Brown University: How to Get Accepted in

Brown University Mission Statement

“The mission of Brown University is to serve the community, the nation and the world by discovering, communicating and preserving knowledge and understanding in a spirit of free inquiry, and by educating and preparing students to discharge the offices of life with usefulness and reputation. We do this through a partnership of students and teachers in a unified community known as a university-college.”

Brown University Admissions Statistics

Brown University's acceptance rate is 5%. During the most recent admissions cycle, the university received 51,316 applications and admitted 2,686 students.

The school accepts in- and out-of-state applicants as well as international students. On their website, Brown University confirms that 14% of admitted students come from abroad. 

GPA

There is no minimum GPA requirement to apply to Brown University. The school does not officially report admitted students' average GPA, but it does mention that 95% of first-year students were in the top 10% of their graduating high school class. A strong GPA will increase your chance of being considered for admission.

If your GPA is not as high as you would like check out our blog post about how to get into college with the low GPA for helpful tips to optimize your application and highlight your strength to admissions committee.

SAT and ACT Test Scores

Strong SAT scores and ACT scores are key to applying to Brown University. Most first-year admits scored between 750 and 800 on the SAT's Evidence-Based Reading and Writing section, and 87.2% scored that high in Math. The middle 50% scored between 1510 and 1570 on the SAT. For the ACT, 66.4% of admitted students had a composite score of 35 to 36, with the middle 50% scoring between 34 and 36.

Need tips on how to get into Ivy League schools? This video is for you:

Notable Undergraduate Programs at Brown University

The most notable part of Brown's undergraduate program is its flexible yet rigorous approach to education through the Open Curriculum. The Open Curriculum empowers undergraduates to become creative thinkers, intellectual risk-takers, and entrepreneurial problem-solvers. Unlike traditional universities with core course requirements, Brown offers students unparalleled freedom to design their educational path. This self-directed approach challenges students to take responsibility for their education, encouraging exploration across disciplines before specializing.

Brown University's undergraduate programs include over 80 concentrations and several interdisciplinary certificates. According to the university, popular undergraduate programs include Computer Science, Economics, Applied Mathematics, Biology/Biological Sciences, International Relations and Affairs, Engineering, Public Health, and Political Science. Some of the more unique programs are Contemplative Studies, Behavioral Decision Sciences, Egyptology and Assyriology, and Modern Culture and Media.

Brown University also offers three unique programs to undergraduate students:

1. The Brown-Rhode Island School of Design (RSID) Dual Degree Program is a five-year program where students earn a Bachelor of Arts from Brown and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from RISD, combining academic and artistic studies.
2. The Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) is an eight-year program that integrates undergraduate and medical school education at Brown. It is the only combined bachelor's/M.D. program in the Ivy League.
3. The Resumed Undergraduate Education (RUE) program allows students to complete their degree after a break in their education for personal reasons like family commitments, military service, or financial concerns.

How to Apply to Brown University 

Brown University accepts applications through the Common App, a centralized platform many colleges use. There is a $75 application fee. To apply: 

1. Create a Common App account;
2. Add Brown University to your list of schools;
3. You will receive access to the Brown Applicant Portal, which can be used to track your application status and provide updates or additional materials.
4. Provide personal details, academic history, test scores, and required school forms; and
5. Complete the required sections for extracurricular activities, a personal essay or supplemental essays specific to Brown, and college recommendation letters.

Brown University Undergraduate Selection Factors

High School Forms

Standardized Tests

Starting with the latest admission cycle, Brown University will again require SAT or ACT scores for first-year applicants. Applicants can self-report their test scores through the Common Application, upload them via the Brown Applicant Portal, or have official scores sent directly to Brown.

For Early Decision applicants, tests must be taken by the last October test date. Regular Decision applicants should complete testing by the last December test date to ensure scores are received on time. Check out our list of SAT test dates and ACT test dates to find the date that works best for you.

Undergraduate Application Essays for Brown University

First-year applicants to Brown University need to write three different college essays. Certain programs, like the Program in Liberal Medical Education and the Brown-Rhode Island School of Design Dual Degree Program, may require additional program-specific essays.

The essays are an opportunity to introduce a side of yourself beyond what is reflected in your academic achievements. Focus on being authentic and weaving some of the school’s values into your answers, like diversity, equity, inclusion, community, and different perspectives.

The essay prompts can change annually, but they are posted on Brown's admissions website early in the year. It's a good idea to check the website and start writing your essays as soon as possible. Aim to spend six to eight weeks brainstorming, writing your college essays, and editing them to make them stand out. We’ve put together some sample Brown essay examples to help you get started.

For the upcoming application cycle, these are the essay prompts Brown has provided:

1. Brown's Open Curriculum allows students to explore broadly while also diving deeply into their academic pursuits. Tell us about any academic interests that excite you, and how you might pursue them at Brown. (200-250 words)
2. Students entering Brown often find that making their home on College Hill naturally invites reflection on where they came from. Share how an aspect of your growing up has inspired or challenged you, and what unique contributions this might allow you to make to the Brown community. (200-250 words)
3. Brown students care deeply about their work and the world around them. Students find contentment, satisfaction, and meaning in daily interactions and major discoveries. Whether big or small, mundane or spectacular, tell us about something that brings you joy. (200-250 words)

Applicants are also asked to provide brief reflections on the short answer questions below:

1. What three words best describe you? (3 words)
2. What is your most meaningful extracurricular commitment, and what would you like us to know about it? (100 words)
3. If you could teach a class on any one thing, whether academic or otherwise, what would it be? (100 words)
4. In one sentence, Why Brown? (50 words)

Our blog post about how to ace the “why this college” question is full of inspiration and tips.

Interested in learning more about how the college application process works? Check out this video:

Optional Video Introduction

While not mandatory, Brown University strongly encourages candidates to submit an optional two-minute video introduction via the Brown Applicant Portal. Brown no longer conducts interviews for undergraduate admission, so this is your opportunity to show more of your personality and make a positive impression. There is no required topic or format, but the university has provided these prompts:

• What do you love about your neighborhood or hometown?
• Share a time that you were moved by music or art.
• How would your friends describe you?
• Describe how you were influenced by a book that changed your perspective.
• Talk to us about a meaningful family activity or tradition.
• In what ways are you similar to or different from your siblings or friend group?
• Tell us about your favorite time of day.
• Highlight any topic of your choice that will allow us to get to know you better.

Supplementary Materials

Applicants are not required to provide additional materials, but they may choose to do so.

Interview Format

Brown University has done away with undergraduate interviews and switched to optional two-minute video introductions for its applicants. Unlike traditional college admissions interviews, there are no strict guidelines for the format and content of the video. This is your chance to respond to one of those "tell me about yourself" interview questions in a fun way!

If you're gearing up for interviews at other Ivy League schools, it's worth taking a few minutes to get a sense of their interview process; our blog post about Ivy League interview questions is a great place to start. 

Brown University Undergraduate Acceptance and Waitlist Information

Once you have access to the Brown Applicant Portal, you can keep track of your application and check the admission decision on your application.

For those who applied under Brown's Early Decision plan, there are three possible outcomes:

Early decisions are communicated by mid-December. 

Regular decision applicants can expect one of three possible outcomes:

Regular decisions are communicated by early April. Admitted students will have until May 1 to notify Brown University of their decision to enroll. 

Brown University offers a waitlist spot to applicants the admissions committee thinks would enrich the community but couldn't be admitted initially due to class size limitations.

Starting in April, applicants can commit to or withdraw from the waitlist via the Brown Applicant Portal. Brown expects to invite 1,000-1,500 students to join the waitlist. Only those who confirm their place will be considered for admission if spots become available. The number of students admitted from the waitlist depends on the number of students who initially accepted offers of admission by the May 1 response deadline.

We’ve got expert tips to help you get off the college wait list and move on to proudly joining the accepted cohort!

Brown University Application Timeline

There are two application options: Regular Decision and Early Decision.

Regular Decision follows the standard process where you apply, receive a decision, and, if accepted, decide whether to attend. The Regular Decision application deadline is January 3. Brown University will communicate its admission decision by early April.

Early Decision is for applicants who consider Brown their top choice. It offers an earlier decision deadline but requires a commitment to enroll at Brown if accepted, including withdrawing applications to other schools. For Early Decision, applications must be submitted by November 1. Brown University will communicate its admission decision by mid-December.

Brown University Tuition and Fees

According to the Brown University website, annual tuition and fees are as follows: 

Tuition: $65,656

Fees: $2,574

Housing: $9,650

Food: $6,948

Books & Materials: $1,300

Personal: $2,820

Total Cost: $88,948

Financial Aid for Undergraduate Students at Brown University

Brown University prioritizes financial aid and strives to meet 100% of each student's demonstrated financial need. Brown does not consider an applicant's ability to pay when making admission decisions for U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and DACA students.

Financial aid packages at Brown do not include loans; instead, they consist entirely of scholarships that do not need to be repaid, ensuring accessibility for students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.

Check out the Brown University Undergraduate Financial Aid website for detailed information and additional resources.

Graduate and Professional School Rates

According to Brown University, approximately 35% of undergraduates continue to graduate or professional studies immediately after their bachelor's degree, 60% do so within five years, and 80% within ten years.

Brown University Campus Life

Brown University is in Providence, Rhode Island, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. The campus is on the city's East Side, where students enjoy a blend of urban and residential settings. Providence offers a wide range of dining options and has a lively arts scene with galleries, theaters, and music venues. Its close proximity to New England beaches makes it a great place for both studying and enjoying outdoor activities.

Students can experience the campus firsthand through in-person tours and an online virtual tour.

Student Housing

The First-Year Housing Process at Brown University assigns every first-year student to a "neighborhood" consisting of 40 to 60 peers and Community Coordinators who foster a supportive and engaging living environment.

Roommate assignments are determined through a computerized process based on preferences like sleep and study habits, and are made without consideration of race, color, creed, sexual orientation, or national origin. Room and roommate assignments are communicated in early-to-mid August, with a housing freeze in place for the first two weeks of classes before Area Coordinators consider room change requests.

Student Life

With over 500 student organizations, Brown fosters a vibrant social life where students can explore their passions and connect with peers with similar interests.

Some of the intriguing clubs available include the Aerial Arts Society, Brown Space Engineering, Brown Brain Bee, and the Ivy Film Festival, among many others.

If you can't find a club that matches your interests, Brown encourages students to create their own with support and funding from the Office of Student Life.

Brown University Fun Facts

• The school mascot is a bear named Bruno.
• Students, faculty, and alumni at Brown University are often called “Brunonians.”
• Brown University was founded in 1764.
• Almost 70% of all undergraduate classes have less than 20 students.
• Of the Ivy League schools, Brown was the first to accept students from any religious affiliation. 

Contact information

Brown University Admission Website

Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 401-863-2378

FAQs 

To your success,

Your friends at BeMo

BeMo Academic Consulting

Disclaimer: BeMo does not endorse or affiliate with any universities, colleges, or official test administrators. The content has been developed based on the most recent publicly available data provided from the official university website. However, you should always check the statistics/requirements with the official school website for the most up to date information. You are responsible for your own results. 

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