Brown University
- 4 Year
- PROVIDENCE, RI
CollegeGrad School
Brown University Reviews
Rating 3.84 out of 5 1,083 reviews
Brown was very easy to adapt to during my first year. I was given support in any are I could think of and I could always depend on my questions being answered.
My experience has been absolutely incredible. As everyone says, the open curriculum really makes a world of difference as it allows you to choose your own path and not be hampered by requirements that you might never need or have little to no interest in. I am an athlete and have had great experience with athletics and academics because Brown is really good about accommodating student-athletes when it comes to game and practice schedules.
Brown draws amazing faculty and a diverse student body, all of whom are passionate about something. It was a joy to spend 4 years in this community.
Athletics --- Brown's focus is not on athletics. If the alum's do not support your program - it may be under funded and facilities inadequate. You may be asked to support the team financially and support travel several times a year. Academic course selection is not given preference to athletes schedules either. In addition, Have had issues with professors not working with team travel and exam schedules. Before committing to play a sport at this university determine if that sport is well funded (it's obvious by the training facility). Check that your or someone in your network is able to give additional money for travel (unlike financial aid for academics everyone is asked to contribute). There is a constant threat that current varsity sports will be reduced to club sport level. See spring 2020 removal of 11 sports. Further follow the lawsuits that resulted.
Brown university has an excellent balance of student life and rigorous academics. the absence of GPAs creates a rather stress-free environment, and everyone I know here seems very happy.
The campus life at Brown overall seems to be very lively and accepting of all groups of people that want to socialize. Spontaneous games of frisbee or communal picnics are a common sight to see. In addition, the initial freshman bonding activities are a great way to get to know your peers, as making animal noises or sitting in a circle playing telephone are icebreakers you don’t want to miss.
Attending Brown University was an enriching and transformative experience. I cherished the vibrant community that fostered intellectual curiosity and diversity. The open curriculum allowed me to explore a wide range of subjects, fostering interdisciplinary connections and personal growth. The faculty were not only experts in their fields but also approachable mentors who genuinely cared about students' academic and personal development. I appreciated the emphasis on critical thinking and the encouragement to question assumptions. However, I would suggest enhancing resources for mental health support and increasing accessibility to financial aid for students from underprivileged backgrounds. Overall, Brown provided a nurturing environment that empowered me to thrive academically and personally.
The best part of Brown University is the student body and being able to learn from peers that are incredibly motivated and intelligent. Many of the professors are incredible as well, although there is a range in quality depending on academic department. Student life is generally good. The administration is very problematic and I also have many issues with the dining system in terms of how students with food allergies are treated.
Courses are generally very engaging, of course, depending on the professor. Providence is a fun city and very close to Boston and New York. The weather can be difficult.
I loved my experience at Brown. I was a varsity athlete, which added a level of difficulty to my studies, but I enjoyed my journey to discovering my passion for Biology. I think that Brown allows students to experiment and take many different types of classes.
My 3 years at Brown University have been the best 3 years of my life! Brown's holistic commitment to the undergraduate student ensured that I could pursue research when I wanted, have a network of faculty and students to guide me through course selection, and a vibrant space for extracurriculars.
I liked the emphasis on early and inclusive research opportunities for Computer Science concentrators is a standout feature. Being able to engage in hands-on projects from the beginning of my academic journey has been instrumental in my growth. The university's commitment to interdisciplinary research has broadened my horizons. Collaborating with individuals from different fields has added depth to my research experience and allowed me to approach problems from diverse perspectives.
Great experience! Everyone is welcoming and professors want to see you succeed. The open curriculum and grading system are helpful.
If you are a career-focused person, Brown might not be a place for you. Despite being an Ivy League university, Brown has limited network and professional career opportunities compared to other Ivies. Pre-professional clubs and programs are poorly funded, which does make a difference when you are applying for jobs and internships.
The wealth gap on campus is enormous and Brown is not doing a good enough job to address it. As a FGLI student, I was reassured by Brown staff members that I would receive funds to cover my summer storage. Two weeks before the start of the summer break, I received an email saying that this year they had extremely limited funding for it, and I would not get it despite having the highest demonstrated financial need. Overall, Brown has one of the smallest endowments per student out of all Ivies, and it does feel that way especially if you are low-income.
The wealth gap on campus is enormous and Brown is not doing a good enough job to address it. As a FGLI student, I was reassured by Brown staff members that I would receive funds to cover my summer storage. Two weeks before the start of the summer break, I received an email saying that this year they had extremely limited funding for it, and I would not get it despite having the highest demonstrated financial need. Overall, Brown has one of the smallest endowments per student out of all Ivies, and it does feel that way especially if you are low-income.
I was an undergraduate when the Open Curriculum was adopted. Its adoption was illustrative of the administration's commitment advancing opportunities for self-driven students.
For the last 60+ years, the undergraduate experience has been the focus, perhaps more so than any of the other Ivies. The administration has been committed to having a diversified student body and to helping to make its education affordable.
For the last 60+ years, the undergraduate experience has been the focus, perhaps more so than any of the other Ivies. The administration has been committed to having a diversified student body and to helping to make its education affordable.
Brown's academic excellence is rooted in a student-centered model of learning. The Open Curriculum is a flexible but rigorous approach to education that pushes students to be creative thinkers, intellectual risk-takers and entrepreneurial problem-solvers.
Open curriculum is fantastic, and undergraduate education is especially great. It's very competitive to get into Brown, but extremely worth it.
I have enjoyed my experience at Brown University though I would like to see some changes within my department, Cognitive, Linguistic, and Psychological Studies. The department prioritizes quantitative research and neuro-focused work. I am interested in the clinical side and that is certainly lacking at Brown University.
The campus is pretty. Also it is not super competitive or as competitive as other ivies but allows each student to find their own interests/niche. It is very liberal but still allows you to pursue your own interests and voice your opinions.
Learning at Brown University was an experience I never imagined I could pursue. I was taking a course on Biochemistry and Organic Chemistry. Not only were the people I met great but also the staff and professors. The curriculum was advanced, ergo I enjoyed it and learned a lot. The campus was wonderfully beautiful! I would definitely go again.