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Best things about this school

- The (in)famous Open Curriculum and undegraduate focus. It took me awhile to realize just how intellectually liberating and academically enriching Brown's take on a college education truly is. Because there are no university course requirements, except those of your concentration (major), you are essentially in charge of your own education. For instance, I've taken classes listed under the departments of engineering, economics, psychology, and biology, without filling out extra forms or going through a separate registration process like in other schools. I've also taken senior seminars as a freshman after talking to the professors, which shows just how flexible and undergraduate focused your academic experience can be at Brown.

People's reactions to "Brown"

- Unfortunately, Brown's perceived prestige is not tantamount to that of HYP. True, the number of people who would be immediately amazed if you tell them you went to harvard, yale, or princeton will probably exceed the number of those who recognize Brown. Nevertheless, many recognize Brown as an excellent institution with equally excellent students. Of course, when I tell people I go to Brown, there are those who will refer to Emma Watson.

On Campus Life

- Brown's campus is just a sight to behold, especially during the spring. The overall student size is in the goldilocks zone, not too big and not too small. On campus, there is always something to do, an activity to participate in, a workshop to attend, and a distinguished/famous person to see. Off campus, there are plenty of restaurants to explore (e.g. Thayer, Federal Hill). Downtown and the mall are just an 8-minute walk downhill. If you want to go farther, Newport beach, Boston, and NYC are just a 45-minute, 1 hour, and 3 hour bus trip away from Providence, respectively.

Other stuff to consider

- If there's one thing I'd change it would be the advising system. I understand that Brown wants its students to take initiative and be assertive with their academic plans. However, a more engaging and well-developed student-faculty advising system would be nice. School pride, as far as sports is concerned, is not as prevalent unfortunately. Moreover, food from the dining halls is not exactly five-star hotel worthy. Financial aid is sub-par compared to that of other Ivies and some parts of the residence halls could need a little bit of renovation and remodeling.

Regardless of the aforementioned caveats, I still love Brown to death and I feel grateful and privileged to be a part of this wonderful institution. To say that Brown is bad ass would be one hell of an understatement.

For the most part, Brown students are intellectually curious, hard working, and accomplished individuals. A good number of Brown students are valedictorians and salutatorians of their high schools. In fact, 50% of students who got accepted for the Class 2015 are valedictorians/salutatorians. Indeed, many are from privileged and wealthy backgrounds and it will be hard for you not to come across someone who did not attend a college preparatory or private high school. With that being said, keep in mind that this "elitist" characteristic is just as prevalent in other Ivies. Nevertheless, Brown prides itself in TRYING to foster a socioeconomically diverse student body so it's quite likely that you will find students from all walks of life.

Brown is a place where you will be challenged intellectually and become a part of a community endowed with talented, passionate, and well-rounded students. It is one of the only few places where you are encouraged to learn for the sake of learning.

One day during my first semester at Brown, my friend and I found out that Emma Watson was taking the same writing course as us, albeit in a classroom one floor above ours. As we were heading towards the elevator, I asked out loud "How come we never see Emma in the elevator?" Right after I finish my question, ding goes the elevator and lo and behold, in it stands, Hermione Granger, ahem I mean Emma Watson herself. After a moment of silence, my friend and I walked in the elevator and spent what essentially turned out to be the most awkwardly unforgettable 7 seconds of our lives

Friday night: celebrate classes being over for the week, hang out with friends in the main green (weather permitting), check out an event with free food, and ask around which parties are worth going to. Saturday: study in the morning and get some work done, relax in the afternoon, party again in the evening or study some more. Sunday: wake up early, finish that paper you've been putting aside for weeks, catch up on some reading, "study" with friends, and get ready for the upcoming week. Note: Parties are almost always occurring in the weekends. However, rest assured that alcohol-free activities are available for those who prefer a substance-free weekend

Very approachable and many of them actually turn otherwise boring topics into fun, engaging, and interactive learning opportunities. More importantly, they are very accomplished and prominent in their field. Don't be surprised if you are using a textbook written by your professors themselves.

All the ism's: racism, sexism, classism, heteronormativism, capitalism, neo-liberalism, neo-colonialism.

Take advantage of the Open Curriculum and don't be afraid to broaden your academic horizons.

The dating scene is not too bad especially since Brown students tend to focus on their social lives just as much as their academic lives. At least I think so.

Meh.

Size and location. It is neither overwhelmingly large nor frustratingly small. Moreover, it is sandwiched between the two most exciting and vibrant cities in America: Boston and New York City, the former being only an hour train ride away and the latter being a 3 hour bus trip from Providence.

The largest mall in New England, historical landmarks, and several sketchy areas.

Depends. If you're like me who needs some background noise and movement to study, starbucks and the scili mezz are the ways to go. If you want a peaceful working area, then faunce and the rock most likely will suit you.

Financial aid, food, and the schizophrenic Providence weather.

Tree-hugging, cannabis-smoking, LGBTQ-tolerating liberal intellectuals

To a certain extent. Yes, there are plenty of those who talk about socieconomic inequality and other societal issues. Yes there are stoners and yes there is a sizable LGBTQ community. However, as with most stereotypes, these do not hold true for many students. As far as the stoner stereotype, I for one can say that this is not true for me and my friends and you will find plenty of Brown students who aren't into cannabis-related activities. Also there are students who won't give a hoot about third world issues and there will be students who will err on the side of conservative values and argue against your leftist ideologies.

As cliche as this may sound, Brown does offer a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you to find yourself and learn about what you can do to make a difference in this world. Brown will take you out of your comfort zone, let you examine life in ways you never have before, and allow you to appreciate learning for the sake of learning.

Academic freedom, reputation, and location.

Depending on your concentration, classes are generally challenging. Half-assing will most likely get you a B. While there is a bit of grade inflation, those who don't keep up with the readings and do poorly in the exams will find it difficult to get that A. The variety of courses at Brown is also unparalleled. Three of my favorite courses are Introduction to American Ethnic Studies, Health Inequality from a Historical Perspective, and The New Science of Race: Racial Biomedicine in the 21st Century. As someone who revels in interdisciplinary learning, I couldn't have asked to be at a better place

It could definitely be a lot better. Food from the Ratty and the other dining halls can taste awfully bland after a couple of weeks. However, one can always go off the meal plan starting sophomore year, which saves a lot of money and gives you the flexibility to cook your own delicious meals.

Don't explore too many classes in a semester and make sure to start fulfilling concentration and pre-med reqs.

While Brown has been named the most fashionable Ivy, most of us have a laid-back fashion sense. There is really no need to worry about dressing like a GQ or Vogue model.

Nope.

Hmm. weird question. I guess it depends on the person's relationship with his/her parents/family.