How To Write An Effective 2024-25 Brown Supplemental Essay

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: 

1. 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.  
2. 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. 
3. 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.
4. 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. 
5. (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: 

Start with Reflection

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.

Revise and Edit

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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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1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.

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