Real College Supplements That Worked: Brown University
by Valerie Erde
Many students don’t initially realize that writing college supplements can be much more challenging than writing the personal statement. It’s a harder to say something meaningful in 100 or 200 words than it is in 650 words. But the biggest problems of writing college supplements arise when students…
don’t adequately - and specifically - research the colleges
don’t keep the prompt’s question front and center (aka answer the prompt!)
focus too much on what they believe someone wants to hear vs. what they, the student, wants to say
are too vague and peddle in platitudes
Let’s look at how one student knocked it out of the park on his Brown University supplements and gained ED admission to Brown University. I don’t say this enough and it’s really important to keep this mind: this student was outstanding overall: strong course rigor and grades, multiple high test scores (AP and SAT), depth and accomplishment in a few extra-curricular activities, a wonderful personal statement (that I also helped with)…
Student: Public School, Los Angeles, CA
Admitted: Brown ED, applied as a physics and/or math
Dyson Sphere, Fast Fashion’s harm, Joy of walkING in LA
Intellectual Engagement Supplement: PHysics
The intellectual interest/engagement supplement is one of the most typical ones. Per above, the key to nailing this supplement is to simply tell us: what do you truly enjoy learning, why, and how you’ll go about pursuing that interest at our college. By drilling down his answer to a subtopic in physics, rather than physics generally, he
1. 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 alsoembracing topics with which you are unfamiliar. (200-250 words)
The Dyson Sphere is fascinating to me because it embodies a thought experiment that uses math, physics, and philosophy – three disciplines that dovetail to perfection to lead mankind on journeys into alternate realities the mind can scarcely comprehend. A hypothetical concept that refers to a mirror ball that encloses a star in order to harness most of the star’s energy and then redirect it to us here on earth, the Dyson Sphere is a theoretical mountaintop that scientists are working to scale as we speak. The open curriculum at Brown is a huge draw as it allows the exploration of all three of these disciplines. I want to contribute to the global conversation about the Dyson Sphere and classes like PHYS 1270: Extragalactic Astronomy and High-Energy Astrophysics will help me learn more about the energy systems of astronomical bodies and the energy released by stars. A math class such as APMA 1250: Advanced Engineering Mechanics will help me come up with a solution to the engineering impracticalities of building the Dyson Sphere. PHIL 0020: Science, Perception, and Reality will help me learn about how to philosophically deal with questions where common sense and science contradict one another, as they appear to do in the Dyson Sphere. Sometime in the not-so-distant past, someone said that landing on the moon was impossible, so I see it as entirely possible that we can solve the riddles of the Dyson Sphere and make it a reality – someday.
Intellectual Openness & Flexibility Supplement: Fast Fashion’s Harm
Brown doesn’t label this an intellectual openness and flexibility prompt, but that’s what I’m calling it! High school and college students have strong opinions, and sometimes their emotions run dee. More than ever, universities value students who bring a diversity of opinion, but even more important, an openness to listening and potentially changing one’s views. Initially, this student was uncertain whether writing about fashion was appropriate for an Ivy League application, but as I pointed out, it’s not about fashion. It’s about changing one’s perspective in light of new information on the environmental and human harms of fast fashion. I love the way this students addresses the reader directly and injects a sense of humor into his reply.
2. 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 indialogue 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)*
Please don’t roll your eyes at the fact that this applicant from Los Angeles thinks of the business of fashion as a complex issue confronting society today. The fashionable culture that permeates Tinsel Town has always been a part of my identity and I enjoy coming up with inventive outfits that reflect my creativity. Unfortunately, living on a 17-year-old-budget makes purchasing that coveted Versace coat well out of reach. And who really needs a coat in Los Angeles anyway? Fast fashion stores such as H&M and Zara became my go-to’s, allowing me to inexpensively define my style. Additionally, specific labels such as H&M’s Conscious Collection that claim to use “green” materials, made me feel good about my choices. However, when I recently walked the halls of my high school, adorned in an outfit I had so thoughtfully crafted, a friend revealed the horrifying truth behind my “eco-friendly” garb: my vehicle of expression was negatively impacting our planet and the lives of workers in impoverished countries where the clothing is manufactured. I vigorously researched the fast-fashion industry, educating myself on its workplace abuses and its negative environmental impact-- how our consumption habits are leading to an influx of non-biodegradable garments in our landfills. My “fashionable” revelation has now altered my perspective, my purchasing habits, and how I expressmy identity - with clothing choices that reflect my commitment to our planet. I look forward to walking the halls of Brown rocking a thoughtfully curated - but also sustainable - jacket.
The Something You Enjoy Supplement: Walking To School
The main issue I see students encounter in writing a reply to a prompt such as this one is that they simply overthink it and try too hard. The best answers to a prompr like this are genuine ones: just tell us what brings you joy! I love the following answer: it’s beautiful in its simplicity. And who knew that some kids walk to school in LA??
3. 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)
In a city defined by its transportation nightmares, I have the daily luxury of two, mile-long walks: one to school in the morning and one back home in the afternoon. My 30-minute hike across west Los Angeles feels fresh every day, as I choose distinct routes to get me to the same place. One path takes me by a house featuring a statue of a golden retriever in the front yard, which I assume is a tribute to a former, beloved companion. This deeply appeals to my sympathetic side, and I love passing by to wave hello to this cute, albeit concrete, friend. Another route passes a collage of businesses, from skyscrapers to mom-and-pop shops, representing Los Angeles’s eclectic makeup. I might pop into “Paper or Plastik” for a quick cup of coffee and their iconic Croissant Sandwich. Another frequent southbound route home is filled with inspiration from children and ignites my creative and playful sides. Sometimes, I’ll even revisit my inner child by sprinkling in a game of hopscotch from the chalked sidewalk. Every day, I enlighten myself by taking my own unique path, all in hopes of stumbling across another wonder of my city and discovering its magical nuances. My daily rambles serve as some of my most joyous adventures and remind me that even the smallest decisions can have the most positive impact on my happiness and appreciation for the world surrounding me.
We’ve have a number of posts with how to’s or examples on writing college essays, but if you’d like some one-on-one assistance, get in touch today. Come July, we get really busy and can’t promise assistance for EA/ED applicants.