My Background

I’m Kudzaishe Chaonwa, and I hail from the small town of Chipinge in eastern Zimbabwe. My educational journey began at St. Faith’s High School, an Anglican boarding school in Rusape. Later, I applied to the USAP Community School, an advanced-level Cambridge sciences residential boarding school in Marondera that supports students from less privileged backgrounds in gaining admission to top universities abroad. Now, I’m a freshman at Brown University.

Why Study in the U.S.?

Studying abroad was a decision driven by my desire for a world-class education and immersing myself in a diverse cultural environment. The U.S. is at the forefront of scientific research and technological advancements, with many universities having state-of-the-art facilities and funding for research projects that allow students to participate actively in groundbreaking studies. I knew that being part of such initiatives would enrich my academic experience and prepare me for future challenges in my field.

Why Brown University?

I applied to Brown University through Early Decision and was fortunate to be accepted. What drew me to Brown was its Open Curriculum, which allows students to be the architects of their education by designing their own academic path without strict core requirements. This flexibility enables students to explore diverse disciplines—whether it’s Biomedical Engineering, Swahili and Dance or Neuroscience and Music. I was also drawn by Brown being coined by most as the ‘Happiest Ivy’ due to the positive and fun atmosphere that defines the academic and social life.

Academic Achievements

In addition to my Cambridge Advanced and Advanced Subsidiary Cambridge Level subjects (Mathematics, Biology, and Chemistry), I pursued a rigorous curriculum at USAP Community School that included Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Humanities, Capstone, Music, and Research Methods. Fortunately, I got A’s in all my subjects, including both the Cambridge levels. For English proficiency, I took the Duolingo test and had a score of 135.

Extracurricular Activities

I was very involved both in and out of school. My extracurriculars were:

• President of the Media Club 

• President of the Quiz Club: Here, I won a gold medal at the national level in the AIDS Council High Schools Quiz Competition.

• School photographer and photographer at the National Institute of Allied Arts

• Recognized as a young scientist and researcher, winning two national awards at the Zimbabwe Science Fair

• Capstone Researcher: I studied the effects of poor antiretroviral therapy adherence in marginalized communities in eastern Zimbabwe.

• Hackathons: I participated in the NASA Space Apps Hackathon, was a global nominee, and was part of the top 3 projects in Zimbabwe. 

• Tennis Player 

• Piano player

• Student Government Member

• Clinical Volunteer with Sightsavers Foundation and NTD Program

Honors and Awards

I received several awards, including:

• United Students Achievers Program Scholarship

• Yale Science and Engineering Association Award

• American Psychological Association National Award

• NASA Space Apps Hackathon Global Nominee

• National AIDS Council High Schools Quiz Gold Medalist

• Generation Unlimited Youth Innovation Challenge National Finalist

College Essays

My essays revolved around the connection between three things: the desert rose, a camera, and my desire to serve my community. Both my essays demonstrated a large degree of intellectual curiosity, excellence, and a wish to be of service to my community. I shared different sides of me: the intellectual me, the quirky me, the caring me, and the artistic me. I wanted to demonstrate how, despite my love for neuroscience and brain research, I also have an artistic side (photography and piano) that could allow me to take advantage of Brown’s Open Curriculum.

Application Timeline and Strategy

I meticulously planned my application for over two years, carefully selecting activities and maintaining high academic performance. The entire application process took six months, with structured preparation for my Common Application. All this was made possible by USAP Community School’s useful college counseling class that prepared us for a confusing journey ahead. I wouldn’t be where I am today without their invaluable support. 

Financial Aid

I applied using the CSS Profile and was awarded a full-ride scholarship that covers all expenses, ensuring I can focus entirely on my education without financial concerns.

Advice for Prospective Applicants

Planning is crucial in maneuvering the admissions process. Admissions officers can easily distinguish between a rushed application and one crafted with thought and effort. Start early, engage in meaningful activities, and seek guidance when necessary.

Life at Brown: Academics and Beyond

Back in Zimbabwe, USAP Community School hosted a college preparation workshop a few months before I came to the US. This was when we were taught what kind of things to expect upon coming here. As a result, I believe I was prepared for this huge transition. The adaptation process was fairly manageable.

Now, I am majoring in Cognitive Neuroscience, and the academic environment at Brown is truly top-tier. Professors are deeply passionate about their subjects. I literally remember my Neuroscience professor on my first day; he choked from excitement when he was explaining his favorite topic. At that moment, I knew that I was in the right place.

Being at Brown has allowed me to learn from an exceptional faculty and interact with students from all over the world. This has broadened my perspective on global issues, enhanced my academic knowledge, and helped me learn independence and resilience. Additionally, a degree from such a prestigious institution opens doors to numerous career opportunities that will allow me to return to Zimbabwe with valuable skills to positively impact my community.

Beyond academics, I play the piano, work as a photographer for the Brown Daily Herald, and am an active member of the Black Pre-Medical Society. These extracurricular activities provide a great balance to my academic life and help me unwind after long days of work.