PROVIDENCE, R.I. [Brown University] — Prospective undergraduates considering Brown can expect three things of the University, should they choose to attend — an uncommonly open, student-centered intellectual experience; an opportunity-rich environment in which classroom and real-world experiences complement each other; and a caring, supportive community.
That’s according to Brown President Christina Paxson, who addressed a few hundred admitted students on the evening of Tuesday, April 18, during A Day on College Hill. The three-day event, from April 18 to 20, brought the students to Brown’s campus beginning early on Tuesday for a taste of life as a Brown undergraduate.
The potential Brunonians came from the 2,722 students admitted to Brown this year, each of whom was selected from the largest applicant pool in University history, which totaled 32,724. Paxson told the students they were admitted for their talents, accomplishments, life experiences, intellectual curiosity and readiness to learn, collaborate and aspire.
“When I ask Brown students what they’re interested in, it’s never one answer,” Paxson said. “They are artists and neuroscientists; poets and mathematicians; musicians and entrepreneurs. They want to invent things, launch start-ups, contribute to social justice and influence public conversations. And they bring distinctive ways of doing things from around the world.
“Now here you are, invited to join an amazing community of thinkers, makers and doers at a time when Brown is bursting with energy, advancing knowledge in the world, innovating and helping shape lives of purpose… I wish you all the best with your college decision, and I look forward to welcoming many of you back in the fall as members of the Brown University Class of 2021.”
The president’s welcome was just one highlight of an agenda packed full of experiences. Admitted students will attend classes, meet current Brown students, engage in panel discussions, sleep in residence halls, be entertained by student groups and get to know future classmates. Here are a few highlights from the 2017 edition of this annual admitted student extravaganza.