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6 Brown Essays That Worked + Why Brown Examples

For students writing the Brown supplements for Fall 2022, here is your guide to successful Brown essays.

In this article, I've gathered 6 essays written by admitted students to Brown.

I'll share examples of how regular high-achieving students who got into Brown recently by having stand-out essays.

Are essays all that matter? No, but especially for competitive and test-optional schools, your essays are a very important factor.

Let's jump right in.

What is Brown University's Acceptance Rate?

This past year, a record 46,568 students applied to Brown and just 2,537 students got accepted. Which means Brown had an overall admit rate of just 5.4%.

Since its known as a top Ivy League school, most students applying to Brown already have strong test scores, grades, and extracurricular activities.

Brown University Acceptance Scattergram

That's why its even more important to write essays that help show why you should be accepted.

Especially for Ivy League and other top schools like Brown, your essays make a difference.

What are the Brown Supplemental Prompts for 2022-23?

To apply to Brown University this year, you are required to write three short essays of 50 to 250 words each.

You can find your Brown writing supplement along with your Common Application essays on your portal.

Here's the Brown supplemental prompts for 2022. The questions on this page are being asked by Brown University:

Brown’s Open Curriculum allows students to explore broadly while also diving deeply into their academic pursuits. Tell us about any academic interests that excite you, and how you might use the Open Curriculum to pursue them while also embracing topics with which you are unfamiliar. (200-250 words)

Brown’s culture fosters a community in which students challenge the ideas of others and have their ideas challenged in return, promoting a deeper and clearer understanding of the complex issues confronting society. This active engagement in dialogue is as present outside the classroom as it is in academic spaces. Tell us about a time you were challenged by a perspective that differed from your own. How did you respond? (200-250 words)

Brown students care deeply about their work and the world around them. Students find contentment, satisfaction, and meaning in daily interactions and major discoveries. Whether big or small, mundane or spectacular, tell us about something that brings you joy. (200-250 words)

6 Brown University Essays That Worked

Here are 6 of my favorite Brown essay examples from admitted students.

These essays respond to past and current writing supplement prompts for Brown. I've also included some examples of personal statement essays that worked for Brown.

If you need help getting started writing, this is a perfect way to get inspired and see what's worked.

Table of Contents

• Brown Essay Example #1
• Brown Essay Example #2
• Brown Essay Example #3
• Brown Essay Example #4
• Brown Essay Example #5
• Brown Essay Example #6

Prompt: Open Curriculum

Brown University Essay Example #1

Prompt: Brown’s Open Curriculum allows students to explore broadly while also diving deeply into their academic pursuits. Tell us about any academic interests that excite you, and how you might use the Open Curriculum to pursue them while also embracing topics with which you are unfamiliar. (200-250 words)

My primary interest is in languages and linguistics, specifically Spanish, Portuguese and the descent of these languages from Latin which I explored in my IB Extended Essay. Thus, something that excites me about the complete freedom of the Brown curriculum is the opportunity to learn about Hispanic and Lusophone culture, literature and language in an intersectional way through a concentration in Latin American studies combined with classes and undergraduate research in Linguistics. I intend to supplement my language acquisition with practical application through study abroad opportunities at PUC-Rio, Brazil and in Santiago, Chile, perhaps through the Engaged Scholars Program which will allow me to forge deeper connections with the communities and cultures I am studying. I am also attracted by the possibility of a 5-year BA/MA course in Linguistics which will permit me to conduct meaningful and extensive research on a topic I am truly passionate about.

However, I also have an interest in Biochemistry and Molecular biology. The Open Curriculum will enable me to pursue this avenue of study and research without detracting from my principal focus on languages. Therefore, perhaps what I am most excited for is interdisciplinary study at Brown and the possibility of forging unforeseen connections between disparate academic areas and weaving them together into a program of study that will engage, thrill, and inspire me towards a lifelong path of academic inquiry. For example, I am interested to explore how languages and sociolinguistics can be used to promote medical research and provision in Latin America.

Why This Essay Works:

Naming things unique to the school shows you have genuine interest. Listing specific programs, courses, or majors shows you've done your research.

The author's reasons for "Why Brown?" fit into their background and identity. This makes their reasons seem genuine and compelling.

What They Might Improve:

The essay is divided into two parts with distinct answers. Showing how those reasons relate could make the essay more cohesive.

Ending with a sentence "For example..." leaves more to be desired and explained.

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Prompt: Brown's Community

Brown University Essay Example #2

Prompt: At Brown, you will learn as much from your peers outside the classroom as in academic spaces. How will you contribute to the Brown community? (200-250 words)

At my high school, I reinvigorated and reinvented the linguistics society with the help of a friend, transforming it from a dull discussion of past exam questions to a seminar-style session where I have presented and analysed various interesting aspects of language. In a similar vein, I intend to be a leader and an innovator at Brown, and to create opportunities for likeminded people to discuss shared interests such as linguistics. However, other than creating clubs, I hope to use my experience as a camp counselor and a diving coach to support others within the community, and to set a good example of dedication, energy, and compassion.

Additionally, I have volunteered as a Spanish teacher at a local primary school for three years. Volunteer service is something I would definitely like to continue to undertake at Brown, perhaps through the Community Corps that will allow me to help address social inequality within Providence, or as a teacher and classroom assistant in the Elementary Afterschool Mentoring program at D’Abate school. I can draw on my previous experience and knowledge to hopefully enrich the education of underprivileged children in the local community.

Finally, as an international student, I will bring an element of unique culture to Brown’s campus. Having grown up in the buzzing metropolis of London but visiting America frequently to see family, I have the privilege of a truly dual nationality, and the resultant worldview and cultural references that I hope will enrich the diverse Brown community.

• Make a Strong Impression
• Capture Your Unique Strengths
• Write Outstanding Essays
• ...and Apply Confidently!
• Variety of Reasons Given: Providing multiple reasons for how you'll contribute shows you aren't one-dimensional. People are complex and showing nuance in your character is important.
• Showcasing Past Experiences: With each point, the author gives examples from their activities and resume. Referencing specific extracurriculars helps build their case and is "proof" of how they'll contribute.

What They Might Change:

• Flow and Writing Style: Listing activities can come off as robotic and uninteresting. Rather, try to find a balance between showing off your achievements and writing in an interesting way.
• Structure: The last paragraph is most compelling because it deals with the author's personality and background, rather than just what they've done. Organizing the essay around your character is better than focusing solely on your achivements.

Prompt: Why Brown?

Brown University Essay Example #3

Prompt: Why Brown, and why the Brown Curriculum? (200 words max)

I believe any college should equip you with tools as you embark upon your journey. Brown provides the necessary. That is what the capstone experience does (not to mention the importance of internships given to Brown Students). You can never know everything about anything. But quench the questions is exactly what the Capstone Experience fosters.

The Open Curriculum was obviously the first thing that caught my eye. In school, you are sometimes forced to take the subjects you don’t like. College shouldn’t be the same. It is supposed to be a fresh start and that is exactly why you should be allowed to take the courses that appeal to you. Here is where the S/NC option was interesting. Only if you know perspectives from all subjects, can you determine a solution; S/NC promotes this. Group Independent Study Projects is also unique. Getting into the course is something hard. But creating your own course is amusing.

I would love to be a part of The Society of Women Engineers because I had to fight with my own family to study Computer Science in the United States. If it means providing the help for people I wish I'd got, never better.

• Ideas and Beliefs: Rather than just saying what aspects are appealing, the author explains why they are attracted to those things. By explaining your perspective, admissions officers are better able to understand your thinking and character.
• Specific to Brown: Listing aspects that are unique to Brown is important to show your interest is authentic. By naming things like the Capstone Experience and S/NC, the author shows their knowledge of Brown and makes their reasons more compelling.
• Writing Style: Some parts of the essay are clunky in wording and could be written more clearly. But the author is an international student, so it is understandable and not the end of the world.
• Structure and Conclusion: There isn't a clear conclusion sentence that ties the essay together. How can you relate the last sentence to your beginning?

Prompt: Area of Study

Brown University Essay Example #4

Prompt: Why are you drawn to the area(s) of study you indicated? (150 words max)

There was a time when I was low and afraid to be with myself. That’s when I dived into programming. I always sat with my laptop. But unlike others on Instagram or Snapchat, I was coding. I always kept myself occupied so I wouldn’t think about hardships. But as I was solving those little Instantiation and StackOverflow errors, I realized that any problem in my life had a solution. I could either modify the code and right the wrong, or just keep compiling them, producing no output. So, life is not all that different. That is why I want to pursue Computer Science. I know I can work to keep myself happy. Inevitably, what makes me happy is Computer Science, which is what I want to pursue.

• Intriguing Backstory: Telling a compelling story is about setting the scene. This essay creates vivid imagery by naming specific programming-related things.
• Connects to Bigger Picture: Rather than just saying their major or interest, the author connects it to a more universal idea. Showing the deeper "why" behind your interests makes it relatable and more interesting.
• Writing Style and Flow: Some words are unnecessary, and a few sentences could be made more smooth to read.
• Doesn't Use the Full Word Limit: With 23 words left, the author could have included a sentence or two more. Every word is valuable with short word limits, so use them carefully.

Prompt: Where You've Lived

Brown University Essay Example #5

Prompt: Tell us where you have lived - and for how long - since you were born; whether you've always lived in the same place, or perhaps in a variety of places. (100 words max)

I was born in California, USA. When I was about 7 months old, I moved to Bangalore, India. I've lived in Bangalore all my life, until two years ago. I started attending a boarding school, in the same state, but far away from my house. I chose to leave everything behind, even my phone, because I didn't want to be pampered. I wanted to fold my own blanket; to wipe my own tears; to carve my own name; to befriend people my way; to create my destiny. My parents weren't happy at first, but I convinced them.

• Poetic Writing: Interesting writing comes from interesting ideas. And the second to last sentence especially is compelling because it expresses their ideas elegantly.
• Answers Prompt Directly: For supplements especially, make sure to answer exactly what the prompt is asking.
• Be More Concise: Use as few words as possible to say the most you can. Especially for short prompts like this one, every word matters.
• Word Choice: Swapping out words like "house" for "home" can make the tone more natural.

Prompt: Communities and Groups

Brown University Essay Example #6

Prompt: Communities or groups: pick one and tell us why it is important to you, and how it has shaped you. (100 words max)

My dad lost his parents when he was young. My mom also quit her job to take care of me. So, if you look at it, she should loathe me. But she doesn’t. She has dedicated her whole life to me. That is why I want to provide a purpose to their lives. Every competition I won, even a small word of praise would lighten their mood. When I am happy they are euphoric; when I am sad they are distraught. It's like they (for)give and forget. So why not follow their footsteps and give it all I got?

• Vulnerable and Authentic: Being vulnerable is an important part of great essays. Talking about sensitive, but real and human topics, makes you more relatable and humanized.
• Explains What Motivates Them: Admissions officers want to know why you're driven to do things. Showing your "why" helps give insight into your character more deeply.
• Doesn't Answer Prompt Directly: Make sure to answer exactly what the prompt asks. Although this essay explains their background and motivations, it doesn't answer the question exactly.

If you're trying to get into Brown in 2022, your essays need to make you stand out from the competition. These 6 Brown essays that worked showcase great examples of what it takes to get accepted into Brown.

There are many lessons and tips to be learned from these supplements:

• Being authentic and genuine is key
• Name aspects unique and specific to the school
• Showcase your motivations and the "why" behind things
• Don't be afraid to be vulnerable
• Use every word carefully and make each word count

If you enjoyed reading these Brown supplements, you'll also like the essays for similar Ivy League schools like Princeton and Columbia University .

What did you think of these Brown University essays?

Meet the Author

Ryan Chiang

I'm Ryan Chiang and I created EssaysThatWorked.com - a website dedicated to helping students and their families apply to college with confidence & ease. We publish the best college admissions essays from successful applicants every year to inspire and teach future students.

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What do outstanding essays have in common? Here are our 23 most effective strategies based on lessons from admitted students.

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Brown University Supplemental Essays Guide: 2021-2022

Brown University supplemental essays are a key part of your application to Brown University. Not sure how to approach the Brown University essay prompts? With tips from a current Ivy League student, CollegeAdvisor.com’s guide to the Brown supplemental essays 2021 will show you exactly how to write engaging Brown essays and maximize your chances of admission.

For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources on Brown,  click here . Want help crafting your Brown supplemental essays? Create your  free account  or  schedule a free consultation  by calling (844) 836-8250.

Brown  Supplemental Essays 2021 Quick Facts:

• Brown has an acceptance rate of 7%— U.S. News  ranks Brown as a  highly competitive  school.
• We recommend answering all Brown supplemental essays—optional Brown University essay prompts included—comprehensively and thoughtfully.

Does Brown have supplemental essays?

In order to apply to Brown University, you must submit your primary personal statement, typically through the  Common  or  Coalition Application . Additionally, Brown requires three shorter Brown supplemental essays for first-year applicants.

This guide to the Brown supplemental essays 2021 does not include the additional Brown University essays that you must complete for Brown’s  Program in Liberal Medical Education  or the  Brown-RISD Dual Degree Program . However, the Brown University essays covered below will provide the guidance necessary to complete those other Brown University supplemental essays.

Need tips on writing your Common App essay? Check out our  blog article .

What are the Brown supplemental essays?

Specific details on the Brown supplemental essays 2021 can be found on Brown’s  Undergraduate Admission page . The Brown University essay prompts are also available on the  Common App  site.

How do you write a Brown supplemental essay?

First, you’ll need to decide which topics you want to write about in your Brown supplemental essays. You only have a limited number of Brown University essay prompts to communicate whatever you may want Admissions Officers to know about you, so avoid making your Brown essays repetitive.

The Brown supplemental essays 2021 should highlight a different side of you as a student and as a person. For instance, if your personal statement focuses on your passion for social justice, you might write about your love of the piano in one of your Brown University supplemental essays. You want to emphasize certain characteristics, interests, and activities throughout your application: that’s your application narrative. However, it’s also important to highlight hobbies, community involvement, and other experiences that tell more about you in your Brown University essays.

Although these Brown supplemental essays will ultimately be shorter than your personal statement, you should plan on dedicating just as much time and effort to them. Each of the first-year Brown University essay prompts is only 200-250 words in length. This means that you’ll have to be very intentional about what goes into the final product. Aim to be as concise as possible by asking yourself which details are truly important and how you can express them in a clear, straightforward manner. In these Brown supplemental essays, content should be your main concern; you can focus a bit more on style in your personal statement.

Does Brown have a “Why Brown” essay?

The Brown supplemental essays 2021 do not include a traditional “Why Brown” essay. However, the first of the Brown University essays for first-year applicants does ask students how they may use Brown’s unique curriculum to their educational advantage. See more details on Question 1 below.

Brown Supplemental Essays—Question 1 (Required)

Brown’s Open Curriculum allows students to explore broadly while also diving deeply into their academic pursuits. Tell us about any academic interests that excite you, and how you might use the Open Curriculum to pursue them while also embracing topics with which you are unfamiliar. (200-250 words)

This first of the Brown University supplemental essays puts a bit of a spin on the customary “Why Brown?” question. It narrows the scope and focuses specifically on  Brown’s signature Open Curriculum . The university’s unique course of study frees its students from the constraints of general education requirements and allows them to fill their schedules with courses they are passionate about. Admissions officers want to see that you will truly take advantage of this academic flexibility if you attend Brown.

One key component of Brown essays, including this prompt, is connecting your personal interests back to Brown. These connections should be clear and concrete. Rather than using this space to discuss the benefits of the Open Curriculum, show that you’ve done your research. Cite a fascinating Brown course that you wouldn’t consider if you had to worry about requirements. Write about all of the different facets of your prospective major that you’ll get to explore if you’re not bogged down with other obligatory classes. Your goal is to communicate why the Open Curriculum is the right fit for you as specifically as possible.

Keep in mind the balance of this essay when drafting it. 3Additionally, double-check that Brown actually offers the  majors  or  classes  that you bring up in this essay!

Brown Essay Draft Key Questions:

• Have you included both your existing academic interests and some potential new interests as well?
• Are your interests linked clearly and concretely to Brown’s Open Curriculum?
• Do your descriptions reflect your genuine passion for these subjects?

Brown Supplemental Essays—Question 2 (Required)

Brown’s culture fosters a community in which students challenge the ideas of others and have their ideas challenged in return, promoting a deeper and clearer understanding of the complex issues confronting society. This active engagement in dialogue is as present outside the classroom as it is in academic spaces. Tell us about a time you were challenged by a perspective that differed from your own. How did you respond? (200-250 words)

The most important thing to keep in mind while writing this essay is respect. Brown is known to be a very inclusive and accepting community (you can find the mission statement from their Office of Institutional Equity and Inclusion  here ), and you want to demonstrate that you are a good fit. Admissions Officers want to see that you are open-minded, no matter what your specific beliefs may be. Even if the differing perspective in question did not change your own, you must demonstrate respect for everyone involved. Remember, you never know the identity and beliefs of those evaluating your Brown University supplemental essays.

Moreover, sometimes insensitive stories may not appear to be insensitive at first glance. In your Brown University essay prompts, beware of privilege narratives that may come off as ignorant and condescending. For instance, avoid writing about an interaction with a poor person that led you to realize that the working class works harder than you initially thought. Though you may write this kind of piece with the best of intentions, Admissions Officers will likely see you as short-sighted when it comes to your own privilege. To avoid mistakes like this, make sure you get several pairs of eyes on your Brown essays.

To make your Brown University supplemental essays more engaging, you’ll want to “show, not tell.” This common writing advice encourages you to include sensory details in your piece in order to draw your reader into the world of the story. This is especially important to keep in mind when writing this essay—otherwise, it can quickly become very general and therefore less compelling. Some potentially successful examples could include an enlightening debate in class, a brand new kind of work experience, or a transformative conversation with somebody in your community. Whatever the scenario may be, zooming in and then out can add intriguing layers to your Brown University essays.

• Have you clearly communicated what your perspective was both before and after this challenge arose?
• Do you include some sensory details that draw the reader in?
• Have you demonstrated that you are open-minded and able to grow?

Brown Supplemental Essays—Question 3 (Required)

Brown students care deeply about their work and the world around them. Students find contentment, satisfaction, and meaning in daily interactions and major discoveries. Whether big or small, mundane or spectacular, tell us about something that brings you joy. (200-250 words)

Brown University supplemental essays are spaces where you can be your most creative. While there is certainly no right answer here, consider exploring a topic other than your academics or extracurriculars, especially those which you’ve already discussed in other Brown University essays. The most important thing here is to be genuine. True joy comes through in a piece of writing, and Admissions Officers will be able to tell if you’re only worried about impressing them in your Brown essays. One potential pitfall would be writing about how you find satisfaction and meaning in volunteering. Not only is this an overused response to these kinds of Brown University supplemental essays, but it may also be seen as virtue signaling. Read more on the CollegeAdvisor blog about  how to write about your service experiences .

Keep in mind that this essay will also be used to assess who you are as a person. There is no need to try to be as profound as possible, but your topic should say something about you. For example, let’s say you’re a prospective computer science major and a dedicated tennis player. You may use this opportunity to discuss your love of watercolors: while it’s not one of your primary extracurricular activities, it’s a pastime that truly brings you joy. In this theoretical essay, you might expand upon how painting encourages you to appreciate the beauty of the world around you. Think of the things that make you unique and show that you care deeply.

• Does this piece reflect a side of yourself that you haven’t yet written about?
• Have you defined what joy looks like for you and expressed it toward the subject that you’re writing about?
• Does this thing that brings you joy say something about who you are?

What does Brown look for in essays?

Your Brown essays (both your personal statement and supplements) are perhaps the most important element of your application because they are the part over which you have the most control. They round you out as a person and allow you to introduce new facets of yourself into your application. No college wants to admit a robot that can only churn out good grades—they are interested in the human who is applying to be a part of their community. Strong writing can even  offset lower grades and test scores  on your application. Your Brown University supplemental essays are your opportunity to show off any side of yourself that you desire.

Additionally, Brown is intentionally a very diverse community. Therefore, there are no “correct answers” to the Brown University essay prompts. Try to put your best foot forward, of course, but remember to stay true to yourself.

To see examples of essays written by our advisors who were admitted to Brown,  check out this article .

Brown Supplemental Essays: Final Thoughts

Writing Brown University essays is an important commitment, and the process can create a lot of stress. However, keep in mind that Admissions Officers are excited to hear about your interests and experiences and want to see you succeed.

Use this Brown supplemental essays 2021 guide as a way to help you craft engaging Brown University essays with as little stress and confusion as possible. You also have the help of your family, friends, teachers, and counselors to guide you through. Remember to allow plenty of time to review and revise your Brown essays before submitting them. Most importantly, remember to stay true to yourself throughout the application process.

This 2021-2022 essay guide for Brown University was written by  Chloe Webster . For more CollegeAdvisor.com resources on Brown,  click here . Want help crafting your Brown supplemental essays? Create your  free account  or  schedule a free consultation  by calling (844) 836-8250.

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