How does Brown University's ranking affect admissions?

Brown University is pretty high up there in the rankings. Does anyone know how that impacts their admissions process, especially for undergraduates? Are they looking for something specific in their applicants?

While rankings can have some influence on the perception and popularity of a certain college, for a university like Brown, the admissions process is actually more influenced by their mission and goals as an institution. Brown's commitment to fostering intellectual curiosity, a liberal education, and a diverse community shapes their admissions decisions far more than their numerical rankings.

Rankings can sometimes lead to misconceptions about what a university values in its applicants. An institution's rank does not necessitate a particular profile of student. However, Brown's consistently high ranking does mean that it tends to attract a high number of very competitive applicants, which increases the selectivity of their admissions process.

When selecting their students, Brown focuses less on quantitative measurements like test scores or GPAs (though these are certainly taken into account), and more on factors that highlight a student's character, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to learning. A student who has demonstrated a deep love for learning, intellectual engagement with their interests, and a genuine commitment to contributing positively to their community aligns with Brown's values.

Reviewing successful applicant profiles can illuminate the characteristics valued by Brown. Successful applicants often show intellectual focus and curiosity, demonstrate initiative in pursuing interests outside of the school curriculum, have a history of civic engagement or community service, and express a desire to use their education to make positive changes in the world.

Also, Brown's unique Open Curriculum generally appeals to students who are independent thinkers, students who want to design their own educational path rather than following a rigid set of general education requirements. So, they also look for students who will thrive in that kind of academic environment.

In summary, high ranking universities like Brown tend to attract a competitive applicant pool, and while it influences the selectivity, it doesn't directly affect the attributes they look for in a student. It's all about finding students who embody the values and goals of the institution.