Brown University Tour. July 26, 2018. My big takeaways from the tour and presentation:
- Open curriculum means no core curriculum. There is a real emphasis on students wanting to be in the classes they take.
- Student activism and leadership. Students get a large say in adminstrative decisions as evidenced by Open Curriculum which was a student led initiative.
- 2 types of grading means less emphasis on grades and more on engagement and actual learning. There is ABC and No Credit OR Satisfactory and No Credit.
- Writing portion of SAT test is NOT Required for Brown!
- 2 Unique programs at Brown. The RISD/Brown co-degree is a five year degree. You apply separately to Brown and RISD, get accepted to both and then apply to joint program which accepts 25 students (I think that is what they said).
- 8 year Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) - accepts 65 students and guarantees admission to Brown's medical school, allowing for a liberal arts education.
- Brown's open curriculum is the exact opposite of Columbia's Core Curriculum.
- A lot of opportunity for research at Brown for undergraduates because there are only 2000 graduate students so professors rely on undergraduates for help with research. This includes liberal arts research as well as STEM.
- It's hard not to love what Brown University offers. It's a place to pursue one's interests, both academic and extracurricular. Clubs are open to both RISD and Brown students. There is a donut club that explores the highest per capita donut shops in Providence. Providence also provides an urban foodie and creative backdrop to the school. Other colleges nearby enhance this foodie/creative vibe including Johnson and Wales University nearby and, of course, RISD next door.
- The student tour guides exude friendiness and deep interests without a competive vibe.
- test optional