At the heart of Brown’s academic values is the so-called “New-Curriculum.” This innovative liberal arts philosophy allows students to take any course on a Satisfactory/No Credit basis and does away with traditional general education requirements, so students get to shape their own academic path. "
This doesn't mean students just take whatever they think is easiest - but it does mean you will never find yourself in a class surrounded by people who don't want to be there," writes a senior majoring in English. "
Interested and engaged students foster deeper, more involved discussions and, in my opinion, an overall more fulfilling academic experience.” This educational freedom sets Brown apart from its fellow Ivy League institutions because it lets students take offbeat courses that they wouldn’t necessarily have access to at other universities. “
With the open curriculum, you can take any class you want to, which is really cool, because I've taken a class called Ancient Utopias and Imaginary Places at the same time as I was taking Organic Chemistry,” remarks one freshman biology major. With all of this independence, Brown students can’t expect to be coddled through the process of planning their courseloads. “
Don't come here if you're not ready to be adventurous and careful in setting your own course - the advising sucks, so take the bull by the horns,” recounts one alumni who majored in linguistics.
The school’s laidback educational ethos permeates the student body’s disposition. “
People share notes, give advice, and honestly help each other out on essays, even if they're writing the same one. Academics are challenging and inspiring, but chill,” remarks one freshman studying international relations. Of course, Brown is still a prestigious institution, and most of its undergrads were high achievers in high school, so they take their studies seriously. Most Brown students are engaged in learning for the sake of acquiring knowledge and challenging themselves and are not solely interested in preparing themselves for a career after their Brown experience comes to a close. “
People planning to make oodles out of college or going for perfect grades always would find their place, but this is definitely not the norm,” writes a junior.
The most common stereotype associated with Brown is “
that all the students are tree-hugging, leftist hippies." While it seems as if Brown has a more liberal/activist student body than its fellow Ivys, this does not mean that all Brunonians are stuck in some radical 1960s time warp. “
That is not even close to an accurate description of the general student body,” writes one freshman from Texas. “
I would agree that there is a huge trend towards the left on most political issues, and that Brown students are typically very socially conscious and aware, but I have met more than one or two conservatives during my first year.” While the school’s political identity can’t be reduced to caricatures, it is safe to say that the student body proudly breeds a sense of openness and diversity. 36% of the 2007-2008 freshman class were students of color or international students. “
The communities of students of color and of LGBTQ students on campus are strong and active. Students who identify with these communities are happy to find that cultural/ethnic and LGBT organizations are inclusive, open, and welcoming to incoming students," remarks one junior. Some students complain about the school’s financial aid offerings. Unlike Harvard’s recently-instituted program, Brown leaves some students feeling cash-strapped. One freshman who is already feeling the pinch grumbles, “
we need more financial aid for students of low income backgrounds!” It’s worth noting that the university has recently taken additional steps to help ease the financial burden.
Brown seems to satisfy the social and extracurricular urges of most of its students. With over 300 active on-campus organizations available, it’s no wonder that most Brown students find their time spent outside the classroom worthwhile. “
There's always something to do around campus, and you'll never really find yourself bored,” remarks one sophomore involved with Queer Alliance and the Latin Association. However, those looking for an athletic powerhouse may want to look elsewhere: Brown does not turn out many pro athletes and turnout at athletic events is minimal. “
Athletic events are not popular with the general student body, but the athletes form their own community where they support each other,” notes one freshman.
Come the weekends, Brown undergraduates decide between staying on campus and making their way down College Hill to head into Providence. From a small but strong Greek scene (six frats and two sororities) to its cooler-than-thou hipster enclaves, Brown students seem to be content with their wide range of social options. “
People can party all throughout the week usually, and the scene varies from bars on Thayer Street to house parties to cocktails at frats,” remarks one senior. Even for those who prefer to live on the sober side, there are plenty of social opportunities. “
I'd usually hang out with my friends on Friday/Saturday nights in their dorms, play board games, watch a movie, or just hang out. It's very possible and easy to find something to do on a Saturday night that doesn't involve drinking,” writes one sophomore.
While these distinct cliques might not spend a Saturday night together, a collective appreciation of Brown and its eccentric ways unites the undergraduate community. At Brown, undergrads are free to pursue their passions both inside and outside of the classroom, so it’s no surprise that most Brunonians relish the complete Brown experience.
