Brown University

Fatoumata Ndiaye, Mously Mbacke, Karan Singh, Godson Ademola-Thomas, Natalie Mejia

Where did the EP take place? What was the area/campus/

office/virtual environment like?

Insert photos!

• The EP took place in Brown University’s campus in Providence, Rhode Island
• It was in person, students were residing in college dorms on campus
• Surrounding Brown University are a lot restaurants, convenience stores, and A LOT OF BOBA SHOPS
• Inside of Brown University are study halls, libraries, food courts, recreation centers, and greenery
• Scooters and bikes are easily accessible

Godson - I stayed at Archibald Bronson. I had a lot of free time in the morning so I skipped breakfast and woke up at 11 am to each lunch. Then I would usually go to a lounge to do my HW before I went to class at 3pm. My AI class ended at 6:30 everyday. After that, I usually rode scooters or went to the gym with Karan, and then met up afterwards with Fatima and Mously.

​

Godson

I stayed at Harkness. My classes were from 8:30am to 11:30 am, basically really early in the morning. I didn't really mind because I was already used to waking up early. I loved that I had a lot of time throughout the day because I had the flexibility to not only finish my (easy) homework but also hang out with my friends and go out. It felt like I was actually in college. Since I had a lot of time on my hands I was able to walk to dining halls that were far 10-15 minutes away.

Fatoumata

I stayed at Goddard House. I woke up early in the morning everyday so I watched movies or did homework before my class at 12 pm. I had Organic and Biochemistry with Mously. After class, I went to one of Brown’s dining halls to eat lunch and work on more homework. After that, I rode scooters or went to the gym to play basketball with Godson. Finally, I met up with Fatima and Mously in their lounges and watched movies and played cards.

Karan

I stayed at Marcey House right by “The Ratty” I woke up early to pray and to take a shower before starting my online class. After class, I took a break and then went to my Organic and Biochem class. I got out of class at around 3 pm and ate lunch with friends and sometimes attended to some on-campus activities. During the rest of the day, I just hung out with friends, went to events, shops, took pictures, and played games.

​

6

Mously

Natalie

I stayed at the Chapin dorm. My classes were a little bit in later in the day time so my class started at 12:15 and ended at 3:15. I would normally wake up around 11 to get ready, brush my teeth, do my makeup, etc. Then, I would grab breakfast either at Starbucks or the Ratty (I recommend going to Starbucks though) because they were both right there as I was going to class. Typically, my professor would let us go early like around 2:45-3:00 so, I would grab lunch with a few friends, study, and then go back to my dorm and chill. I didn’t have homework each class like normal, my professor assigned me a research paper that was due at the final day of classes and then present a powerpoint on what I learned from it so for the most part, I didn’t have much work up until the last week of the program. There were a few tests, but the workload wasn’t bad at all!

7

​

Fatoumata - I wouldn't have done anything differently, but if I were to say something it would be to not be afraid to go out on my own instead always waiting to hang with my friends. Basically just not be afraid to be alone.

​

​

​

What would you have done differently if you could re-do your EP or the EP application process?

Godson - I would’ve made more friends and networked with more professors. I would’ve toured Providence even more. Additionally, I probably would’ve taken more pics!

​

Mously - I would’ve tried more food places but other than that I wouldn't have done anything differently.

Natalie - I would’ve tried to put myself out there more and not be afraid to travel or go out, even if it was alone or with a few friends. I also would’ve liked to do more shopping there :)

Karan - I wish I went to Brown’s college application workshops to receive feedback on my college essay and start my supplements. I would’ve went to more of Brown’s planned events such as going to Boston.

• Fatoumata - The summer before I've researched about the different eps I was interested in and Summer@Brown was one of them. The application was light, but the only hard thing was keeping up with deadlines because I got COVID. However, I caught up and was able to revise my writing prompt 3 times. You just need 1 teacher recommendation, one essay, and financial and personal information.

​

• Godson - I didn’t want an EP too far away, so Summer@Brown was the perfect opportunity, especially since it’s an Ivy League. Honestly, the application process was easy and the writing took me 2 days to complete. I only needed one recommendation and it was easy to get. I had my financial info ready beforehand so all in all, the application process was light work.

​

• Karan - I didn’t want to go somewhere far from my mom but I wanted to experience life as a college student at one of my top college choices, so I was interested in doing Summer@Brown. The application took me less than a week to complete and I received a lot of help and feedback from Emily throughout the application process. The essay question was straightforward and I was able to answer the financial and personal information questions by myself.

​

• Natalie - I decided to apply for this program because I had been interested in Brown previously and just wanted to see if I could imagine myself on campus. I also wanted to see if out of state colleges were fit for me and also be able to explore a place I hadn’t been to before. I was also interested in the psychology courses they offered. The application process was easy for me and it was easy to balance because of the deadlines SEO sets up for you and also the writing instructors are really helpful when it comes to what you need to work on in the essay. I would say the writing part is the hardest but it wasn’t really.

How did you decide to apply for this program? What was the application process like?

What was the overall goal of your EP? What did you do/learn/accomplish?

Mously - My goal was to get exposed to the college environment as well as improve my skills in Biology and Chemistry. I’m interested in the sciences so Organic and Biochemistry gave me a headstart in my college career goals in healthcare. I learned various complicated materials in each of these subjects that I can apply to my future courses.

Fatoumata - Drawing is my hobby that I inconsistently do because of lack of time. I chose the drawing intensive at Brown and my goal was to gain skills that will help me get better at drawing. I came into the class with little to no experience with art but came out with bits of knowledge that I can apply to my drawings. I did feel inferior because compared to other students, they had more experience with drawing and were really talented. I wouldn't let that stop you tho. The overall goal of Summer@Brown was to allow to gain first hand experience of what college is going to be like, what it is like to be on your own, and to explore yourself on your own.

Godson - The overall goal of my EP was to learn what it’s like to be in college, especially a PWI. At first, it was kind of a surprise because I felt like every other kid in my AI course were simply smarter than me. But I learned how to have confidence in myself and just trust the process. I completed one final project at the end of the three weeks, with the help of my TA, Josh. Overall, this experience taught me that I might not study comp sci in college, which is okay.

Natalie - The overall goal for my EP was exploring psychology and overall just seeing if I liked clinical psychology or not. I’m interested in majoring in psychology and I feel like this class really gave me an overview of which paths to take, different disorders and their symptoms, and also gave me a feel of how a college class would run/ look like in the future. I think also it helped me grasp a better understanding if I’d like to stay in NYC or maybe go out of state for college.

Karan - The overall goal of my EP was to experience life as a college student and to take a college-like chemistry class to prep for AP Chemistry this year. Learning how to name ionic and molecular compounds prepared me for AP Chemistry since the first lessons in the class were about ionic and molecular compounds. Living in a dorm, making sure to eat on time, and going to class by myself showed me a glimpse of the responsibilities I’ll have to take up if I go to a college outside of New York City.

How did this experience shape you? What learnings will you take with you in the future?

Fatoumata - Some things that I will take away from this is that in college it is not hard to find your people/friend group. Your circle will enhance your experience at college. Also to not be afraid to get out of your comfort zone; college is a time for you to grow as a person and learn about yourself. Lastly, take yourself out and have fun alone.

Natalie - This experience definitely shaped me as it did allow me the opportunity to explore psychology and really engage in that passion I have. It flourished my love for psychology and it was an interesting and helpful experience to learn from. Something I will take with me is to not be afraid to try new things and put yourself out there. At the end of the day, explore and engage with others even if its just in discussion in class.

Mously - I will take the material that I have learned with me in the future. Additionally, the general experience to what it’s like to live in a dorm has really helped me get an understanding of what I want in college. This program also helped me learn how to step out of my comfort zone and get to know people. As an introvert, my social skills have improved.

Karan - This experience shaped me by making me more independent and aware of the responsibilities I’ll have to take up if I go to a college outside of New York City or just live by myself as an adult. Learning how to talk to others who are not from the same area or background and navigating through a new area will allow me to network better with others and understand my way in new environments in the future.

Anything else you want to add or share!

Natalie - If you are planning on coming to the program, please be aware that Rhode Island gets really hot in the summertime. Bring sunscreen and a really good fan so you aren’t dying from heat there!

Fatoumata - TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE DINING HALLS!!!! They have great food sometimes and have various of options. I would also say Providence Rhode Island has a lot of hills, it will be a struggle during the summer walking to your classes sometimes. The Buses are free for students use your ID card to swipe. Lastly, Brown have a lot of things to do both during the weekdays and during the weekends, so make sure you sign and participate. TAKE A LOT OF PICTURES!!!

Mously - If you decide to go BRING BUG SPRAY! Also try to pack a decent amount of items and get ready to walk up and down the steepest hills.