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I got into Yale and sent them my confirmation (no deposit required) and just got accepted from the wait list to Brown. This is a tough decision. I am interesed in English and Theatre. Any suggestions on which placeI should go? Whats the difference between the 2?

By Mgcsinc (Mgcsinc) on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 10:47 am: Edit

You're on your own for Yale, but I suggest you read "An Important Caveat about Brown Topics" for my idea about what is special about Brown. I think for someone like you with dual interests, Brown might be a great place. I will say that when I visited Yale I wasn't as impressed as I hoped I would be; the campus just didn't seem "alive" enough to me. This said, if there is any program at Yale that seemed most impressive, at least so far as the materials made it look, it was the performing arts program. Much good luck with making your choice!

By Smhop (Smhop) on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 12:49 pm: Edit

Hey Jessc congrats!


Can you tell us if you get a phone call from Brown or a letter? Did that happen today (wed)?
thanks.

By Rhonda63 (Rhonda63) on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 12:54 pm: Edit

I think you should just pick the one you like best. Seriously. There is little to choose between the two objectively -- both are great schools, with excellent English depts and many theater opportunities. I think this one comes down to your own personal choice.

(oh, and congrats!)

By Jschuman3 (Jschuman3) on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 03:17 pm: Edit

I had the same issue earlier in the year, I think that theres an earlier Brown post on this issue. I'd say go where you are happiest, as any difference between them for either case can be made up with hard work and charisma. I liked Brown's atmosphere, location, and campus better, but its a personal choice. If you go to grad school there won't be much difference. My friend got into Harvard, Yale, and U Penn and picked U Penn cause he realized that if he had to go to college tomorrow, he would only be excited if he were headed to U Penn. Go where you're happiest and you won't regret it. If you wanna talk more email me as I've gone through this big time. In regards to theater, I know yale has a lot of plays, though so does Brown, and I've heard Brown's undergrad theater program is in the top two in the coutnry along with northwestern (disregarding conservatories). good luck!

By Jschuman3 (Jschuman3) on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 04:16 pm: Edit

I should add that I chose Brown for its IR department, which I think is a lot more focused and funded by the adminstration than in most other Ivies, and I hope will become (or is already?) one of the best departments in the nation.

By Jessc (Jessc) on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 04:24 pm: Edit

I didn't get phone call or a letter. My college adviser told me yesterday. She got a call from the admissions rep who wanted to know if I was still interested in Brown.

By Smhop (Smhop) on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 07:17 pm: Edit

Then how are you in if they haven't notified you? Do they actually do that--> Tell your advisor to tell you instead of telling you personally? That doesnt make sense. Will you get a call or letter later?

By Jschuman3 (Jschuman3) on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 09:19 pm: Edit

Check out the last several posts in "ADOCH kids...how was it for you?" for a similiar discussion on Brown vs Yale.

By Dcircle (Dcircle) on Wednesday, May 12, 2004 - 10:28 pm: Edit

Jessc,

Just so that you know my biases off the bat, I am currently a senior at Brown.

When I was deciding between schools, my top two choices were Brown and Yale and I had a very difficult time deciding because they are both such great places. In many respects, particularly in terms of the funky, romantic, creative flair that permeates the institutional culture, both are also similar.

In the end, I chose Brown because the opportunity to craft my own education through the open curriculum was just too appealing. Now that I am finishing up my experience here, I feel as though I made a great decision. I love this place, and I feel greatly indebted to the University for allowing me to pursue my personal passions, no matter how whimsical, on a world-class level. I feel as though intellectual autonomy is such an important freedom, and is one that is uniquely found at Brown.

That being said, I have heard great things about the English and Theatre Departments at both places. Good luck with your decision and I'd love to answer any questions you might have.

By Kimfuge (Kimfuge) on Thursday, May 13, 2004 - 01:54 am: Edit

seems like brown had been your first choice. go where your heart is. it seems like brown.

By Fredmurtz2 (Fredmurtz2) on Thursday, May 13, 2004 - 04:57 pm: Edit

Jessc, What's your email addy?

By Econrobot (Econrobot) on Thursday, May 13, 2004 - 05:16 pm: Edit

I second Kimfuge's advice. A nationally recognized theater program,top-notch academics all across the board, no core reqs, great post-grad placement; Brown is an excellent school.

By Howdydoody (Howdydoody) on Saturday, May 15, 2004 - 11:12 pm: Edit

ttt

By Letmein (Letmein) on Saturday, May 15, 2004 - 11:14 pm: Edit

Jessc...please post your e-mail address or e-mail me (see profile). I made the same choice several years ago and would choose Brown. I hope to speak with you soon.

By Jschuman3 (Jschuman3) on Saturday, May 15, 2004 - 11:44 pm: Edit

Letmein, you said you made the same choice adn would chose Brown, but which did you actually chose several years ago? Just curious.

By Jschuman3 (Jschuman3) on Saturday, May 15, 2004 - 11:49 pm: Edit

Letmein, it would also be cool if you could post your reasons for the general public, we will defend you against anyone who yells at you!

By Jimster0489 (Jimster0489) on Monday, May 17, 2004 - 10:42 pm: Edit

Well, I'm a self-proclaimed theatre buff, so..

Yale Drama School is known the world over. New Haven and the Yale Rep are known for their extreme amount of plays that end up moving on nationwide and hitting it big on Broadway. Yale theatre graduates are respected as both theatrical savants and wonderful workers of the art of drama.

There is no such thing that claims Northwestern and Brown are the tops in theatre. In all actuality, the schools that best prepare are, in my opinion, the Tisch @ NYU, the USC School of Theatre, and Yale Drama School.

Yale would be an excellent choice for theatre!

By Confused86 (Confused86) on Monday, May 17, 2004 - 11:37 pm: Edit

Jessc please choose Yale and let unfortunate fools like us have a chance. I'm dying here

By Kimfuge (Kimfuge) on Tuesday, May 18, 2004 - 06:52 am: Edit

Jessc, where are you going?

By Shaos (Shaos) on Tuesday, May 18, 2004 - 09:08 am: Edit

LOL I agree w/Confused86
but they're both amazing schools so all biases aside, good luck w/your choice and for whichever one u choose in the end =)

By Shaos (Shaos) on Tuesday, May 18, 2004 - 09:11 am: Edit

actually having said that, Yale's drama school is incredible. I was reading in a magazine the other day, about a celebrity..can't remember who it is now..but a very famous one, who wants/plans to go to Yale for drama beause their program is outstanding.
don't know if that'll help or anything, but its just a little something I remembered

By Kimfuge (Kimfuge) on Tuesday, May 18, 2004 - 11:03 am: Edit

Jessc is going to yale; check out the princeton board. end to this discussion

By Jessc (Jessc) on Tuesday, May 18, 2004 - 12:51 pm: Edit

I decidec to go to Yale.
Good luck all of you waitlisted at Brown. I wish all of you could take my spot.

By Confused86 (Confused86) on Tuesday, May 18, 2004 - 03:04 pm: Edit

Jessc contact Brown right away and tell them that you are not attending. I'm getting very desparate. BTW, you have made a good choice; you are very kind and considerate towards others

By Jschuman3 (Jschuman3) on Tuesday, May 18, 2004 - 05:24 pm: Edit

Although had she gone to Brown she would have let someone off the Yale waitlist, so either way its kind.

By Letmein (Letmein) on Tuesday, May 18, 2004 - 08:21 pm: Edit

You are making a huge mistake Jessc...I wish you would e-mail me.

By Confused86 (Confused86) on Tuesday, May 18, 2004 - 08:33 pm: Edit

Letmein are you some sort of scientist? Anyway cool email address

By Dcircle (Dcircle) on Tuesday, May 18, 2004 - 08:34 pm: Edit

How is she making a huge mistake by going to yale? Posters on these forums need to stop being so alarmist and elitist. Many of the people asking questions are genuinely in need of helpful advice--it makes no sense to make someone feel bad after the fact.

By Asterix (Asterix) on Tuesday, May 18, 2004 - 09:36 pm: Edit

Yeah, especially since Letmein didn't post whatever information he/she felt was so important. And it is wrong to tell people they made a bad decision after it's already done.

By Jschuman3 (Jschuman3) on Tuesday, May 18, 2004 - 10:24 pm: Edit

Yeah come on Letmein, lets hear it. We'll love you forever. Dont worry about flamers.

By Smhop (Smhop) on Tuesday, May 18, 2004 - 11:15 pm: Edit

Jessc, did brown ever send you a letter or give you a personal call? How much time did they give you to decide?

If you are going to Yale, do let B. know bc maybe someone can get that space. If you go to B, no one gets the space bc Yale isnt going to the Wl this year.

Anyway, its up to you, and good luck. You are fortunate to have such a nice choice to make. If its any consolation; most people probably would choose Y over B.

By Jessc (Jessc) on Wednesday, May 19, 2004 - 02:58 pm: Edit

My college advisor got a call from the Brown rep asking if I wanted to come because if I did she would take me off the wait list It was an informal phone call and I believe my college advisor has a good personal relationship with the admissions rep.
I got back to her within 4 days with my answer so I was never formally let in or recieved a letter.
I go to a very small rigorous prep school where the college office works very hard for each student. They send a huge packet of info on each student with very in depth recommendations. You still have to be qualified to even be considered at Yale or Brown but I believe that this extra attention helps. .. Especially if the admissions people are looking at 5 identical applications.

By Confused86 (Confused86) on Wednesday, May 19, 2004 - 03:16 pm: Edit

well then you situation does not help me because they did not send a letter to you...