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    Stranger than Fiction: Debunking Popular Myths in Psychology
    In-person Program

    Stranger than Fiction: Debunking Popular Myths in Psychology

    by Brown Pre-College Programs

    Study psychology through myth-busting, research evaluation and a final presentation, building a clearer understanding of human thought and behavior.

    Last verified: 9 Oct 2026Reviewed by:BSBen Stacy

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    Stranger than Fiction at a glance: cost, dates and eligibility

    Current status

    Upcoming

    Eligibility

    Completing grades 9-12

    Age range / Year group

    Ages 14-18

    Location / Region

    Providence, Rhode Island, United States

    Cost

    $3,748; $3,096

    Duration

    1 week

    Format

    In-person

    Next deadline

    Not announced · Next cycle not announced

    Get next-cycle reminder
    PsychologySocial Sciences
    Accommodation: University residence halls
    Meals: Three daily meals; one for commuters
    Certificate / Outcome: Digital Certificate of Completion
    Campus experience: Activities, workshops and campus resources
    Tutors / faculty: Lindy Howe; Lauren Micalizzi
    Sessions / cadence: Monday-Friday, 8:30-11:20 a.m.; 2-3 hours homework
    Assessment style: Quizzes and final presentation

    Stranger than Fiction summary

    Brown University's course introduces psychology by asking why familiar claims about human behavior can be misleading.

    You examine a new myth at each class meeting, work through readings and group activities, take quizzes, and finish with a presentation about a myth that interests you.

    It suits curious learners who want to test everyday assumptions and understand how scientific evidence changes an argument.

    What is Stranger than Fiction: Debunking Popular Myths in Psychology?

    Stranger than Fiction: Debunking Popular Myths in Psychology is a Brown University Pre-College course that introduces psychological science through widespread misconceptions. Its focus includes memory, intelligence, motivation, interpersonal behavior, law, mental health, emotions and personality. Students learn how research and theory can become distorted in popular culture.

    The course combines on-campus teaching with readings, quizzes and in-class group activities. Each meeting introduces a new myth to evaluate, and the course ends with a presentation on a myth of personal interest. The practical aim is to become more thoughtful about claims concerning human thought and behavior.

    Why Succeed highlights Stranger than Fiction

    • Testing familiar myths gives students a concrete reason to examine research methods and the quality of evidence.

    • The course connects psychological concepts with everyday decisions rather than treating them as isolated definitions.

    • Readings, quizzes and group activities offer several ways to engage with the subject.

    • Choosing a myth for the final presentation makes room for personal curiosity within a structured course.

    Who is Stranger than Fiction for?

    Best for

    Students curious about human behavior who enjoy questioning assumptions, discussing research and explaining ideas to others.

    Not ideal if

    You want college credit or advanced psychology specialization, or prefer a course without quizzes, group work and a final presentation.

    Is Stranger than Fiction worth it?

    The course is a useful option if you want to explore psychology while practicing how to evaluate evidence. Its strongest feature is the connection between scientific ideas and claims you encounter in everyday life. The final presentation gives you a specific piece of work to reflect on afterward.

    Its value depends on whether you want subject exploration and the campus experience enough to justify the program fee and travel. It is an introductory, non-credit course rather than an extended research project. Brown also makes clear that Pre-College is not a prospecting program for undergraduate admission.

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    20 minutes · No obligation to enrol

    A practical overview of cost, accommodation, meals, dates and provider details to review before deciding.

    Cost and what is included

    $3,748; $3,096; includes Course instruction., Residential option: residence hall housing and three meals daily., Commuter option: one on-campus meal daily., Access to fitness, athletic and aquatics centers., Program activities and excursions., Digital Certificate of Completion after successful completion..

    Accommodation

    University residence halls

    Meals

    Three daily meals; one for commuters

    Provider details

    Review the Brown Pre-College Programs provider page and official sources before making a final decision.

    Dates and logistics

    1 week; Providence, Rhode Island, United States.

    What to check before committing

    Confirm current dates, payment terms, travel arrangements, cancellation rules and what is included with the provider.

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    How much preparation does Stranger than Fiction need?

    Effort level

    Moderate to high during the teaching week.

    Best started

    Begin six to eight weeks before an announced application deadline to organize the essay, grades, language testing and travel planning.

    Main challenge

    Distinguishing a convincing-sounding claim from one supported by psychological research.

    Typical preparation

    • Draft the application essay in your own words and collect grades from both required academic years.

    • If applicable, arrange English proficiency testing early enough to share results with Brown.

    • Choose an everyday psychology claim you would enjoy investigating, without assuming it must be your final presentation topic.

    • Review course materials at least two weeks before arrival and plan time for daily independent work.

    Useful if

    You want to explore psychology and practice evaluating research claims.

    What do students do on Stranger than Fiction?

    You investigate familiar psychological claims using research, theory and critical thinking. Readings, group activities and quizzes build toward a presentation on a myth that interests you.

    Step-by-step process

    1. 1

      Encounter a new psychological myth at each class meeting.

    2. 2

      Use psychological concepts and scientific evidence to examine its validity.

    3. 3

      Complete readings, in-class group activities and quizzes.

    4. 4

      Develop and present an explanation of a myth of personal interest.

    Stranger than Fiction dates and deadlines

    Next cycle not announced yet. These dates are from the latest verified cycle and should be used as a reference only.

    Application deadline

    15 May 2026

    Brown Pre-College general application deadline, 11:59 p.m. Eastern.

    Reference date

    Programme dates

    22-26 June 2026

    Reference date

    Final admission decisions

    22 May 2026

    Brown Pre-College final decision notifications.

    Reference date

    Eligibility and requirements

    • Completing grades 9-12.

    • Ages 14-18 by 14 June 2026.

    • No previous psychology study required.

    • Strong English language proficiency required.

    • Brown Pre-College admission and separate course enrollment required.

    • Applicable international applicants must provide TOEFL iBT or Duolingo results.

    How much does Stranger than Fiction cost?

    Residential program fee

    $3,748 — Includes housing, meals and recreation facilities.

    Funding or discounts

    • Commuter program fee: $3,096 — Includes one daily meal and campus resources.
    • Application fee: $80 — Non-refundable; fee waivers have separate eligibility rules.
    • Enrollment deposit: $500 — Required before course enrollment; generally non-refundable.
    • Conditional insurance charge: $80 — Applies to international students and U.S. students without qualifying insurance.
    • Scholarships: Sibley and PPSD — Separate applications and eligibility requirements apply.

    What's included

    Course instruction., Residential option: residence hall housing and three meals daily., Commuter option: one on-campus meal daily., Access to fitness, athletic and aquatics centers., Program activities and excursions., Digital Certificate of Completion after successful completion.

    How to apply to Stranger than Fiction

    1. 1

      Create one applicant account through Brown's official Student Portal.

    2. 2

      Complete the Brown Pre-College application form and original 250-500-word essay.

    3. 3

      Upload current and previous academic-year grades and any applicable language results or recommendation.

    4. 4

      Pay the $80 application fee or complete the fee-waiver process.

    5. 5

      Monitor the portal and email for additional requirements and the admissions decision.

    6. 6

      After admission, confirm your intended course before paying the non-refundable $500 deposit.

    7. 7

      Complete separate course enrollment through the Student Portal.

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    What does Stranger than Fiction cover?

    The program covers the following focus areas.

    Memory and intelligence

    Examine misconceptions about memory and intelligence through psychological research.

    Motivation and personality

    Explore claims about motivation, emotions and personality using evidence-based reasoning.

    Social, clinical and forensic psychology

    Connect psychological concepts with interpersonal behavior, mental health and law.

    Scientific thinking

    Practice evaluating research and challenging psychology-related claims in popular culture.

    Curriculum may be adjusted based on participant interests and current developments.

    What is a typical day on Stranger than Fiction?

    A typical day during the program.

    Psychology class

    Attend 8:30-11:20 a.m. Eastern for myth analysis, group activities and quizzes.

    Independent work

    Plan your own time for readings, projects and presentation preparation.

    Campus activities

    Choose optional student life activities, workshops and events around your academic work.

    Residential check in

    Check in face to face with staff and remain on your floor until 6 a.m.

    Who teaches on Stranger than Fiction?

    The listed course instructors are Lindy Howe and Lauren Micalizzi. Summer@Brown students can also use instructor office hours to discuss course concepts and assignments.

    Where do students stay on Stranger than Fiction?

    Residential plan

    • Residence hall rooms: Single, double or triple rooms include furniture, wireless internet and cooling.
    • Three daily meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner are included in Brown's dining halls.
    • Residential support: Resident Assistants and trained staff provide support, with nightly check-ins and 24/7 on-call coverage.
    • Recreation and activities: The fee includes program activities, excursions and fitness, athletic and aquatics center access.

    Non-residential plan

    • Commuter study: Attend the course in person with access to campus resources and activities, without a room assignment.
    • Commuter meals and recreation: The commuter fee includes one on-campus meal daily and fitness, athletic and aquatics center access.

    Students should bring bedding and towels; roommate requests are not honored.

    What happens after Stranger than Fiction?

    After completing this program, participants often pursue:

    Complete a presentation on a psychological myth.

    Receive a digital Certificate of Completion after successful completion.

    Build a foundation for further study in psychology.

    Apply research evaluation skills to everyday claims about behavior.

    The course is non-credit, and this one-week format does not qualify for a Course Performance Report.

    Where does Stranger than Fiction take place?

    The course takes place on Brown University's campus in Providence, Rhode Island. Residential check-in is at Sayles Hall on the Main Green, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Eastern on the Sunday before the course begins.

    Families arrange transportation to and from campus.

    Stranger than Fiction FAQs

    No. The course is an introduction to psychology and has no required prerequisites.

    You will examine misconceptions about memory, intelligence, motivation, interpersonal behavior, law, mental health, emotions and personality, using psychological research to challenge them.

    The course includes in-class group activities, readings and quizzes, and culminates in a presentation about a myth that interests you.

    Summer@Brown expects two to three hours of out-of-class work each day, alongside weekday classes. This can include reading, group projects and presentation preparation.

    Yes. Summer@Brown has a commuter option with access to campus resources and activities, one on-campus meal per day, and fitness facilities. Commuters do not receive a residence hall room.

    The course is non-credit. Students who successfully complete it receive a digital Certificate of Completion; Course Performance Reports are reserved for longer in-person courses.

    Trained student life staff and Resident Assistants support students, with nightly check-ins and staff on call around the clock. Students also have considerable independence outside required classes and check-ins.

    No. Admission and course enrollment are separate. Students should confirm their intended course before paying the non-refundable deposit.

    Alternatives to Stranger than Fiction

    Compare these options if you want online psychology study, a neuroscience focus or broader medical and biological sciences.

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    Ben Stacy

    Content reviewed by

    Ben Stacy

    Co-founder, Succeed | Former secondary teacher and educational leader

    Ben works at the intersection of education, technology and school adoption, with expertise in how secondary schools evaluate data-driven tools and how education technology is used in practice.

    View author page

    Sources & verification

    Source types reviewed

    • Handbook of Pre-College Policies | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Summer@Brown On Campus | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Financial Policies and Payment Information | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Application Checklist | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Apply | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • Summer@Brown
    • Program Dates and Costs | Pre-College Program | Brown University
    • 2026 Program Costs — Breakdown of Fees
    • Stranger than Fiction: Debunking Popular Myths in Psychology - Pre-College Course Catalog"

    Succeed uses official provider information where available, but keeps this public page focused on comparison and planning inside Succeed.

    What we verified (on 9 Oct 2026)

    • Course content checked

    • Section schedule checked

    • Eligibility reviewed

    • Residential and commuter fees checked

    • Application requirements reviewed

    • Certificate conditions checked

    • Campus policies reviewed

    How Succeed uses this information

    We use source material to verify core facts, then show older cycle dates as reference when a current cycle is not available. Always check current application instructions before applying.