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Brown University Reviews

Average Rating Details

Academic Rigor

Dorm Life

Food and Dining

See Brown University reviews submitted by students. Find out what students have to say about various aspects of attending Brown University. Read about academic experiences and campus life in these free Brown University reviews, or contribute your own Brown University review if you're a current student there.

  • 59 out of 59 people found this review useful.

    Rachel from Redondo Beach, CA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Brown truly emphasizes learning in its purest sense. There are no general ed requirements and students are encouraged to take courses outside of their concentration on a pass/fail basis—students are free to explore all of their academic interests without feeling trapped in one area of study. Professors are largely passionate about their fields and LOVE spending time with undergrads. Whether you're arranging time outside of class for help on a paper, showing up to office hours to learn more about your professor's personal research or meeting them on Thayer street for a coffee, you're guaranteed great conversation.
    Am enjoying being here

    The atmosphere at Brown is very warm and welcoming. My peers are fun-loving, hard working and conscious about the goings on around campus and around the world. I have felt a genuine effort from the administration, professors, safety, maintenance and dining staff to maximize my experience at Brown and to connect my interests through numerous outlets on campus.
    Bang for the buck

    A Brown education is one of the most costly in the nation. While financial assistance is generous, financing their education seems to be a burden for many students. Students seem to feel the unique campus environment (and the opportunities an Ivy League education can provide for students post-graduation) is indeed worth the hefty price tag, however, and many would agree that Brown does indeed give you bang for your buck.
    Tips for prospective students

    Because of Brown's open curriculum, Brown students tend to be more self-motivated and independently driven as a whole than other undergrads. Showing admissions officers that you have a multitude of interests and a strong sense of personal drive, in addition to a strong academic background, could help show admissions officers you will succeed at Brown and increase the chances that this selective university will select you.
    Great for these types of students

    - Politically aware
    - Globally and socially conscious
    - Activists
    - Passionate about learning
    - Independently driven
    - Interested in numerous academic pursuits but have yet to decide on one area of study

  • 20 out of 20 people found this review useful.

    Nicole from Providence, RI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Brown University really emphasizes the learning experience for undergraduate students. With no core curriculum, students have the opportunity to explore courses in fields they would not have the opportunity to at other colleges. As a result, a student can obtain as specific or as broad an education as he or she chooses. Additionally, with the option to take courses for a grade, or pass/fail, Brown takes off the competitive pressure and simply encourages its students to try different things and put themselves out of their comfort zone without running the risk of damaging one's transcript and resume for graduate school education. But learning at Brown goes well beyond the classroom - almost all of which are taught directly by professors as opposed to teaching assistants, and which vary in size to accommodate all modes of learning. The extracurricular opportunities at Brown are incredible. There are a lot of service programs through the Swearer Center or other organizations, as well as many opportunities to learn about new subjects - whether that be through attending a guest lecture or debate, or just walking through the main green to see the displays.
    Am enjoying being here

    The great thing about Brown is the amount of support provided by faculty, staff and fellow students. Your experience at Brown is only as competitive as you choose to make it, and the resources here for academics, social and personal life are really great. Additionally, there is a lot of fun stuff to do at Brown - there are great clubs, and some of the most amazing a capella and theatre. There's even an organization designed specifically for fun events. The Special Events Committee (SPEC) puts on shows, get-togethers, even a carnival on the main green for people to just sit back and relax. Additionally, Spring Weekend brings some pretty big name artists to campus for an exclusive two day concert just for Brown Students.
    Bang for the buck

    Undoubtedly the experience Brown can give you is well worth it, and it only takes a mere glance at what alums are currently doing to see that Brown gives people opportunities unlike many other colleges. However, financial aid is a very real concern for a lot of students. The office of Financial Aid is willing to work with you to get the most amount of aid possible, and they are willing to hear you out if you feel that something needs changing. However, as the school relies on federal regulations, some might find that the amount of institutional aid given is not enough.
    Tips for prospective students

    Brown is a great school but can be a little intimidating if you don't have an idea of what you want to concentrate in. While freshman year is an excellent chance to explore classes and organizations to find out what you are really passionate about, make sure to consult your advisors and peers and professors for some direction. If you're planning on coming to Brown, be prepared to work hard but also have a lot of fun. Any ivy league can be extremely stressful, but take advantage of the resources available, and Brown can be an amazing experience for you.
    Great for these types of students

    I feel Brown is an awesome school for students who don't want to be constricted by a core curriculum, but would rather shape their own curricular path. There are requirements for each concentration, but the amount of freedom to really add a specific focus to a concentration is tremendous here. While there are so many people ready to lend a helping hand, this is definitely a school for those who can find their own direction without being told exactly what to do.

  • 17 out of 17 people found this review useful.

    Matthew from Ludlow, MA

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    With a lack of a core curriculum and no general education classes, Brown emphasizes a sense of independent and diverse learning opportunities that it are unparalleled. The large variety of classes and departments available allow students to take classes spanning several different subject areas. Brown is truly unique in its educational character. If you want to learn about something, the chances are very good that there is a place at Brown to do it. Classes, as well as their professors, are meant to challenge students while evoking a deeper understanding of material and concepts. Professors are almost always available and enthusiastic. Overall, Brown University is a place of immense intellectual growth.
    Am enjoying being here

    The atmosphere at Brown is unique of its diverse and enthusiastic student. Most all students are happy to be on campus and eager meet a wide range of people. The Brown campus is always active; whether there is a famous guest speaker to listen to or an impromptu campus party thrown together by friends, there is always something happening at Brown. Brown is an extremely liberal place - both politically and socially. In fact, so much so that the liberalism of the school can sometimes seem a bit overwhelming to conservatives or moderates. Nevertheless, nearly everyone enjoys living at Brown as evidenced by the many smiling and laughing faces you see walking throughout the campus.
    Bang for the buck

    Brown is definitely very expensive with the overall cost hovering just over 50k per year. However, as a member of the Ivy League, Brown is also one of the most respected institutions in both the United States as well as the World. Brown students are guaranteed a world class education and social atmosphere that will undoubtedly elicit personal growth.
    Tips for prospective students

    The best things that a prospective student can do is come to Brown with an open mind and get involved around campus. If you come to Brown eager for new experiences, there is no telling where the institution may take you in life. The opportunities here at Brown are truly boundless, but they only present themselves to those who are ready to seek them out and accept them.
    Great for these types of students

    -Liberal
    -Eager
    -Politically Aware and Active
    -Ambitious
    -Outgoing

  • 12 out of 12 people found this review useful.

    bananagrammar

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I am learning a lot not only about math and science and history, but about the world around me. Brown has introduced me to people from so many different places; it's interesting to hear about high school experiences that differed so much from my own. Brown students are incredibly aware of the world around them, and there is always some sort of awareness-raising activity on campus. I’m also learning a lot about myself: my work ethic, my personal beliefs, my political opinions.
    Am enjoying being here

    As a freshman, it’s hard to differentiate between enjoying the college experience and enjoying the Brown college experience, but I really am enjoying school. I’ve made amazing friends, and it’s a liberating experience (especially at Brown.) You choose when and what you want to eat, whether or not to sleep, how long you should shower, and what, when, where, and how you want to study. And you’d think that would be an issue, everyone studying at their own leisure, but in reality Brown students all want to learn, so they make time. The only problem with school is that you always miss someone: at school, you miss your family, and at home, you miss your friends. Aside from that inescapable factor, I’d give this category a million stars if I could.
    Bang for the buck

    Brown is really, really expensive. But it is a great education, and you meet fantastic people and are given unbelievable opportunities. The housing’s not too bad and the food isn’t either... Brown probably isn’t worth what they’re charging, but then, what school is?
    Tips for prospective students

    College applications are unpredictable. I honestly do not understand how the whole system works, and probably never will. Show your enthusiasm for learning, cross your fingers, and take a deep breath: good luck!
    Great for these types of students

    This may be biased, but I’ve met a lot of closet dorks here at Brown. There are also, as I mentioned, many activists, in every category: politics, the environment, educational reform, homosexual rights, animal rights.. everything! Brown students are people who want to learn and want to change something about the world.

  • 13 out of 15 people found this review useful.

    Sara from Brown Deer, WI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Bang for the buck

    Brown is a very expensive school. The fact that it's an Ivy League school has a lot to do with this. The school is, however, amazing, and definitely worth it. Since the need-blind admission has been put into effect, the diversity of students in all ways has greatly increased.
    Tips for prospective students

    Do well. Be passionate about something. The underlying commonality at Brown is passion. Everyone really cares about something, however varied those somethings may be.
    Great for these types of students

    Brown is the school for you if you are interested in learning. Brown doesn't have professional schools. It's more about the experience than about the future, though the career center is fantastic. The Brown experience is definitely worth having if you don't know what you want to do.

  • 8 out of 8 people found this review useful.

    Josette from Providence, RI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    I am actually learning a lot more than I expected to, and not just about classes. I came to Brown thinking I knew what I wanted to do (anthro and East Asian Studies) and the classes I have taken here have introduced so much more to me. I am shopping departments right now and would major in 4 majors if I could, haha.

    The absolute best part of Brown is the control you have over your experience. For example, I only just finished my first semester and I've already collaborated with about 7 other people in creating a class that we'll take next semester. There are hundreds of ways to get involved in activities of your own creation here.

    I am learning how to live in a community of people more diverse (in every sense, whether it be about politics or place of origin) than any I have ever lived in, I am learning how to see myself in relation to others (as they say, you go from above average to amongst incredibly achieved people), I am learning how to negotiate what I want and still compromise, and I am learning the good 'ole book knowledge I came here for.

    My first semester just ended and I took a class on graphic novels (comic books, essentially), introduction to modern culture and media, intermediate Chinese, and United States culture. The best part is, the skills I'm learning in each class (how to write to the standards of different professors, how to manage my time, how read efficiently, how to communicate ideas within a particular discipline) in addition to the material proves useful in all my other classes as well.
    Am enjoying being here

    It's a bit overwhelming, as is to be expected of my first semester, but it is definitely fun as well as challenging.

    The best part, outside of academics, is my extracurriculars. Brown has something for everyone. This year I am on the Japanese drumming (Taiko) team, I tutor a refugee from East Africa, I am on the steering committee for a political group for Taiwan-China relations, and I am in the black women's club on campus.

    As I mentioned earlier, I especially enjoy the control I have over my experience. That freedom is what creates the happy atmosphere here on campus. Everyone is wondering where their lives will take them and are trying as many paths as possible.
    Bang for the buck

    The financial aid policy at Brown is fantastic in my opinion. Not only that, but what we get for the money is phenomenal too. World-class professors, a community of students who have spent their lives enriching others and themselves, a great campus to hang out at, numerous grants for student-created initiatives (ie, they give you money to pursue a project of your own creation), an office to deal with your every need, etc.
    Tips for prospective students

    Don't be afraid to let go a little of who you are now in order to become someone even better. The future is always a bit scary, but it should be more exciting than anything else. Brown is one of the best places in the world to explore any and all walks of life.
    Great for these types of students

    -independent
    -cooperative
    -ready to take control
    -lots of initiative
    -open-minded
    -love to discuss ideas
    -not afraid to take risks

  • 7 out of 7 people found this review useful.

    Edward from Livonia, MI

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Am learning a lot

    Brown’s educational experience is excellent and lives up to its Ivy League reputation. With about 6000 undergraduates, Brown’s size strikes the perfect balance between a small college with informal classes and professors who know your name and a large school with a wide variety of options and opportunities. The famed Open Curriculum allows for a good deal of exploration and vastly reduces the number of classes that you must suffer through just because they are required. It is not a perfect system, as there are some concentrations (majors) that have a lot of requirements or have mandatory intro-level classes that nobody likes, but compared to the restrictive distribution requirements at other colleges it is quite flexible. The lack of grade modifiers (+/-) and D’s means that I can usually focus on learning from my classes instead of making sure I get enough percentage points to have a good GPA. Finally, I’ve found that even courses that have a reputation for being easy still end up teaching me new and interesting things, simply because the average quality of Brown classes is so high.
    Am enjoying being here

    I don’t usually put much stock in college rankings, but there's a reason Brown is consistently rated #1 for “happiest students.” The best part about Brown is how friendly and accepting the people are. No matter what your interests, you can find a group of friends that shares them, and no matter how lost you are as a freshman, you can find someone to help you out. There is a wide variety of extracurricular and social activities, so that even if you don’t like the traditional wild frat party you can find something fun to do with your free time. Other students in my classes are helpful and cooperative, and since there is little pressure to have perfect grades no one is very competitive. I find a similarly easygoing attitude in social activities, where there is very little pressure to conform because there is so much diversity (both cultural and personality). Although it’s true that (despite the ranking) not everyone at Brown is happy all the time, I find that even when I’m not all that happy I still feel glad that I’m going to Brown because the people around me are so nice.
    Bang for the buck

    On paper, Brown is incredibly expensive, like any other Ivy League school. Also like any other Ivy League school, many students end up paying less than the “sticker price” because Brown’s financial aid meets most of a student’s demonstrated need with scholarships and grants, not loans. However, I feel that in comparison to the other Ivy Leagues (and to other elite colleges that have need-based-only financial aid), Brown’s Financial Aid Office is on the stingy side, and has a reputation for expecting students to pay more than they can really afford. Most Brown students, myself included, put up with the high cost because they know they’re getting a world-class education and love the community too much to live anywhere else. And it’s true that even with a traditionally “unmarketable” concentration like History or English, any Brown graduate has good career options simply because they have a Brown degree. Nevertheless, I feel it’s worth noting that Brown can end up being quite expensive even for a student who gets financial aid.
    Tips for prospective students

    If you want to get in to Brown, don’t worry about having perfect grades and a long list of accomplishments and accolades. While a good academic record is pretty much a prerequisite, the qualities that most often distinguish Brown students are their depth of character and passionate interest in some pursuit, even a non-academic one. Focusing on your unique personal qualities and experiences, and the commitment you show to one or two of your interests, may be the best way to write a successful application.
    Great for these types of students

    - Open-minded
    - Curious
    - Independent
    - Self-motivated
    - Friendly and social
    - Flexible
    - Interested in the learning experience, not career preparation

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Lauren

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    brown has amazing and kind students. the open curriculum allows you to explore inside and outside your major (unless you're an engineer or biochem major). the faculty is fantastic with office hours.
    Tips for prospective students

    if you're looking for a school that is strong in humanities and you still have an interest in other subjects, this school is for you. apply early and express your interest in the school through attending college events in your city or state. brown particularly likes strong writers with well-written essays.
    Academic Rigor

    i am currently an engineering student at brown, and the classes are certainly a wake-up call. brown is extremely difficult when one is as a science, computer science, or engineering major. the humanities seem to have a much lighter work load, but this is to be expected.
    Dorm Life

    depending on the dorm you get, you can be living in paradise or living in a beer-strewn hallway. i particularly like where i live since even though it is far from most of the campus, i have made a lot of close friends within my hall and building.
    Food and Dining

    try to get off the meal plan as soon as possible. it is great for socializing with your friends, but you are much better off cooking for yourself. however, they have a lot of food options for vegetarians and vegans here.
    What to do for fun

    exploring providence is fun, but being on the east coast gives you so many possibilities on the weekend. we are a train-ride away from boston and a bus-ride away from new york city. however, it is just as fun to hang out with your friends within city limits.
    Bang for the buck

    i did not receive a lot of financial aid, as brown isn't as rich as its ivy league peers, but i love it here. however, i know a lot of students that have received ample amounts of financial aid; it honestly depends on your economic status.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    our band has some very unusual and possibly offensive formations during football games.
    Great for these types of students

    students who like science and math but still have a passion for the arts and humanities will love it here.
    Greek Life

    not many people do it. it's perfectly fine to participate but most of the school does not.
    Campus Safety

    this is not a closed campus area so we cannot prevent people from coming in or out.

  • 1 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Danielle from North Potomac, MD

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    brown is awesome because it is very challenging and definitely a rigorous education, but students generally work together as opposed to competing against each other. the spirit on campus is one of acceptance of everything and everyone and anyone can find a place where they feel like they belong. people are very down to earth and care a lot about helping others and improving the world!
    Tips for prospective students

    definitely visit and see what you think. the main thing that i don't like is the weather, but its way outweighed by everything else about the school. think a lot about what type of social and academic environment you want to spend the next 4 years in and if you feel like you are not very self motivated, brown is not the place for you.
    Academic Rigor

    if you take the opportunities available then brown is a very academically rigorous place where you can learn an incredible amount both from classes and from outside activities. however, if you go out of your way to avoid work you could probably graduate without having learned much, which would be quite a waste of time and money.
    Dorm Life

    the dorms aren't that great. there's nothing really wrong with them but i expected better from an ivy league. the people in the dorms are awesome though!
    Food and Dining

    wow do i hate the dining halls and the meal plan is way overpriced, but if you go off meal plan you can eat out for almost all of your meals on thayer street (in the middle of campus) and pay the same amount as you would for a meal plan.
    What to do for fun

    all kinds of performances by the many acting/singning/dancing/comedy groups on campus. and, of course, there are all kinds of parties. providence also has some cool stuff to do as well (concerts, food places, etc)
    Bang for the buck

    its pretty expensive, but they cover 100% of your financial need (which is nice but sometimes isn't quite as good as it seems). you do get a lot of opportunities from the money you pay. the professors are awesome and care, and you will have support in doing basically anything you want.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    there's a naked doughnut run around finals time where a mob of naked people run around the different libraries and academic buildings at midnight and give out free doughnuts.
    Great for these types of students

    unique, passionate, self motivated, like flexibity/choice
    Clubs and Activities

    there are soo many to choose from. your problem will definitely be that you want to do more clubs then you have time for.
    Greek Life

    it definitely exists but it isn't an enormous focus at brown.
    Campus Safety

    i haven't heard of any incidents that happened on campus (although things definitely happen right outside of the campus). i feel safe.

  • 0 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Tara from Mc Graw, NY

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    The classes seem to be top quality, and the professors are terrific.
    Will enjoy being here

    I think I'd like it a lot here, but everyone is different.
    Bang for the buck

    I guess you get a lot of great things, but it's still really expensive.
    Great for these types of students

    Great for people who like to try out things before they commit! Brown has a couple weeks where you get to sit in on classes.

  • 0 out of 1 people found this review useful.

    Matthew from Scituate, MA

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • 3 out of 25 people found this review useful.

    Marguerite from Los Angeles, CA

    Reviewer is Accepted here and planning to attend soon. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments

  • Mauricio from Hopewell Junction, NY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Brown is the absolute best college environment for fostering a sense of learning for the sake of learning. The academics are tough, but with work are very rewarding. Everyone does what they love, and they do it well because they love it.
    Tips for prospective students

    Make sure your applications show the little nuances about you, quirky little details about yourself. Don't be afraid to show what's really important to you. And finally, have an open mind to all of Brown's differences to other schools because if you get in, you'll see why it's so great.
    Academic Rigor

    Very difficult classes, but always worth it in the end. Requires a lot of work to do well, which is very satisfying if you are one of the people doing hard work.
    Dorm Life

    A great community everywhere- supportive and not overly serious or competitive.
    Food and Dining

    Not too shabby! There's a lot of variety so you don't get bored with food.
    What to do for fun

    Browsing through stores on Thayer Street, walking to the mall, even just hanging out in the dorms.
    Bang for the buck

    Very expensive, but in the end I think the degree is worth it.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    NDR and SPG are pretty out there.
    Great for these types of students

    People who aren't looking to be constantly compared to each other and value their individuality, people with typically liberal views and non-competitive. Laid back, wanting to be happy.
    Clubs and Activities

    Lots of good ones in just about anything you can think of.
    Greek Life

    Not very present
    Campus Safety

    SafeRide and SafeWalk make everything a little better, even when it can seem sketchy.

  • Sara from Melville, NY

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Campus is beautiful. Loved the 'shopping days' program to choose courses.

  • Noni from Worland, WY

    Reviewer is A current student here.

    Categories Rating Comments
    In three sentences

    Perfect place for independent people looking to change the world. Majority of students are liberal and actively involved in numerous clubs. All classes are taught by professors.
    Tips for prospective students

    Brown looks for uniqueness. Find a way to stand out on your application. Your SAT and/or ACT score matters little if you have other things that define you more. Plenty of perfect students are turned down, because they don't show enough passion. If you want to go to Brown, be ready to take control of your own future. Brown is a school that won't tell you what you can or can't do.
    Academic Rigor

    It's an Ivy League and the 6th best undergraduate school in the nation, so yes, it's going to be hard. Just having good grades isn't enough. The good thing is that Brown offers the pass/fail grade option, which comes in handy when you just want to take a class for fun and not worry about the grade.
    Dorm Life

    Dorm life varies depending on the dorm and where on campus you're located. Some people prefer the more quiet dorms on Pembroke Campus while others prefer the more wild typical freshman dorms on the other side. Room size and quality also varies greatly depending the building.
    Food and Dining

    There are two dining halls nicknamed the Ratty and the Vdub. Vdub is smaller, but has better tasting food. Ratty is the main huge dining hall that has recently been redecorated. There are numerous eateries around campus, such as the Blue Room, which serves delicious pastries and ice coffee, and the Ivy Room, which serves protein shakes, energy shakes, falafel, etc. There are two late night eateries called Jo's and The Gate.
    What to do for fun

    Providence Place Mall is not that far away. You can shop, dine, or watch movies there. There are two smaller movie theaters around campus that play independent films. Brown has Thayer Street, which has many restaurants and shops such as Urban Outfitter. We have free bus transportation anywhere in RI, so you can always visit Newport and see the mansions. There's also the Peter Pan bus for trips to NYC and the train to Boston. Some people like to go to clubs.
    Bang for the buck

    Great financial aid. Brown has a little of everything.
    Share any unusual traditions or locations on campus

    You only pass through the Van Wickle gates twice: once as a freshman Brown, and again after graduation. Other traditions: Midnight Organ concerts, Spring Weekend (when we invite artists to perform and everyone goes a little crazy before Finals), SPEC Carnival (with things like bull-riding), Naked-donut run (naked people run around inside the library and hand out donuts to starving students), etc.
    Great for these types of students

    Independent thinkers, creative souls, vegetarians, environmentally concerned advocates, hipsters, gays, artists, those interested in medical school or engineering.
    Clubs and Activities

    Too many to list
    Greek Life

    Minimal - 2 Sororities, 6 fraternities, 1 co-ed fraternity, 1 literary house
    Campus Safety

    Just like any other city, Providence has its issues. Brown recently increased the number of officers around campus. Still, you have to stay alert. Don't walk around alone after dark. There is a shuttle after dark that can take students around campus.

  • Amanda from Escondido, CA

    Reviewer is Researching this school. Reviewer has not been to campus.

    Categories Rating Comments
    Will learn a lot

    Since this school is one of the oldest in the country, Im sure they have plenty of practice in properly teaching their students.
    Will enjoy being here

    I LOVE LOVE LOVE this campus. Its beautiful and open and very relaxing (from what Ive seen in pictures and heard from family) Seems like it would be close knit.
    Bang for the buck

    Its a very honorable school and well worth the cost.