Writing the Brown Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Known as the Happy Ivy, Brown University is at the top of many student’s lists due to its emphasis on self-directed academics and its wide range of clubs and intramural sports. When reviewing applications, the admissions officers at Brown are looking for students who possess a genuine passion for community involvement, a drive to make an impact, and a fearlessness when exploring new subjects and interests. These qualities must shine through in your application, and the supplemental essays provide the perfect opportunity to demonstrate that you have what it takes to be accepted. To assist you throughout the writing process, I’ve outlined the essay prompts and provided additional tips and strategies to help you write the Brown supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 application cycle. 

Brown Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

The Brown supplemental essays offer three required prompts for all students. Applicants for the Program in Liberal Medical Education and the Brown/RISD dual degree are required to write additional essays on their interest in the respective programs. Since these questions are all required, you’ve got to bring your A-game to each of your essays. Let’s look at the prompts below and explore how you could approach them.

Required Questions (for all first year and transfer applicants)

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)

InGenius Prep counselor Ryan Creps, who worked as the Senior Assistant Director of Admission at Brown, recommends that you “avoid metaphors, especially overused analogies like comparing the Open Curriculum to a buffet or trying to make a pun using the institutional name and the color.” Additionally, avoid repeating the standard marketing lingo, like being the “architect of your own education.” 

Most importantly, make sure to properly familiarize yourself with the Open Curriculum before starting the writing process. The great thing about the Open Curriculum is that it allows students the freedom to design their own academic path and pursue their passions and interests outside of their primary focus area. The question wants to know how you will “dive deeply” and how you will “explore broadly” – so talk about why the Open Curriculum would allow you to study your various interests and how it would enhance your overall learning experience.

For example, a student majoring in business could choose to learn a foreign language to enhance their prospects in international business. A student majoring in biology may choose to take courses in creative writing to improve their communication skills, which would be beneficial for a future career in scientific research or healthcare administration. A student with a passion for history may choose to explore courses in computer science to gain a deeper understanding of how technology has shaped historical events. Or, a student could opt for courses like Ancient Comedy & its Influence, Kitchen Chemistry, or Atlantic Pirates – simply for the joy of learning.

Brown also loves interdisciplinary studies and research. Ryan adds, “If this applies to you, make a point of it in this essay by showing how you bring together disparate areas to form your study of a particular topic, problem, or line of inquiry.” For example, you could discuss integrating psychology and sociology to explore the impact of social media on mental health or combining biology and engineering to develop sustainable solutions for environmental challenges. Highlighting your interdisciplinary interests and research experiences will show that you are well-suited to thrive in Brown’s Open Curriculum, where students are encouraged to explore diverse perspectives and collaborate across disciplines. 

Ryan also notes, “The reader should feel the student’s excitement jump off the page; the admission committee uses the term academic vitality, and this is the ideal space for the student to demonstrate their fit with that term.” Here are some more pro tips from Ryan:

• The standard operating procedure of referencing a faculty member doesn’t carry much weight unless the student can make the connection to their academic interest and previous experience.”
• Remember to properly capitalize Open Curriculum!

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)

This is a new prompt for the 2023-2024 application cycle and is the perfect opportunity for you to further share how your background has shaped you into who you are today. Students often want to talk about a challenge, but Ryan recommends that you instead “lean into how your community inspires you. It offers a much more positive essay. It’s great to see students are proud of where they are from.” 

Brown is looking to bring a diverse group of students to campus to highlight the strengths of all communities. Ryan notes, “If a student hates where they are from, they aren’t likely to present that community in a good light when they get to college. For instance, there can be lots of challenges of growing up in a rural community (lack of opportunities, poor wifi, homogeneous views), but students can also champion the strengths (strong sense of community, unique traditions, beautiful star-lit nights).” Regardless of where you are from, you want to use this essay to demonstrate that you fit the values of a residential college community. This means showing an openness to learn from and share with others, a commitment to support your neighbor, and a willingness to engage in friendly competition. 

Ryan also adds, “Embrace the unique environment of your community.” For example, if you have lived in the snowy upper peninsula of Michigan, you can share how this environment has shaped your identity. You can describe how the cold winters and the beauty of the snow have taught you resilience and appreciation for nature. Alternatively, if you commute to school on public transportation and constantly interact with people from different backgrounds, you can share how these experiences have broadened your perspective and fostered empathy and understanding. 

Or you could share something specific about the home where you grew up (avoid discussing summer and winter homes). Maybe you have a family tradition of cooking together on Sunday nights and plan to carry that tradition forward with college roommates. Or perhaps your home was a place where you found solace and comfort in your personal sanctuary, surrounded by books and art that fueled your creativity and imagination. It could be a home filled with laughter and the sound of music, where family and friends gathered for impromptu jam sessions and dance parties. You could also talk about how home is less about a physical location for you but rather a formative place that makes you feel secure. 

Ultimately, your response should reflect the words inscribed into the stone at the entrance to the Temple of Apollo, “Know Thyself.” Brown University wants to see how you reflect on who you are now and who you aspire to be at Brown. Your experiences in your community, whether it be the snowy upper peninsula of Michigan or the diverse interactions on your daily commute, have shaped your identity and who you are today – and admissions officers want to see how those experiences have prepared you for the residential college community at Brown.

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 should be the easiest prompt for you to answer because it allows you to delve into your passions and speak about what truly ignites your spirit. This isn’t a trick question – Brown admissions officers genuinely want to know what you enjoy. 

If you are struggling with what to write about, reflect on what gets you out of bed in the morning. What are you excited about in life? What puts a smile on your face? Is it the joy of creating art or the satisfaction of positively impacting others’ lives? You could talk about anything you’d like: Origami or music. Your academic or research interest. A fresh cup of coffee with a friend on Saturday mornings. Playing soccer (or even video games!). It could be an abstract topic or something tangible. Ryan also adds, “It is great when this topic can be implicitly (NOT explicitly) connected to something at Brown. For example, a student’s love of teaching demonstrated through tutoring is easy to project as a college TA or a volunteer at a local elementary school.”

This essay is also the perfect opportunity to highlight interpersonal connections and the importance of community in your life. Ryan adds, “Many times, the admission committee gets to the end of an application then asks, “Does this student have any friends?” Those students usually aren’t admitted. This essay is a great place to show you have friends.” 

Ultimately, it is important to show that you are not just an individual striving for success, but someone who also understands the power of community. By sharing stories of collaboration, teamwork, and the impact others have had on your life, you can convey that you are a motivated and accomplished individual and someone who values and cherishes the relationships that enrich your life.

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. 

1. What three words best describe you? (3 words)

Here are Ryan’s pro tips for this prompt:

• There are a lot of words out there. Think about which ones describe you best. 
• Beware (or embrace) the double meaning of words. Just know that you are playing to a broad audience
• Avoid politically divisive or fraught words
• Be creative and use “-” if necessary 
• These three words won’t be the reason you are admitted and are unlikely the reason you aren’t, so don’t overthink this question!

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

While your activity list is your chance to quantify your impact and create a broader structure for the reader to understand your experience in high school, this essay is the qualitative piece that adds color to that structure. This is where you can show the admissions office what you value, what you think about the activities you participated in, and what you will continue doing when you get to Brown. Ryan also adds, “The activity should honestly be your favorite. If you won a national science competition, but your favorite thing is sitting on the bench of your varsity basketball team, then write about basketball and it is so meaningful to you.”

Remember, this prompt is all about meaning. In a world where so many students do things just for the college application, Brown wants to know what activity you genuinely enjoyed the most. An authentic answer where admissions officers can feel your excitement is one that will improve your chances of getting into Brown.

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

Think about an area that makes you unique, something that sets you apart from others. It could be a special talent, a unique interest, or a personal experience that has shaped your perspective. What do friends and family come to you for? What are you particularly exceptional at? Perhaps you have a knack for tying fishing flies, or maybe you are incredible at creating the perfect fusion foods. You could also consider ways that you could share your culture. Perhaps you want to teach your family’s native language, or maybe you are an international Irish stepping dancing champion and want to teach others a few steps. 

The goal is to showcase your individuality and demonstrate how your unique perspective can contribute to the diverse and intellectually stimulating environment at Brown. So, think outside the box and let your imagination run wild as you think about your class of choice!

4. In one sentence, Why Brown? (50 words)

Here is Ryan’s advice for this prompt:

• “Why not?” is not original. 
• Don’t reference the color Brown. It’s been done too many times.
• It needs to be more than just the Open Curriculum, but striking at the ethos of the Open Curriculum is a great idea
• Are there any unique institutions, research centers, or other Brown-specific opportunities that you can’t find at other highly selective schools? If so, those would be a great reference here!

Brown PLME Applicants

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

1. Committing to a future career as a physician while in high school requires careful consideration and self-reflection. Explain your personal motivation to pursue a career in medicine. (250 word limit)

While it is acceptable to mention any experiences or family influences that occurred before high school and sparked your interest in healthcare, the main emphasis should be on how you have actively pursued this path during your high school years.

But most importantly, a crucial aspect to include in your essay is your clinical experience. Admissions committees are looking for applicants who have gained firsthand knowledge of the medical field. Ryan adds, “If you don’t have clinical experience, you won’t be admitted.” This is because clinical experience provides an opportunity to learn about the day-to-day responsibilities of being a doctor and demonstrates your motivation to be a doctor and serve others.

Keep in mind that this essay is not solely about curing diseases – it should be about caring for people. While a strong foundation in science is essential for a career in medicine, your essay should reflect your genuine compassion and understanding for the well-being of others. Admissions officers want to see that you possess the qualities of a good physician, including empathy, communication skills, and a patient-centered approach. 

Additionally, this essay must sound authentic. Your motivations and actions described in the essay should be consistent with your extracurricular activities, personal experiences, and letters of recommendation. Ryan notes, “If it doesn’t mesh with other parts of your application, you are unlikely to make the cut.”

2. Healthcare is constantly changing as it is affected by racial and social inequities, economics, politics, technology and more. Imagine that you are a physician and describe one way in which you would seek to make a positive impact in today’s healthcare environment. (250 word limit)

This prompt is challenging you to think about the future of healthcare. Healthcare is not a stagnant field – the practices of today could be obsolete by the time you enter the profession! For this prompt, Ryan recommends that you first think about the community you want to serve: is it regionally (rural families), generationally (working with children), or disease-specific (working with Alzheimer’s patients)? Then, think about how you can make a significant impact and bring about positive change for this group of people. Rather than attempting to cover every aspect of healthcare, focus on a topic that holds personal significance to you and has the potential to shape your healthcare journey.

And while you may be tempted to explore other areas of healthcare such as business, insurance, or pharmaceuticals, stay focused on medicine. As a future doctor, your primary role will be to serve your patients and provide them with the best care possible. Ryan also adds, “I strongly recommend researching the concept of the whole patient and incorporating that into your response.”

Remember, Brown is looking for candidates who are not only passionate about medicine, but also possess the qualities necessary to be compassionate, empathetic, and patient-centered physicians. Your goal is to showcase your understanding of the evolving healthcare environment and your commitment to making a difference for your chosen community as a future healthcare leader.

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

Think about the following questions when brainstorming this prompt:

• Why do you want to be part of a combined program that isn’t fast tracked?
• Why do you want to study in the Open Curriculum?
• What advantages does it provide to pre-med students that you wouldn’t get at other colleges?

Ryan cautions, “Don’t say that you are applying because you won’t have to take the MCAT. You will have to take several other exams in your professional training, and admitting you don’t like taking tests could be a bad sign. Additionally, doctors have to operate in a stressful environment. Don’t emphasize that this program will allow you to relax or be less stressed in college. You likely aren’t doctor material then. Doctors are the ones expected to be the leaders and bring calmness to stressful situations.” 

Instead, research the unique features of the program and note the ones that tie in with your personal ambitions. Research Brown’s Community Health Advocacy Program (CHAP) and other unique programs available (i.e., Child Health, Creative Connections, and Healing through Harmony) through PLME and discuss how these programs would help further your goals as a future physician.

Brown|RISD Dual Degree Program Applicants

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

1. The Brown|RISD Dual Degree Program draws on the complementary strengths of Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) to provide students with the opportunity to explore and engage with diverse spheres of academic and creative inquiry. The culmination of students’ five-year program is a capstone project that relates and integrates content, approaches, and methods from two distinct learning experiences. Considering your understanding of the academic programs at Brown and RISD, describe how and why the specific blend of RISD’s experimental, immersive combined studio and liberal arts program and Brown’s wide-ranging courses and curricula could constitute an optimal undergraduate education for you. Additionally, how might your academic, artistic and personal experiences contribute to the Dual Degree community and its commitment to interdisciplinary work? (650 word limit)

This program only admits 15 students per year, so it is imperative that you explicitly convey why you could not simply attend just Brown or just RISD. To help you properly address this prompt, I’ve broken it down to several questions below:

Question 1a: How does the specific blend of RISD-Brown create optimal education?
To clearly determine what you are coming into the program to learn, research in-depth both the academic programs at Brown and RISD. What is it that you would like to learn? What do you want your education to be? Then, think about the value this program would add to your undergraduate experience that you otherwise would not get at another college. 

Question 1b: Why does the specific blend of RISD-Brown create optimal education?
Now consider the reason, purpose, or cause behind applying to the program. Whereas the previous question is much more about content and logistics, this is where you dive into the deeper meaning of participating in these two distinct education programs. 

It is important to note that if you apply for this program, you must have a clear set of interests. As an undecided student for either college, it would be very hard, if not impossible, to get into this program. Ryan adds, “This isn’t a program where students should just “throw in an application” to see if they get in. The admitted students have a clear purpose in applying to this program.”

Here are two key things to note:

• RISD is described as an experimental, immersive studio and liberal arts program
• Brown is described as wide-ranging courses and curricula 

Question 1c: How might your academic, artistic, and personal experience contribute to the dual degree community?

As you reflect on these three areas, think about how you would fit into the specific group of students in the program. This is a close-knit cohort that will spend a significant amount of time together, particularly during the first year at RISD. Similar to other community essays, think about collaboration, inspiration, and perhaps even healthy competition. How do you envision building meaningful relationships with your peers? 

Keep in mind that these are peers who share a passion for interdisciplinary interests, although they may specialize in different artistic and liberal arts areas. Ryan adds, “During my time at Brown, this program had never had two students ever have the same combination of concentrations in the entire history of the program. In other words, while students will share similarities in what brought them together, their own areas of focus are going to be completely different.” 

The program seeks individuals who can bring fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to problem-solving, fostering an atmosphere of creativity and collaboration. Additionally, admissions officers are interested in understanding how these experiences will add value to the collaborative and interdisciplinary nature of the dual degree community. Therefore, reflect on how your diverse background and perspectives will play a significant role in shaping the overall dynamics of the program. 

Question 1d: How might your academic, artistic, and personal experience contribute to interdisciplinary work?

Since this is an interdisciplinary program, answering this aspect of the question completely is paramount. Ryan adds, “The admissions officers want to see how you can support current interdisciplinary work and advance the work happening at both colleges.” As a result, this is the perfect opportunity for you to highlight the importance of the program’s uniqueness in fostering your interdisciplinary studies. By emphasizing the potential outcomes of your work across disciplines and in society as a whole, you can showcase the value and impact of your contributions. 

When reflecting on your academic, artistic and personal experiences, be sure to provide concrete examples of how these areas inform your work and contribute to its value. For example, if you have taken courses in diverse subjects such as philosophy, biology, and sociology, you can explain how the knowledge and perspectives gained from these fields have influenced your interdisciplinary approach. If you have engaged in artistic endeavors such as painting, writing, or music, you can demonstrate how these creative outlets contribute to your ability to think critically and express complex ideas.

Furthermore, your personal experiences can provide unique insights and perspectives that enrich your interdisciplinary work. Whether it is through volunteering, community involvement, or personal challenges, you can discuss how these experiences have shaped your understanding of societal issues and motivated you to make a difference through interdisciplinary collaboration.

Additional Tips for Writing the Brown Supplemental Essays 2023-2024

Now that we’ve gone through the prompts, here are a few tips to keep in mind as you brainstorm your Brown supplemental essays:

• Emphasize community: Remember, Brown is interested in students who are determined to make a difference in their communities and in the world. Community comes up constantly in the prompts, and for a reason. You must be a community leader and willing to work with others. Admissions officers don’t always expect that impact to be on a huge scale—they know you’re still in high school. If you’ve made even a small change in your local community, that’s also something interesting you can focus on.
• Avoid repetition: With all of these questions asking you about your interests and favorite topics and activities, it can be easy to want to talk about the same thing over and over again. Avoid that at all costs. Each of the Brown supplemental essays are meant to add new information about you to your application. And the topic of your essay doesn’t have to stay true to the theme of your application. Brown appreciates multifaceted individuals, so don’t hesitate to write about something the reader might not have guessed about you!
• Connect your answers to Brown: A lot of students apply to Brown because of the Ivy League status or ranking. If you’re actually interested in Brown, the supplemental essays can assist you in proving to admissions officers that you know what you’re talking about. Go through social media pages and the Brown website to jot down what you like and in your responses, show the reader that you’re as good of a fit for the school as the school is for you. Be as specific to Brown as possible, weaving in your knowledge of the school to exemplify that you’re making a well-informed decision.

In order to distinguish yourself from the competition, it is important to find ways to stand out when applying to Brown University. When answering the Brown supplemental essays for the 2023-2024 application cycle, it is crucial to convey your authentic self, highlight the communities that hold significance in your life, and articulate the impact you aspire to make in the world. Take some time to reflect on the activities and courses that have had the greatest influence on you, and use these experiences to demonstrate to the admissions officers how you will continue to make a meaningful contribution to the Brown campus. 

If you are looking for a college admissions counselor to help maximize your chances of getting into your dream school, we can help! InGenius Prep has helped more than 6,000 students around the world gain admission into the most competitive schools including Harvard, Yale, MIT, Johns Hopkins, Cornell, NYU, and more. Sign up for a free strategy call today and join the 6,000+ students we’ve helped get accepted into their dream schools.