Independent thinkers. Risk takers. Experimenters. Unlike the other Ivies, Brown seeks a very specific breed of student that seeks academic freedom and that takes risks. Since Brown has an open curriculum and concentrations instead of majors, they look for students who are independent and who thrive instead of self-destructing when given unlimited freedom. Applicants really need to communicate this theme throughout their Brown supplemental essays. Brown rates every applicant in two separate areas on a 1 to 6 scale (6 being the highest and 1 being the lowest): Academic Rating Personal Rating Read More..