino death-stare, my mom corrected me: “It’s not jelly, it’s ube.”

To any other Filipino 7-year-old born and raised in America, the jar of mashed purple yam, known as “ube,” is simply “jelly”—but apparently not the type you’d want on your PB&J. But it was a common misconception, or rather, ignorance, that many Fil-Am kids had whenever they interacted with a part of themselves that was simultaneously so close and yet so far.

I’ve never been to the Philippines, nor do I speak Tagalog. But it’s this dissonance that has empowered me to learn about the things that still make me, me. Brown is committed to celebrating people for who they are while helping them uncover, deconstruct, and step into parts of their identity that ignorance or a lack of opportunity may have shielded them from. Whether it’s by joining Brown’s Filipino Alliance or exploring unique histories through Brown’s Ethnic Studies concentration, it’s my goal to continue reclaiming the identities I feel far from as well as the ones I have yet to discover, and empower others to do the same.

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)

This question is designed to give the admissions committee unique insight into what excites you. For this reason, avoid topics that may bring anyone joy, unless the reason you enjoy them is incredibly unique. Don’t feel like you need to take this question too seriously! The prompt expressly allows you to write about things that bring you joy that may seem mundane to others. Focus on presenting an authentic viewpoint that will allow your excitement to shine through in your writing. Think about your favorite things, what you enjoy doing in your free time, what books you love to read, or the YouTube rabbit holes you get lost in. For example, you could write about how walking into your favorite coffee shop and chatting with the same barista every morning brightens your day or how corgis bring you joy because, despite everyone literally looking down on them, they always have a smile on their face!

Once you’ve settled on your topic, try to write about why it brings you joy. Describe the way it makes you feel, your curiosity, or what makes it special to you. Explain how the happiness and satisfaction you derive from this activity or experience spill over into your daily interactions and major discoveries. You might mention how it helps you manage stress, fuels your creativity, or inspires you to pursue related interests. Highlight any positive impact it has on your relationships, academic pursuits, or personal growth.

The purples, the ambers, the baby blues. They’re hues of brilliance and awe—radiant, majestic, a work of art that’s common to us all. It’s an escape from fast-approaching deadlines, a balm to a long day at work, an added joy to the already joyous. The sky is altogether pure, untainted by human hands or motives or politics or greed. It hovers over the well-off and the less fortunate, the just and the unjust, over folks of every color. It’s the same sky that everyone watches—a reminder that while we are different, we are yet the same.

As a student who’s moved from country to country, the sky connects me to distant friends in ways that feel more real than instant messaging or social media. And as we enter into a technological age of AI, I fear that we are heading toward a time when much of what we think is real is not. We tend to exchange well-being for technological progress by conflating the two, but we often fail to find something more constant, more eternal, more grounding like the sky. The sky feels tangible even though I can’t feel it at all.

The sky brings me joy because it is equitable. It’s always there and available to anyone. It may be purple, or black, or red, or blue, but it’s our sky; we all share it.

Short Answer Questions:

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)

The best words to use are ones that are uncommon in colloquial usage. They’re the words that string together complex issues or illustrate something very specific. However, as you select unique words, be sure that you fully understand their meaning rather than quickly selecting them from a list in the thesaurus.

Instead of thinking about common adjectives that may describe you, think about bigger ideas, hobbies, and identities that resonate with you. Then narrow them down to phrases, and then, finally, words.

• Ornithophile
• Anthophobic

What is your most meaningful extracurricular commitment, and what would you like us to know about it? (100 words)

The key term in this prompt is “meaningful.” It’s easy to talk about the most impressive activity you’ve participated in or the commitment that you have dedicated the most energy to during your high school years, but prestige and time do not always indicate that an activity is the most meaningful to you. For instance, if the weekends you spent cleaning basketball courts with your community service club altered your perspective and brought you joy, then share that experience—even though it may not be the most impressive on your resume. Brown’s admissions committee will already have a baseline sense of your extracurricular portfolio through your activities list, so this is your chance to provide a more dynamic sense of your commitments.

As a fellow resident of the concrete jungle, I don’t feel that I’m around nature often (unless you call rats and dog poop nature).

But it was for that reason I started my school’s Varsity Birdwatching Club. Now, this isn’t your typical sport. It’s one that requires deep concentration and more patience than a man stuck in NYC traffic on a Friday night. Birdwatching empowers students to actively participate in something that might seem boring, but it also teaches them—myself included—the importance of slowing down, taking deep breaths, and taking breaks from the rush of city- and secondary-school life.

If you could teach a class on any one thing, whether academic or otherwise, what would it be? (100 words)

This prompt requires you to think about what you’re passionate about, whether that’s related to your academic focus or something completely unrelated. Some good questions to ask yourself are: What could you talk about for hours? What quirky interests do you like exploring on the weekends? What do you think about when you zone out in class? What do you feel everyone in the world should know? Feel free to make this as serious or as silly as you’d like.

Every year on my brother’s birthday, we go out to eat—or at least we try to. One…two…three hours go by, and the indecisive 12-…13-…14-year-old still has no idea where he wants to eat. The worst part of it all is that it’s his birthday, so you can’t rush the young lad. It’s an issue that I believe many, many families face today.

In honorable commemoration of June 21st, I present thee: “The Not-So-Complicated Philosophy of Food (In)Decision: How To Choose Which Restaurant To Eat At So The Entire Family Doesn’t Starve While Waiting For You To Make Your Decision.”

In one sentence, Why Brown? (50 words)*

To effectively answer the “Why Brown?” prompt in one sentence, under 50 words, you need to be concise yet impactful. A stellar answer to this question will show Brown that you’re able to zero in on specific details that are indicative of what Brown has to offer. Reflect on what draws you to Brown. This could include the Open Curriculum, a particular program or department, the campus culture, research opportunities, or the inclusive and collaborative community. Naming these things without excessively elaborating will demonstrate an awareness of the school’s culture and offerings within the limited word count allotted. Make sure each word adds value and directly addresses why you are excited about the prospect of attending Brown.

I’m drawn to Brown’s unique environment, where things clash in harmony; the bustle of Thayer Street alongside the Quiet Green, a Gendo Taiko performance before a peaceful night of studying, or riveting discussions on the quad that manage to connect seemingly unrelated topics such as cosmology and neuroimaging.

Your response to this prompt should first reflect a depth of knowledge about the Open Curriculum, then explain how its flexibility will enable you to pursue your academic passions. Mention specific courses, professors, departments, or research opportunities at Brown that align with your interests. For example, if you’re planning to study astrophysics, you could write about wanting to conduct research on atmosphere composition alongside a specific Brown professor or engaging with a center or institute that does similar work.

Following this up by discussing an interest in a field unrelated to your intended concentration—or perhaps an interest outside your intended concentration that could still inform your main work—can show exactly how the Brown Open Curriculum will help you pursue your multifaceted academic interests. Brown wants to understand how you plan to take ownership of your education, exercise your intellectual curiosity, and embrace an interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving in your discipline.

Growing up, I was always told that if I like to think analytically, I’m left-brained, and if I resonate more with my creative side, I’m right-brained. The problem is that I’m an Aristotilian, so the whole of my brain is greater than the sum of its parts. In that case, I’m just brained. And thankfully, Brown’s Open Curriculum does not discriminate on the basis of one’s cerebral leanings. As a metaphysically whole-brained human, the academic flexibility that the Open Curriculum affords makes it possible for me to explore my dual interest in both philosophy and neuroscience and the intersections in between.

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How To Write An Effective 2024-25 Brown Supplemental Essay

• November 15, 2024

Table of Contents

How to Write the Brown University Supplemental Essays: 2024-25

The application season is here and it’s time to start working on your Brown University supplemental essays. So dust out your paper and pen and hop on this guide on how to write Brown University supplemental essays. 

The journey of writing essays can be exciting as well as daunting. The prompts can be confusing and you can often feel lost with what to write and how to approach the essays in the best possible way. 

Before you start writing the essays it is important to have a thorough understanding of what is a supplemental essay, why do universities ask for it, and why you are writing it. 

Once you are aware of these queries, you will certainly have a more comprehensive approach towards the essays. 

You need to be mindful of certain information before starting your essay for any university. The first thing that you need to focus on are the values and principles that the University follows and expects its students to possess. Brown follows a flexible Open Curriculum approach where students are encouraged to opt for their interests irrespective of the course they are opting for. 

What Are Brown University’s Supplemental Essays?

Supplemental essays are short form essays of 250 words that offer additional pieces of information about the students. These essays are often connected to the personal statement and common application essay that you submit to specific universities. These universities release specific prompts on their website for supplemental essays. So, it is always advised to check university websites before writing your SOP or supplemental essays. Certain universities come with a prompt of their own on which you have to answer in an essay format. 

The supplemental essays are an important part of the application process that provide you the opportunity to show the admission committee more about yourself than just your grades and test results. 

Brown University follows an open curriculum approach where they let their students be in charge of their education. You plan out your course for yourself, what paper you will be opting, which course will best align to your interests and future. You are not restricted to the course you primarily opt for. 

The opportunity is large and extensive, therefore, the universities would like to know whether and how the students joining their community will leverage these opportunities. 

This is the reason most common prompts for these essays revolve around ‘why this college’, ‘extraculicular activity’, ‘diverse perspective’, and ‘personal history’. The aim of these questions are to know the students and how their life experiences have shaped them into the person they are today. 

Supplemental essays are the ideal place to highlight your academic interests as well as your morals, personality, and how you hope to contribute to Brown’s lively and diverse society. It’s a chance to talk about the experiences that have moulded your perspective, the goals that motivate you, and the tales that define who you are. 

The essays provide you the opportunity to paint a genuine and complex picture of yourself. Whether you are exploring your academic interests, thinking back on your own development, or relating your objectives to Brown’s special offerings, you can explore it all here. 

Another key point to emphasise in your essay is how Brown encourages creativity, critical thinking, and teamwork because of its open curriculum and welcoming campus culture and how you can leverage it to build the best version of yourself. 

This blog will guide you through each of the Brown University supplemental essays for the 2024–2025 admissions cycle and how to successfully nail it. It will help you focus on what you should emphasise, how to show your uniqueness, and how to make sure your essays stand out to the admissions committee. Brown University supplemental essays can be an effective tool for explaining why you’re the best candidate if you approach them properly.

Write your Common Application essay first.

Your CA essay is the most important essay. Every college will priorly focus on your CA essay. So you should base all of your application essays around this one. Once you are sure about the topic for this, you will have a coherent map on how to follow and move on with your supplements. However, make sure that you are not writing your SEs on the same topic as your CAs. It can be formed in and around it but not exactly the topic as the CAs otherwise it will become repetitive. 

So, if I can’t write on the same topic, why should I connect my SEs with CA at all? 

Your SEs should not be a pile of random things you conjure from your life. Else, it paints an unclear picture of what you intend to convey in your essays. Therefore, creating a clear and connected picture in all your essays but making sure to not repeat is essential to your SEs. 

When you are selecting a topic, you can choose something that is uniquely and authentically You. The supplemental essays are there to show your personality, values, character, and interests. So make sure you are making the best out of it. 

Here are the supplemental essay prompts for the 2024-25 application cycle: 

• Describe yourself in your own words. There is nothing better than sharing your unique experiences, perspectives, and traits that define you. These elements should focus on your background, interests, and key moments that have shaped who you are.  
• What academic programs or areas of study at Brown are you interested in? In this prompt, you can write your academic passions, and how they align with Brown’s open curriculum and programs. Additionally, you should highlight your relevant experiences. Explain how the culture and the society offered by Brown will help you succeed. 
• Reflect on a significant experience or person in your life. When you are writing the essay, you can emphasise on how a particular event or person has influenced your values and aspirations. You need to offer insights into your character and personal growth.
• For PLME applicants: Why do you want to pursue a career in medicine? Explain your passion for medicine. Incorporate personal anecdotes and your understanding of the medical field, to show your commitment to healthcare. 
• (Optional) Discuss any challenges you’ve faced. If applicable, share obstacles you’ve overcome that focus on resilience and personal growth. Also mention how they’ve prepared you for college.

Each essay that you write provides a chance to express your authentic voice and demonstrate your fit for Brown.

How to Write Each Supplemental Essay Prompt for Brown University?

Once you understand the essay prompts, the next step is to craft responses that reflect your unique strengths and experiences. Here’s a breakdown of each prompt, with strategies to help you write essays that stand out.

How to Write the Brown Supplemental Essay Prompt #1: Describe Yourself in Your Own Words

The first Brown Supplemental essay prompt aims to know about the students in their own words. This is a chance for the students to showcase who they are beyond academic achievements. 

Follow these guidelines to write the essay prompt: 

Start with Reflection

If you want to write an essay that engages the audience, it is important to collect your thoughts and organise them. So take time and reflect on what components define your character. You can write about the experiences or values that have shaped your character and made you the person you are today. However, don’t write anything and everything but try to maintain a focus on the key moments from your life.

Choose a Theme

Don’t get overwhelmed by the information and ideas pouring into your mind. Try to collect these ideas in one document and pick up one theme. Select a central theme that captures the essence of who you are. You can pick a theme that is a defining trait of your character such as resilience, creativity, or empathy. Or, you can pick a passion of yours or a transformative experience that has shaped your outlook. 

Engage with Storytelling

As Chekov enunciates, “Show, Don’t Tell”. Do not just give out the information, but craft it in a storytelling pattern to engage the reader. Use an anecdote to show your personality and make your essay more vivid and memorable with narration. A well told story gives insight into your character and makes the essay more engaging. 

Be Authentic

Brown admissions officers are looking for an honest and genuine portrayal of who you are. Make sure you write in your natural voice, and don’t be afraid to be vulnerable. 

Connect to Brown

The focus of the essay should be you. But, do not forget to mention how your experience, ideas, values, and interests align with Brown. A brief research on Brown’s values will help you align your traits to their culture of intellectual curiosity and open-mindedness.

Revise and Edit

Once you’ve written your draft, make sure you revise it. The content should flow smoothly in the essay. There should not be any disjuncture within the passages and the message should be clear. Proofread it and seek feedback from people around you to perfect your writing. 

How to Write the Brown Supplemental Essay Prompt #2: What Academic Programs Are You Interested In?

This prompt is your opportunity to discuss your academic passions and how Brown’s programs align with your intellectual interests. Here’s a guide to tackle this essay:

Research Brown’s Programs

Start by researching the specific academic offerings at Brown. Look into courses, faculty, and opportunities related to your field of interest. Understanding Brown’s curriculum and its open structure will help you write a more informed and personalised response.

Articulate Your Interests

Explain what drives your passion for specific subjects. Share how your past experiences, both in and out of the classroom, have fueled your academic interests. This shows that your passion is authentic and well-developed.

Connect to Brown’s Unique Features

Highlight how Brown’s unique academic features, like the open curriculum or interdisciplinary opportunities, will allow you to explore your interests. 

Maintain a Personal Tone

Make sure your essay doesn’t feel like a dry list of programs and courses. Write about your personal passion and enthusiasm for learning. This essay should show your academic curiosity, not just list credentials.

How to Write the Brown Supplemental Essay Prompt #3: Reflect on an Important Aspect of Your Identity

The third prompt asks you to reflect on a key aspect of your identity. The aim of the prompt is to understand how this particular aspect has shaped your experiences and perspective of the world and people. 

Here is a breakdown of how to approach this essay: 

Before starting the essay, make sure you are in a peaceful environment. You can use some meditation before writing anything. Think deeply about transformative experiences or challenges that have played a major role in your life. Use a paper and pen. Make sure you are jotting everything that crosses your mind. These reflections will form the foundation of your essay. You can try to focus on certain aspects such as cultural heritage, personal values, or significant life events. 

Use Specific Examples

Instead of making broad statements about your identity, use anecdotes and specific experiences to illustrate your points. Personal stories make your essay more engaging and give admissions a clearer picture of who you are.

Make sure that your content is revised and is proofread. You can seek help from your relatives for constructive criticism. 

How to Write the Brown Supplemental Essay Prompt #4

The fourth Brown supplemental essay prompt invites you to share your intellectual curiosity or passions beyond the classroom. It is an opportunity to tell them how your interaction with the world around you contributes to your learning. 

Explore Your Interests

You can begin by reflecting on the subjects or activities that excite you the most. Such as, you can write about the topics you like to explore during your free time. Your essay should bring in your intellectual pursuits and your passions that you explore while advocating for social issues or while solving maths problems. It’s all about showcasing what drives your curiosity and how you learn from it.

Connect to Brown’s Curriculum

As mentioned above, Brown offers an Open Curriculum which is the core of their learning. It offers the freedom to explore subjects across disciplines. Therefore, the admission committee would be interested to know how your intellectual interests align with their offerings. For example, if you’re passionate about public health, mention how the program offered by Brown would allow you to explore your interests in policy and healthcare.

Keep It Engaging

Again, don’t forget to keep the essay in a storytelling format to engage the reader. And, it is advised to seek feedback from 4-5 close people to proofread your essay. 

How to Write the Brown Supplemental Essay Prompt #5

Prompt #5 asks you to reflect on an academic or personal journey. This is an important essay prompt as it offers an insight into the person you have grown into whether through overcoming challenges or experiences that shaped your worldview.

Choose a Meaningful Topic

Start by thinking about the experiences that have truly impacted you. It could be a challenging class or a personal obstacle. Think about the moments that taught you valuable lessons and how they shaped your character.

Be Honest and Positive

While discussing challenges, maintain a positive outlook. Focus on the growth and positive outcomes of the experience to highlight your resilience and ability to learn from difficulties.

Tie Your Journey to Brown

Link your personal journey to Brown’s values. Show how your experiences have prepared you to contribute to the Brown community. This could be through academic freedom, diverse student organisations, or specific aspects of the university that resonate with your story.

Tell a Compelling Story

Instead of listing events, frame your essay as a narrative. Use descriptive language and storytelling to engage the reader while showing your growth and resilience.

End with Reflection

Conclude the essay with how your experiences will shape your future. Mention what you have learned through these experiences and how these lesions will guide your time at Brown. 

How to Write the Brown Supplemental Essay Prompt #6

Prompt #6 asks you to express your excitement about a specific aspect of Brown’s academic environment.

Research Brown’s Unique Offerings

Research Brown’s open curriculum and unique programs. Mention specific courses, professors, or extracurricular activities that align with your interests. Show that you’ve researched and are genuinely excited about Brown.

Clearly Articulate Your Interest

Explain why you’re drawn to Brown’s offerings. Be specific about how you’ll take advantage of the academic freedom and other opportunities available at Brown.

Make It Personal

Share anecdotes that connect your personal interests to Brown’s unique programs. This personal touch will make your essay stand out and show why you’re a perfect fit for the university.

Look Ahead to Your Future

Describe how you’ll contribute to the Brown community. Mention specific clubs or initiatives you plan to join and how you see yourself impacting campus life.

Be Genuine and Reflective

Maintain authenticity throughout your essay. Show your genuine excitement for Brown and reflect on how the university will help you pursue your passions.

How to Write the Brown Supplemental Essay Prompt #7

Prompt #7 invites you to explore a creative or innovative idea you wish to pursue at Brown.

Identify a Passionate Topic

Choose a topic you’re passionate about. It could be a question you want to investigate or a problem you’re eager to solve. Make sure your idea reflects your personal interests and creativity.

Show Originality

Admissions officers are looking for unique ideas. Ensure your idea reflects your originality and personal perspective. This will make you stand out and show your intellectual energy.

Connect Your Idea to Brown

Research Brown’s resources that would support your idea. Mention specific courses, research centres, or professors that align with your project to show you’ve thought about how Brown can help you achieve your goals.

Describe How You’d Explore the Idea

Explain the steps you’d take to explore your idea at Brown, such as conducting research or starting a new initiative. This demonstrates your creativity and planning abilities.

Reflect on the Impact

Conclude by reflecting on the broader impact of your idea. How might it benefit others or contribute to the Brown community? This forward-thinking approach will leave a strong impression on the admissions committee.

How to Write the Brown RISD Program Supplemental Essays

The Brown RISD Dual Degree Program lets the students combine their academic and artistic passions. If you are someone looking to opt for the Space Engineering program at Brown but want to continue pursuing your passion photography, you can efficiently do so. Brown’s open curriculum lets its students elect any program they want to pursue. 

How to Write the Brown RISD Supplemental Essay Prompt 

The Brown RISD Dual Degree Program essays asks you to reflect on your artistic journey and its influence on your identity and aspirations.

• Start with Personal Reflection: Begin by sharing how you first became passionate about art. Discuss key moments or projects that defined your artistic growth and explain how they influenced your creative journey.
• Illustrate Your Growth: Describe experiences that pushed your creative boundaries, such as workshops or exhibitions. Reflect on how these opportunities helped you evolve as an artist.
• Connect to Your Identity: Explain how art has shaped your worldview or personal identity. Discuss how your experiences as an artist have influenced the way you see the world and your role in it.
• Link to Brown RISD’s Values: Highlight how your artistic vision aligns with the Brown RISD program’s interdisciplinary approach. Discuss how the program’s flexibility will help you explore the intersection of art and academics.
• Set Future Aspirations: Conclude by outlining your future goals as an artist and academic. Explain how the Brown RISD program will help you achieve your aspirations and contribute to your overall growth.

Some of the Mistakes to Avoid While Writing Brown’s Supplemental Essay

While writing your Brown Supplemental Essay, it’s important to be mindful of common mistakes that can weaken your application. Avoiding these pitfalls will help ensure that your essay is strong, focused, and effective. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

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• Ignoring the Prompt : One of the most significant mistakes applicants make is failing to address the prompt directly. It’s essential to stay focused on the question and ensure that your essay provides a clear and direct response. Straying off-topic or failing to answer the prompt can confuse the reader and undermine the effectiveness of your essay.
• Being Too Vague : Vague or generic statements do not make a strong impression. Avoid broad or abstract language and, instead, focus on providing specific examples and details. For instance, instead of saying you’re interested in science, explain what specific aspect of science fascinates you and how you’ve pursued that interest.
• Overloading the Essay with Achievements : While it’s important to showcase your accomplishments, your essay should not be a laundry list of achievements. The admissions committee is looking for depth and insight, not just a recitation of your resume. Focus on one or two meaningful experiences or themes, and explore them in detail.
• Lack of Personal Reflection : An effective essay goes beyond just describing experiences or achievements; it includes personal reflection and insight. Make sure your essay delves into what these experiences mean to you, how they’ve shaped you, and how they align with your goals for the future. Reflective writing shows maturity and self-awareness, qualities that are highly valued by college applicants.
• Forgetting to Research Brown : Brown’s supplemental essays often ask about your fit with the university. Failing to demonstrate knowledge of Brown’s unique programs, culture, and values can be a missed opportunity. Take the time to research the university thoroughly, and make sure your essay reflects your understanding of what makes Brown special.
• Using Clichés or Overused Phrases : Clichés or overused phrases can make your essay feel unoriginal. Avoid words like “ever since I was a child,” “I’ve always been passionate about,” or “I want to change the world.” Instead, focus on writing in your own voice and using language that is fresh, original, and true to your experiences.
• Trying to Be Someone You’re Not : Some applicants feel pressured to present themselves in a certain way or to fit a particular mold they think the admissions committee is looking for. This can lead to an inauthentic essay that doesn’t truly reflect who you are. Brown values individuality and authenticity, so be honest and true to yourself in your writing.
• Neglecting the Conclusion : A weak or rushed conclusion can leave a lasting negative impression. Make sure your essay has a strong conclusion that ties together your main points and leaves the reader with a clear sense of who you are and what you hope to achieve at Brown. A thoughtful conclusion can reinforce the impact of your essay and make it more memorable.
• Over-Editing : While it’s important to revise and polish your essay, be careful not to over-edit. Over-editing can strip your essay of its original voice and make it feel overly mechanical or contrived. Maintain a balance between refining your writing and preserving your natural voice and personality.
• Not Proofreading : Spelling and grammatical errors can distract the reader and detract from the quality of your essay. Always proofread your essay carefully before submitting it. Consider reading it out loud or asking someone else to review it for errors you might have missed.

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FAQs on How to Write the Brown Supplemental Essays 2024-25

1. what is the acceptance rate for brown.

As of the most recent admissions cycle, Brown University’s acceptance rate hovers around 5%, making it one of the most competitive institutions in the Ivy League.

2. How many supplements does Brown have?

Brown typically requires applicants to submit several supplemental essays, including those specific to their chosen program, such as the Brown RISD Dual Degree.

3. How many essays does Brown require?

The exact number of essays may vary slightly from year to year, but applicants generally need to write around three to five supplemental essays in addition to the Common Application essay.

4. Does Brown change their supplemental essays?

Brown occasionally updates its supplemental essay prompts to reflect changing priorities and themes, so it’s essential to check their official website for the latest requirements.

5. What is the word limit for Brown’s essay?

The word limit for Brown’s supplemental essays typically ranges from 100 to 250 words, but applicants should verify the specific limits for each prompt on the university’s admissions website.

Rostrum Education is dedicated to guiding students throughout the entire college application journey, ensuring they make informed choices. We offer personalized tutoring that empowers students to excel academically. Our academic consultants provide individualized support, helping learners navigate various aspects of the application process, such as selecting suitable universities and courses, completing personal histories, showcasing academic achievements, developing interview questions, and preparing impactful personal statements. Additionally, we create customized programs and resources tailored to each student’s specific needs and aspirations, equipping them for the competitive admissions landscape and helping them meet the requirements of various universities on their first attempt.

Yatharth is the co-founder of Rostrum education. He pursued a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Mathematics and Statistics from London School of Economics and Political Science. He has worked with leading educational consultancies in the UK to tutor students and assist them in university admissions.

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Brown Essay 2024-25

Brown supplemental essay quick facts.

• Brown University acceptance rate: 5%— U.S. News has Brown University ranking at #13 on its National Universities list. This is why your Brown essay really matters! 
• 3 (~250 word) essays
• 4 very short answer questions
• Brown essay application note: There are additional Brown University supplemental essays for students applying to PLME or the Brown|RISD Dual Degree Program. 
• #1 Brown essay tip: In total, there are three required Brown supplemental essays, four short answer questions, and the Common App personal statement. With so much to write, give yourself plenty of time to write each Brown essay to the best of your ability. 

How Many Essays Does Brown University Require?

When considering how to write the Brown supplemental essays, the first step is knowing how many Brown essays to write. There are seven Brown supplemental essays that all first-year students need to submit. Four of those essays have a word limit of 250. The others are very short answer questions ranging from 3 to 100 words depending on the Brown essay prompt. 

Additionally, if you are applying to the Brown Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME), you’ll need to answer two more Brown supplemental essays. That means PLME students will submit a total of nine Brown supplemental essays.

Students interested in the Brown|RISD Dual Degree Program will need to write an additional Brown essay as well. In total, Brown|RISD Dual Degree Program applicants will write eight Brown supplemental essays. 

All Brown University applicants must also submit the Common App personal statement, choosing from one of the seven Common App essay prompts. This article doesn’t cover the personal statement, but there are plenty of resources to help you write it.

Additionally, keep in mind that Brown is no longer a test-optional university. So, in addition to your essays, you’ll need to factor in taking standardized tests when considering your “how to get into Brown” plan and application timeline. 

Brown Essay Prompts

With so many Brown supplemental essays, you should stay organized and be prepared to write your best Brown essay for every prompt. So before we get into how to write the Brown supplemental essays, let’s take a look at the prompts. 

This may seem like a lot of Brown University supplemental essays. However, keep in mind that they aren’t required for all students. Additionally, a few of the Brown essay prompts have lower word counts. 

Now, let’s break down each Brown essay prompt so you understand how to write the Brown supplemental essays. 

Brown Essay #1: Open Curriculum Essay

This Brown essay is an interesting take on a traditional academic interest essay. You may also see this referred to as a “ why this school ” or “ why this major ” essay. Let’s review the prompt for the first Brown essay: 

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)

In order to write your best Brown Open Curriculum essay example, you’ll need to hone in on your academic interests. Do you know what you want to major in? If so, now’s the time to reflect on why that area has sparked your interest. 

If you’re not absolutely certain of your potential major, that’s all right. But, you’ll still need to get specific on an academic subject area of interest in this Brown Open Curriculum essay example. Did you love your high school English class because it helped you hone your creative writing skills? Well, you might explore that interest in this Brown essay. 

Whatever academic topic you choose to explore, be sure to mention why it excites you. Therefore, choose something that you are truly passionate about. Additionally, you should do some research on Brown-specific opportunities. The Brown Open Curriculum is a unique opportunity to customize your learning experience. Specify what courses and opportunities you will take advantage of as a Brown student. Remember, this Brown Open Curriculum essay example is in large part a “why Brown” essay, just with an academic twist. 

What Is Brown Open Curriculum?

In order to best respond to the first Brown essay prompt, you’ll need to understand the Brown Open Curriculum . This is a unique approach that allows students to take control of their education. Indeed, the hope is that in doing so, students become critical, creative thinkers who can rise to a challenge. These are just a couple of valuable professional and life skills the Brown Open Curriculum promotes in its students. 

But, what exactly is the Brown Open Curriculum? Well, unlike most other schools, Brown allows its students to completely personalize their studies. While other schools have set core courses, Brown students have the freedom and flexibility to adjust their courses to their academic interests and future career goals. 

With the Brown Open Curriculum, students will customize their major as they explore a variety of disciplines that catch their interest. This freedom can be challenging; however, that is the allure of the Brown Open Curriculum. It challenges students to be creative and take risks in order to gain the most from their undergraduate education. 

Brown Essay #2 : Three Words

The second Brown essay that we’re going to take a look at is one of the very short answer questions. And, when we say very short, we mean it! This Brown essay has the lowest word count at just three words. 

What three words best describe you?

While you may be relieved that one of the seven required Brown University essays is just three words, it doesn’t necessarily make the prompt easier. You’ll need to brainstorm to get the best three words possible. 

When considering what words to list, think about the rest of your application. You don’t want to use an adjective that is obvious from having read your extracurricular list. For example, if you have included four years of art camp, avoid “artistic,” as admission already knows that. 

Think of specific, unique words that will add value to your overall application and candidate profile. For example, you might consider words like “affectionate,” “resourceful,” or “brave.” Remember, consider words that truly describe you, but that won’t have been obvious from the rest of your application. Also consider how the words complement or contrast each other. Maybe you have some contradictions in your personality — what three words could highlight those in a compelling way? 

Brown Essay #3 : Why Brown in a Sentence

The third Brown essay prompt we’re going to look at is another very short answer question. This Brown essay has a word limit of 50. 

In one sentence, Why Brown?

While the first Brown essay was a spin on the “why major” and “why this school” essay, this Brown essay prompt is very clearly a “why this school” essay. However, it does give it a slight twist by only allotting applicants one sentence and 50 words. 

If you’ve written any other “why this school” essays, you may be feeling overwhelmed by the task of answering in so few words. However, you’ll just need to be concise with your response. First, consider why you are applying to Brown. What specific course, resource, or professor makes you want to attend? Focus on just one factor, since you have limited space. Therefore, choose the one that interests you most and shares more information about yourself with admissions. 

In this essay, refrain from mentioning the Brown Open Curriculum. You want to get more specific than that in order to set you apart from other candidates. Most students are excited to take advantage of the Brown Open Curriculum — what else is there that has drawn you to Brown? 

Brown Essay #4: Extracurricular Essay

This Brown essay is another classic among college applications. However, you only have 100 words to answer this Brown essay. 

What is your most meaningful extracurricular commitment, and what would you like us to know about it? 

This Brown essay gives you the opportunity to expand on an extracurricular activity you’ve listed, or mention a less conventional activity that didn’t fit into another section of the application. If you decide to expand on a club, sport, or volunteer experience that you’ve already mentioned, you’ll need to add new information. 

The key to this Brown essay is the extracurricular activity’s meaning, and why you want to share it with admissions. What impact has it made on your life, or how has it allowed you to impact others? How will that impact influence your path going forward, including your presence at Brown?

You may have already written a similar essay for other college applications. You can certainly reuse the topic or even parts of that essay. However, in this Brown essay, you have very few words — less than the typical extracurricular activity essay. So, you’ll need to make this essay much more concise. 

Brown Essay #5: Community Essay

We’re going to head back to the longer Brown University supplemental essays. This next Brown essay is another traditional topic that you’ve likely seen in other college applications. 

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.

This Brown essay asks you to reflect upon your upbringing, background, and lived experiences. This is a favorite among colleges because it has applicants share what they would bring to the campus community. You might consider talking about identity, community, interests, family culture, or any lived experiences that have informed how you navigate the world. This Brown essay prompt leaves it pretty open to interpretation. As long as you show how the aspect you choose to write on will impact what you’ll contribute to campus, then you’re good!

However, be sure to answer all parts of this Brown essay prompt. Once you know what you’d like to focus on, you’ll need to share how it “inspired or challenged you.” Show not tell is a good technique to use here, and in all of your college essays. Set the scene with descriptive language that hooks the reader. Your writing should evoke feelings. Ideally, the reader will feel the challenge or inspiration with each word. Anecdotes will help to show the aspect of your background that you wish to highlight. Since you have 250 words, use them!

Don’t forget to tie things together by clearly stating how this aspect will lead to your contributions to the Brown community. What unique perspective, qualities, or skills will you now be able to share with your peers? How might it affect your daily conversations or interactions? Overall, why will you benefit the campus community?

Brown Essay #6: Joy

The Brown supplemental essays do a good job of varying between essay favorites and unique prompts. This next Brown essay is a little outside of the norm. 

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.

While it may not be a classic, this Brown essay serves to share more about yourself with admissions, which is the main goal of all of the Brown supplemental essays. Indeed, this Brown essay is a unique opportunity to fill in any gaps in your application or share something meaningful and unique to you. 

The key to this essay is to be genuine and authentic. Don’t try to think of a topic you believe will impress admissions. Take the time to reflect on what brings you genuine joy in your life. This is an opportunity to show that you are passionate and curious. 

For example, you might share your love of coffee. Maybe you try a different type of coffee or a new coffee shop every weekend. The journey of finding your favorite is a never ending mission. However, the key to this Brown essay is making sure your passion is evident. So, if we hone in on the coffee example, you’d want your reader to feel the excitement in seeking out new places, and maybe even feel the anticipation building throughout the week as you await your weekend adventure. 

This Brown essay allows you to talk about something ordinary or extraordinary. So, you should certainly be able to think of something. Just remember, be authentic and passionate when writing. Choosing a topic that truly brings you joy will allow you to write your best version of this essay. 

How to Write the Brown Essays

We’ve looked at how to approach each Brown essay, but there are some general tips you can follow with all of the Brown supplemental essays. 

Choose a meaningful topic.

Be genuine and authentic when brainstorming possible topics for the Brown supplemental essays. Don’t focus solely on impressing admissions; you want to actually choose a topic that is meaningful to you. When choosing among various ideas, you might ask yourself, “which topic am I most excited to write about?”

Add new information to your application. 

The Brown University supplemental essays are an opportunity to share more about yourself with admissions. Take a look at your application as a whole when considering how to write the Brown supplemental essays. What personality trait, skill, interest, passion, or value isn’t seen in any other part of your application? Use every Brown essay to highlight a new part of yourself. 

Write, edit, rewrite, and proofread. 

This is a cycle that you will likely repeat various times when writing the Brown University supplemental essays. You have seven Brown supplemental essays to write as well as the Common App essay. With so many essays to complete, give yourself plenty of time to edit. Enlist the help of a family member, friend, or teacher. Your Brown University supplemental essays should be not only interesting, but also impeccably written. Make sure there are no spelling or grammar errors that could distract admissions when reading your final draft. 

Additional Essay Requirements

There are additional Brown essay requirements when applying to certain programs. If you intend to apply to the Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME), you’ll need to write two additional Brown PLME essays. Of the two, one has a limit of 500 words and the other 250. 

Other programs may require additional Brown supplemental essays. For example, the Brown|RISD Dual Degree Program also has an additional Brown essay requirement. The Brown|RISD Dual Degree Program is a five-year program in which students earn a BA from Brown University and a BFA from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). This program is meant for ambitious students hoping to expand both their academic and artistic skills and knowledge. Students will need to write a 650 word essay explaining their interest in this unique program. 

Reading a Brown open curriculum essay example can help when writing the Brown University supplemental essays. However, there are also plenty of Brown supplemental essays examples for these specific programs. If you’re wondering how to get into Brown, specifically the the PLME or Brown|RISD Dual Degree program, then read this essay guide . 

What Is Brown PLME?

PLME is an eight-year program that allows students to graduate with a Bachelor’s and M.D.. Essentially, it combines an undergraduate education with a medical school education, accelerating the process. Therefore, you’ll not only be admitted to Brown, but also to the Warren Alpert Medical School. So if you’re set on medical school, then Brown PLME is an excellent option. However, this program is highly selective, so these Brown PLME essays need to be outstanding . 

Check out the PLME website for more information on applying. Additionally, read our PLME overview article to better understand the program. Next, we’ll take a look at the Brown PLME essays for those interested in the program. 

What Are The Brown PLME Essays?

The Brown University acceptance rate is extremely competitive— the PLME program even more so. Needless to say, your Brown PLME essays are extremely important to your overall application. 

Here are the prompts for the Brown PLME essays:

PLME Prompt 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, and why the Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) will best meet your professional and personal goals. 

PLME Prompt 2

Healthcare is constantly changing as it is affected by racial and social inequities, economics, politics, technology, and more. 

Please respond to one of the following prompts (250 words): 

• How will you, as a future physician, make a positive impact?
• How has your personal background uniquely shaped your perspective on the field of medicine?

PLME applicants will need to respond to these prompts in addition to the first-year Brown supplemental essays. In the end, PLME applicants will write a total of nine Brown supplemental essays. 

The first of the PLME essays is essentially another “why major” essay. You’ve likely seen it before. The second prompt actually gives you the choice between two prompts. However, both center around the impact you’ll make in your future field of medicine. 

Now that we know the prompts, let’s look at how to approach the Brown PLME essays. 

How To Write The Brown PLME Essays

PLME is an extremely selective and prestigious program. In addition to having excellent grades and extracurriculars, you’ll also need excellent Brown PLME essays. Even then, admission isn’t guaranteed. However, writing the best Brown PLME essays possible will only help your application as a whole.

Let’s take a look at how to write each of the Brown PLME essays. 

Responding to Prompt 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, and why the Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) will best meet your professional and personal goals. (500 words)

For this Brown essay, applicants will first need to reflect on why they want to go into medicine. You can use anecdotes to display what first sparked your interest. It is a good idea to show that this isn’t a whim. You might demonstrate how you first found the interest, and how it’s been a constant ever since. Committing to a career in medicine is a large undertaking; you need to show that you are seriously passionate about it!

The second part of this Brown essay asks, “why PLME?” What about this program will allow you to meet your future goals, both personal and professional? Be specific about opportunities only offered at PLME. Obviously, it is an accelerated program; therefore, you should mention another unique quality that has sparked your interest to differentiate yourself from others. Is there a specific research opportunity, professor, or concentration that will allow you to reach your future goals in medicine?

Responding to Prompt 2

For the second of the Brown PLME essays, you have the choice between two prompts. However, both essentially ask about your future in medicine. Choose to respond to the prompt that most excites you to write about. If you’re unsure of which prompt to write on, brainstorm various topics on both. From that list, choose the most meaningful item. 

If you decide to respond to the first option, you’ll need to consider your future goals in medicine. Be careful not to repeat information from the first PLME essay. You should add new information that admissions hasn’t yet seen. You might consider mentioning a specific problem. Your essay would then go on to explain how you’d want to fix it. But, the issue should be specific and personal to you. Stray away from general and cliché topics — the more niche, the better. 

The second prompt asks applicants to dive into their background and how it relates to what they’ll bring to the medical field. You might use an anecdote to set the scene. No matter what you choose to write about from your background, just be sure to relate it back to your future in medicine. It should be clear how this lived experience has affected you and your perspective on medicine. 

5 Tips on Crafting Outstanding Brown Essays

We’ve given you plenty of information on how to write the Brown supplemental essays, but let’s review it all with five tips on how to write the Brown University supplemental essays. 

5 Brown Essay Tips

1. start early..

There are seven Brown University supplemental essays for all first-year students. If you’re applying to the PLME or Brown|RISD Dual Degree Program, you will have additional Brown University supplemental essays. Ideally, start writing your essays the summer before your application deadline . 

2. Research and get specific.

The best Brown Open Curriculum essay example, or any Brown supplemental essays examples, are very specific. Many read as though the writer could only be speaking about Brown. By that, we mean they use specific examples of opportunities only found at Brown. Mention courses, programs, clubs, or faculty only found at Brown that are of interest to you. 

3. Be genuine and authentic.

No generic Brown Open Curriculum essay example will impress admissions. You’ll need to do some reflection about what’s truly important to you. What experiences or personality traits are integral to who you are? Understanding who you are and where you came from will be vital to writing an outstanding Brown Open Curriculum essay example — or any outstanding Brown essay.

4. Share anecdotes and be descriptive.

The Brown University supplemental essays invite students to share personal experiences. The stories you share need to be relevant to the prompt. For example, a Brown Open Curriculum essay example might discuss varied interests and how someone pursues them, showing a love of learning widely. Of course, you would do this through stories. Just stating facts won’t impress anyone! Take the reader on a journey with an interesting narrative. 

5. Check your grammar and spelling.

Editing and revising is a vital part of the writing process. You’ll notice that in every successful Brown Open Curriculum essay there are no grammar and spelling errors. These types of mistakes will distract the reader from the essay. Make sure your essays are grammatically and mechanically impeccable. Ask others to take a look and help you catch any mistakes. You should also read your essay aloud to listen for any clunky phrasing or typos. 

For even more tips on writing exceptional Brown supplemental essays examples, check out this article of 39 essay tips. These tips come directly from admissions officers. Applying them to any Brown Open Curriculum essay example or Brown supplemental essays examples will help in making your Brown application stand out !

Brown Essay- Where to Turn for Help

Being prepared is essential when it comes to tackling the Brown University supplemental essays. The Brown University acceptance rate and Brown University ranking make it an incredibly competitive school. That means gaining admissions won’t be easy. When considering how to get into Brown, CollegeAdvisor has plenty of resources to guide you through the process.

Reading Brown supplemental essays examples or a Brown Open Curriculum essay example can help you get started in the writing process. Check out our guide on Brown essay examples and why they worked. You’ll be able to see a well done Brown Open Curriculum essay example as well as others. 

In addition to reading a successful Brown Open Curriculum essay example (or many!), you can also check out a previous Brown essay guide here . We also have this Brown supplemental essays guide from previous years. While the prompts won’t be exactly the same, much of the advice is broadly applicable. Reading these guides will give you valuable information on writing your best essays, and essentially on how to get into Brown!

You can also watch some of our webinars on Brown. This webinar talks all about how to get into Brown, and what it’s like when you’re a student there! For an even more in-depth look into what it’s like to attend Brown, watch this Brown University Panel . And, if you’re ready to imagine yourself on campus, long after you’ve aced your “how to get into Brown” plan, go on this virtual college tour . 

Brown Supplemental Essay – Takeaways

Devising a plan for how to get into Brown is no easy task. With Brown University ranking high consistently, you’ll need to craft an exceptional Brown application. The Brown essays will play a crucial role in sharing valuable information about yourself with admissions. 

When approaching these essays, remember that no cliché or generic Brown Open Curriculum essay example will impress admissions. As such, choosing the best topic for each prompt is an important part of getting started. You’ll notice that every successful Brown Open Curriculum essay is unique to the student. Therefore, you won’t be able to simply mimic other essay examples. Use them as inspiration to write your own. To write your best essays, you’ll need to do some reflection on your interests, values, skills, and personality traits. How will they play into your future at Brown?

After reading this essay guide, we hope you feel better prepared to tackle the many Brown essays! If you feel like you need personalized help, reach out to our team of expert advisors. We’ve helped thousands of students and families through the college admissions process. Our expert advisors can help you craft your best Brown application and stay on track with your Brown essays. Maximize your admissions odds so that you can start visualizing your first year on Brown’s campus — long after acing your Brown application!

This article was written by Sarah Kaminski. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.

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Brown Supplemental Essays 2024-25 — Prompts & Advice

July 29, 2024

Applicants to the Brown Class of 2028 were greeted with just over a 5% acceptance rate, similar to the year prior. Given that 19 of every 20 applicants are turned away–even many valedictorians with perfect test scores–aspiring Brown undergrads need to find a way to stand out from a pack of similarly credentialed teens. Fortunately, Brown provides exactly this kind of opportunity by offering three 200-250 word essays and a handful of short answers that provide applicants a chance to showcase their writing ability and craft responses that are genuine, compelling, and potentially needle-moving to the admissions staff at this Rhode Island-based Ivy. In the following blog, we will offer a detailed look at each of the Brown supplemental essays.

(Want to learn more about How to Get Into Brown University? Visit our blog entitled:  How to Get Into Brown: Admissions Data and Strategies  for all of the most recent admissions data as well as tips for gaining acceptance.)

You’ll find the Brown supplemental essay prompts for the 2024-25 admissions cycle listed below. The College Transitions team will also share their advice about how successful applicants approach each of the Brown supplemental essays.

Brown Supplemental Essays 2024-25

1) brown open curriculum essay.

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)

Let’s begin by explaining exactly what Brown’s  Open Curriculum  is…in the university’s own words, the Open Curriculum allows students to “develop a personalized course of study — they have greater freedom to study what they choose and the flexibility to discover what they love.” Getting to be the architect of your own college program is a rare opportunity that few schools other than Brown offer. With this great privilege comes great responsibility and Brown wants to know precisely how you might take advantage of this virtually unparalleled undergraduate freedom.

What topics keep you up at night? Which subject makes you read books and online content until your eyes bleed? Are there particular interests that you’ve started exploring—either in or outside the classroom—and would like to continue pursuing? If you could address one problem in the world, large or small, what would it be? Moreover, if you’re interested in several areas (which is 100% welcome at Brown) how might an interdisciplinary approach benefit you? After you’ve selected your interest area(s), you’ll then want to connect them to specific resources or offerings at Brown, which could include academic departments , classes , professors, research opportunities , study abroad programs , or internships , to name a few.

2) Brown Supplemental Essay – Background

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)

This prompt asks you to not only share a particular life experience or element of your background/cultural identity but also describe why that experience or element of your identity will help you contribute to Brown in general. Essentially, it’s asking you to take your essay’s reflection one step further—you’ll need to share why the experience or element you’ve chosen has inspired or challenged you as well as why/how you believe it will allow you to positively impact the Brown community.

Brown Supplemental Essays (Continued)

First, choose a key aspect of your experiences, background, or identity that reveals something deep and meaningful about you. (Although you could choose more than one, we’d advise against it, given that you only have 250 words in which to respond.) As you brainstorm, consider the following avenues:

• Your role in your family.
• A challenge you’ve faced.
• A formative experience or realization.
• Important aspects of your upbringing.
• Cultural, religious, community influence.

Second, you’ll need to describe both personal and future impact. Make sure that your answer reveals something about how you will live out Brown’s values or contribute to an academic/social community ( note : this should be different from the offerings discussed in your Open Curriculum essay). For the latter angle, you could name a specific  course ,   research opportunity , or extracurricular club , to name a few—perhaps living in a beach town has heavily contributed to your passion for the world’s oceans, and you seek to bring that perspective to the biology department’s research opportunities. Alternatively, you could discuss something more intangible—perhaps Brown’s mission to create inclusive communities resonates with you, and you hope to bring your experience of growing up with a neurodiverse sibling to on- and off-campus tutoring opportunities.

3) Brown Joy Essay

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 brings you glee, exuberance, jubilation, delight, elation, bliss…joy? There are a multitude of universal and highly relatable experiences that bring joy to one’s soul. For example, it could involve family, pets, hobbies, habits, scenes of natural beauty, literature, travel, etc. However, you could also talk about dreams for the future, more bittersweet moments, abstract thoughts, moments of glorious introversion, or a time that you  unexpectedly  felt joy.

4) Brown Supplemental Essays – Short Answer Questions

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?

No tricks here—the prompt literally only allows for three words. As such, make sure those three words are pulling their weight. For example, “interesting, hard-working, dedicated” could likely describe any number of Brown applicants. Instead, try to think of descriptive or evocative words that capture what makes you unique or what you most value—perhaps it’s your wit, your bibliophile tendencies, or your generosity, to name a few.

What is your most meaningful extracurricular commitment, and what would you like us to know about it? (100 words)

Out of everything you’re involved in, what stands out? What activity is near and dear to your heart? What activity has enabled you to grow the most or learned important lessons? If you could choose one of your activities to continue doing in college, which one would it be? After you’ve chosen, think about why this activity is the most meaningful or important to you—what it has allowed you to accomplish, how it has brought you personal fulfillment, and/or how it has pushed you outside of your comfort zone, among others.

If you could teach a class on any one thing, whether academic or otherwise, what would it be? (100 words)

Firstly, you’ll want to select a course centered around a topic about which you are an expert or hope to become an expert. The admissions reader is well aware that you are a teenager and not someone who has yet earned a Ph.D. Therefore, being a self-taught, informal expert is perfectly fine. You’ll then want to explain “why”—why will (or should) your passion be made relevant to a wider audience? Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind:

• Quality answers often involve the intersection of two or more disciplines.
• Course creation essays can and should reveal your ability to connect and synthesize information.
• Make sure that the topic of your course is not overly broad or already offered. The topic should not be akin to a 101 college course like Intro to Psychology…be creative (this is Brown, after all)!

In one sentence, Why Brown? (50 words)

Here, think about why you believe Brown is the best fit for you overall . To accomplish that, list every reason why you’re applying to Brown and how you believe Brown will help you reach your goals. There should be at least a few that stand out, which you can integrate into one (very long) sentence. While you can reiterate reasoning shared on other parts of the application (such as how excited you are by the linguistics department) you don’t want this response to be a straight-up repeat. As such, the strongest answers will include academic as well as social or ethos-related elements, and can reference your own short or long-term goals as well.

How important are the Brown University supplemental essays?

There are a whopping 7 factors that Brown considers to be “very important” to the evaluation process. These are: rigor of secondary school record, character/personal qualities, class rank, GPA, recommendations, extracurricular activities. However, the most relevant to this blog is, of course, the Brown supplemental essays. The essays undoubtedly play a significant role in the admissions process at Brown University. They can help the committee decide whom to admit when choosing between similarly credentialed (GPA, test scores, etc.) applicants.

Want Personalized Essay Assistance with your Brown University Supplemental Essays?

We have over a decade of experience helping students compose essays that help them gain acceptance to Brown. If you are interested in working with one of College Transitions’ experienced and knowledgeable essay coaches as you craft your Brown supplemental essays, we encourage you to  get a quote  today.

Need additional college essay resources? Check out the following blogs:

• Common App Essay Prompts
• 10 Instructive Common App Essay Examples
• College Application Essay Topics to Avoid
• How to Quickly Format Your Common App Essay
• Should I Complete Optional College Essays?
• How to Brainstorm a College Essay
• 25 Inspiring College Essay Topics
• “Why This College?” Essay Examples
• How to Write the Community Essay
• College Essay

Dave Bergman

Dave has over a decade of professional experience that includes work as a teacher, high school administrator, college professor, and independent educational consultant. He is a co-author of the books The Enlightened College Applicant (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016) and Colleges Worth Your Money (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020).

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