Are there any aspects or details that I should be sure to include in my supplemental essay about Brown's Open Curriculum? Any advice on how to approach this topic? Thanks in advance!
Seeing as every applicant to Brown is required to write about the Open Curriculum, it's crucial that you do so in a personal way that shines light onto what sets your intellect and learning style apart from anyone else's. Here are some tips on how to do that:
1. Research: Make sure you have a deep understanding of the Open Curriculum by researching about its history, key features, and benefits. This foundation will allow you to write a well-informed essay.
2. Personal connection: Clearly explain why the Open Curriculum appeals to you and how it aligns with your academic and personal goals. For instance, discuss how the curriculum would allow you to explore interdisciplinary studies or pursue a unique combination of courses not available at other schools.
3. Specific examples: Instead of simply listing the aspects of the Open Curriculum you like, provide specific examples of courses, opportunities, and resources that demonstrate your interest and appreciation. This specificity will make your essay more engaging and convincing.
4. Intellectual curiosity: Emphasize your intellectual curiosity and how the Open Curriculum would help you grow as an overall learner. Show that you're eager to take advantage of the academic freedom offered at Brown by discussing exactly how the opportunity to design your own educational path would help you grow academically and personally.
5. Impact: Explain how the Open Curriculum would enable you to make a meaningful contribution at Brown and beyond. This impact could be through participating in interdisciplinary research, or by applying the lessons you learn in the classroom to real-world settings.
6. Be concise and focused: Since this is a supplemental essay, it's important to maintain focus on the Open Curriculum and not drift off into unrelated topics. Stick to the main points and prioritize clarity and conciseness.
7. Take advantage of CollegeVine's resources: CollegeVine has a blog post breaking down each of Brown's supplemental essays, including the one on the Open Curriculum: https://blog.collegevine.com/how-to-write-the-brown-university-and-plme-essays. CollegeVine also offers both a free peer essay review tool and paid reviews by expert college admissions advisors - sometimes, getting a second set of eyes on your essay is just the thing that takes it from good to great!
In summary, your essay should address your personal connection to Brown's Open Curriculum, provide specific examples of how you'd take advantage of it, and articulate its potential impact on your academic development and future aspirations. Good luck with your essay!
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