Computer science

Computer science is now a critical tool for pursuing an ever-broadening range of topics, from outer space to the workings of the human mind. In most areas of science and in many liberal arts fields, cutting-edge work depends increasingly on computational approaches. The undergraduate program at Brown is designed to combine breadth in practical and theoretical computer science with depth in specialized areas. These areas range from traditional topics, such as analysis of algorithms, artificial intelligence, databases, distributed systems, graphics, mobile computing, networks, operating systems, programming languages, robotics and security, to novel areas including games and scientific visualization.

Requirements for the Professional Track of the Sc.B. degree.

The requirements for the professional track include all those of the standard track, as well as the following:

Students must complete two two-to-four-month full-time professional experiences, doing work that is related to their concentration programs. Such work is normally done within an industrial organization, but may also be at a university under the supervision of a faculty member.

On completion of each professional experience, the student must write and upload to ASK a reflective essay about the experience addressing the following prompts, to be approved by the student's concentration advisor:

• Which courses were put to use in your summer's work? Which topics, in particular, were important?
• In retrospect, which courses should you have taken before embarking on your summer experience? What are the topics from these courses that would have helped you over the summer if you had been more familiar with them?
• Are there topics you should have been familiar with in preparation for your summer experience, but are not taught at Brown? What are these topics?
• What did you learn from the experience that probably could not have been picked up from course work?
• Is the sort of work you did over the summer something you would like to continue doing once you graduate? Explain.
• Would you recommend your summer experience to other Brown students? Explain.

Requirements for the Standard Track of the A.B. degree

Requirements for the Professional Track of the A.B. degree.

The requirements for the professional track include all those of the standard track, as well as the following:

Students must complete two two-to-four-month full-time professional experiences, doing work that is related to their concentration programs. Such work is normally done within an industrial organization, but may also be at a university under the supervision of a faculty member.

On completion of each professional experience, the student must write and upload to ASK a reflective essay about the experience addressing the following prompts, to be approved by the student's concentration advisor:

• Which courses were put to use in your summer's work? Which topics, in particular, were important?
• In retrospect, which courses should you have taken before embarking on your summer experience? What are the topics from these courses that would have helped you over the summer if you had been more familiar with them?
• Are there topics you should have been familiar with in preparation for your summer experience, but are not taught at Brown? What are these topics?
• What did you learn from the experience that probably could not have been picked up from course work?
• Is the sort of work you did over the summer something you would like to continue doing once you graduate? Explain.
• Would you recommend your summer experience to other Brown students? Explain.

Requirements

• Test Requirements: Applicants can satisfy our testing requirement in one of two ways: (1) Either the SAT and any two SAT Subject Tests, or (2) the ACT.  Applicants who take the redesigned SAT are not required to take the optional writing section.  For applicants who take the ACT, we strongly encourage, but do not require, the writing component.  Brown will accept test results for either the old or the new SAT.
• Official test results must be sent directly to Brown from either the College Board, which administers the SAT, or from the American College Testing Program, which administers the ACT.
• To have scores sent to Brown, you will need to provide our institutional code numbers:
  • For the SAT, Brown's code number is 3094
  • For the ACT, Brown's code number is 3800
• You are welcome to take advantage of the College Board's Score Choice option, but this may delay your scores being received by Brown---a delay may mean we will not read your application until we receive a full set of official test scores.
• Please note: we encourage students to have at least one set of scores in our office by the appropriate application deadline.
• An official transcript of your complete high school academic record must be sent to the Office of College Admission directly from each secondary school you have attended.
• We will accept transcripts submitted by your school(s) through online services, such as Docufide, Naviance, and the Common Application. If you are unable to submit through one of these online services arrange to have your materials sent directly to Brown University, Office of College Admission, Box 1876, Providence, RI 02912 or fax to 401.863.9300.
• Your midyear school report including final grades for fall courses and a list of your spring courses can be submitted online through the Common Application.
• Through the Common Application applicants can request school forms and recommendations via email from their guidance counselor and from two teachers who have taught them in major academic subjects (science, social studies, mathematics, foreign language, English).
• If you are considering a Bachelor of Science degree or the Program in Liberal Medical Education, at least one of your recommendations should come from a math or science teacher. In addition, we highly recommend that applicants to the PLME program submit results for at least one science SAT Subject Test.
• Please note: secondary school personnel do not need to wait until you have submitted your application before making their contributions. The online system will lead you through the process of supplying the name and email address of your counselor and teachers so that a user account can be created for them. They will then be able to submit forms on your behalf either electronically or via regular mail.
• Please note: applicants are neither required nor expected to provide additional materials, but the opportunity to do so is available to any candidate. Applicants are not expected to provide additional materials as part of the admission process.
• We prefer that you upload supplementary materials to your file after you receive your Brown account username. 
• We recommend that you do not send a collection of award certificates or similar materials.
• If you are accomplished in music or visual art, you may include additional supplements along with your application in the Common Application, through SlideRoom. You do not need to wait for your Brown account username to upload music or visual art materials to SlideRoom.
• Please note: SlideRoom only accepts one submission, if submitting two you will need to sign up with a second email account.
• Auditions and portfolio reviews are neither required nor reviewed for students interested in Theatre Arts & Performance Studies.
• If you have a YouTube video we recommend uploading the link via our self-service site once you receive your Brown account username.