REQUIREMENTS AND CAMPUS GUIDE
Brown University
Founded in 1764, Brown is one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the United States. The institution is renowned for its commitment to student-centered undergraduate education, groundbreaking research, and vibrant campus community. With its distinctive Open Curriculum, students at Brown enjoy unparalleled freedom to explore their passions and pursue interdisciplinary studies across a wide range of disciplines. Known for being the most liberal arts focused of the Ivy League universities, Brown is ideal for students seeking a flexible path to explore their interests in diverse subjects such as English, History, Public Health, and International Affairs.
Brown seeks to foster a less competitive learning environment through its Open Curriculum, which may work better for some students’ career interests than others. And while the Open Curriculum and Pass/Fail system at Brown have given Brown a reputation of being less academically rigorous than the other Ivies, Brown encourages its students to explore beyond their major and focus on fostering intellectual curiosity rather than upping their GPA. From its picturesque campus to its diverse student body and rich intellectual atmosphere, Brown University offers an unparalleled educational experience that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.
REQUIREMENTS AND CAMPUS GUIDE
Brown University
Founded in 1764, Brown is one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the United States. The institution is renowned for its commitment to student-centered undergraduate education, groundbreaking research, and vibrant campus community. With its distinctive Open Curriculum, students at Brown enjoy unparalleled freedom to explore their passions and pursue interdisciplinary studies across a wide range of disciplines. Known for being the most liberal arts focused of the Ivy League universities, Brown is ideal for students seeking a flexible path to explore their interests in diverse subjects such as English, History, Public Health, and International Affairs.
Brown seeks to foster a less competitive learning environment through its Open Curriculum, which may work better for some students’ career interests than others. And while the Open Curriculum and Pass/Fail system at Brown have given Brown a reputation of being less academically rigorous than the other Ivies, Brown encourages its students to explore beyond their major and focus on fostering intellectual curiosity rather than upping their GPA. From its picturesque campus to its diverse student body and rich intellectual atmosphere, Brown University offers an unparalleled educational experience that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.
REQUIREMENTS AND CAMPUS GUIDE
Brown University
Founded in 1764, Brown is one of the oldest institutions of higher learning in the United States. The institution is renowned for its commitment to student-centered undergraduate education, groundbreaking research, and vibrant campus community. With its distinctive Open Curriculum, students at Brown enjoy unparalleled freedom to explore their passions and pursue interdisciplinary studies across a wide range of disciplines. Known for being the most liberal arts focused of the Ivy League universities, Brown is ideal for students seeking a flexible path to explore their interests in diverse subjects such as English, History, Public Health, and International Affairs.
Brown seeks to foster a less competitive learning environment through its Open Curriculum, which may work better for some students’ career interests than others. And while the Open Curriculum and Pass/Fail system at Brown have given Brown a reputation of being less academically rigorous than the other Ivies, Brown encourages its students to explore beyond their major and focus on fostering intellectual curiosity rather than upping their GPA. From its picturesque campus to its diverse student body and rich intellectual atmosphere, Brown University offers an unparalleled educational experience that fosters creativity, critical thinking, and lifelong learning.
School Location:
PROVIDENCE, RI
School Type:
PRIVATE RESEARCH UNIVERSITY
Admissions Rates:
ADMITTED: 5.23%
GENERAL INFO
SAT/ACT Scores:
Test Required for 2024-2025
Admission Cycle
Class of 2027 Test Scores
Middle 50% SAT:
1510-1560
Middle 50% ACT: 34-36
Dates/Deadlines:
Early Decision I (ED I): November 1
ED I Results: Mid December
Priority/Rolling/Regular Decision: January 3
Regular Results:
Early April
School Information:
Undergraduate population:
7,222
Faculty Ratio:
6:1
Interviews Considered:
No
BROWN TIPS & GUIDE
How difficult is it to get into Brown University?
Like all of the Ivy League colleges, Brown University is a highly competitive and selective institution. For the Class of 2027, the institution reported a 5.23% acceptance rate. Out of the 51,316 students who applied, 2,686 were accepted and 1,695 enrolled. Academic criteria including course rigor, class rank, GPA, test scores, application essays, and recommendations are all considered very important for admissions considerations at Brown, along with non-academic factors such as talent and character. Brown does not consider interviews or student interest. Median test scores for Brown include a composite SAT of 1540 and ACT composite of 35.
What is the campus like at Brown University?
Brown University’s campus is characterized by its blend of historic architecture, lush green spaces, and its adjacency to the quaint downtown of Providence, Rhode Island. At the center of campus is the Main Green, a grassy quad where students gather to socialize, study, and soak up the sun on warm afternoons. The campus is gated and concentrated, making the campus community feel intimate and manageable to navigate. From the scenic waterfront of the nearby Providence River to the bustling streets of downtown Providence, students at Brown enjoy easy access to a vibrant city filled with cultural attractions, dining options, and outdoor activities.
With a population of about 180,000, Providence is the most populous city in Rhode Island, making it an exciting city to live in, but not so crowded as to be overwhelming (the same can be said about the campus itself). If you ever want to escape the college bubble, it couldn’t be easier: Brown is about one hour south of Boston, about three hours north of New York City, and 30 minutes from the beach by train or car. Even though Providence is one of the oldest cities in the U.S., with eight colleges and universities, it’s home to plenty of young people.
Brown is also home to a vibrant campus community. The school houses over 500 clubs and 60 public service organizations, which provide opportunities for students across a spectrum of interests and backgrounds to get involved on campus. Additionally, many students on Brown’s campus participate in Greek life, Program Houses, and Theme Houses, which offer other ways of building community on campus. If you need help figuring out whether or not you can make Brown University your home for four years, you can visit campus or check out their virtual campus tour.
What is Brown University known for?
Brown is known for its innovative approach to academics, its quaint setting, and its rich history. Brown has a strong emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship, providing students with numerous opportunities to engage in startup ventures, research projects, and creative endeavors. The Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship and other similar programs offer resources, mentorship, and support for budding entrepreneurs and innovators. Brown also boasts a long list of notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields, including politics, literature, business, science, and entertainment. These alumni include figures such as Janet Yellen, John D. Rockefeller Jr., and John F. Kennedy Jr..
How diverse is Brown University?
At Brown, diversity and inclusion are central to the university’s ethos, creating a vibrant and dynamic campus community where students from all backgrounds thrive. Of the Class of 2027, 13.2% were international students, 11.7% were Hispanic or Latino, 8.2% were Black, and 19.4% were Asian. Additionally, of the undergraduate student population, 3,557 are men and 3,663 are women.
Can I afford Brown University?
For the 2024-25 academic year, the total cost of studying at Brown is $91,676, including personal and indirect costs. Fortunately, Brown offers unique financial aid initiatives such as Brown Promise which replaces loans with scholarship funds in all University-packaged undergraduate financial aid awards. The University also covers the full cost of tuition for families earning $125,000 or less with typical assets. Brown also offers a variety of scholarship opportunities for families with moderate incomes who require assistance covering the cost of attendance.
You can also use Brown’s net price calculator to estimate how much Brown attending would cost for you.
How do I apply to Brown University?
Students applying to Brown will submit through the Common Application, compiling the following materials:
- Transcript
- School report
- Mid-year school report
- Counselor recommendation
- Two teacher recommendations
- Standardized test scores
- $75 application fee or fee waiver
- Supplemental essays
Additional requirements are in place for application to Brown’s PLME program and programs in the arts, so be sure to verify the requirements for your intended program of study as well as the general requirements for the institution.
You can apply to Brown through the Common Application. Brown offers Early Decision (the deadline for which is November 1) and Regular Decision (the deadline for which is January 3rd). Through the Common App, you’ll submit a personal statement along with Brown-specific supplement essays. If you decide to apply to Brown’s Program in Liberal Medical Education or Brown-Rhode Island School of Design Dual Degree Program, you will write additional program-specific essays.
Brown also allows prospective students to submit an optional two-minute video introduction. The video introduction allows students to express their unique voice and give the admissions officers greater insight into who they are as people and demonstrate their interest in Brown. There is no particular topic or format expected of the video introduction, but a list of useful tips can be found on the Brown website.
What is Brown’s core curriculum and programs?
Brown University is known for its innovative Open Curriculum, and its distinguished programs, including the Program in Liberal Medical Education, and the Brown-RISD Dual Degree Program.
The Open Curriculum: One of the most notable features of Brown, the open curriculum allows students unparalleled freedom to design their own educational path. Like many liberal arts colleges, Brown prioritizes a well-rounded education full of opportunities for community engagement, self-reflection, and intellectual growth. However, Brown distinguishes itself from the majority of other colleges in that it accomplishes these goals without forcing students to take university-mandated courses. Brown’s “open curriculum” has existed for over 50 years, and means no distribution requirements or general education courses will get in the way of you discovering your strengths and passions. The only requirements for graduation are that you complete a minimum of 30 courses over eight semesters, fulfill the requirements for one concentration program (aka major), and demonstrate “excellent skill” in written English by taking designated WRIT courses. Other than that, students at Brown have complete freedom in their learning over their four years. This flexibility encourages intellectual exploration and interdisciplinary study, fostering a unique academic environment where students are empowered to take charge of their education.
What is Brown PLME?
Students interested in both Brown and medical school should consider applying to their eight-year Program in Liberal Medical Education. As the only combined baccalaureate and medical degree program in the Ivy League, the PLME guarantees that you can both take advantage of their unique open curriculum and attend a competitive and well-resourced medical school at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. PLME is by no means easy to get into—it has an acceptance rate of less than 2% for the class of 2025—but if you want to experience the best of both worlds by enjoying a liberal arts education, and feeling adequately prepared for medical school, it’s certainly worth applying to. To learn more about preparing for pre-med and MD programs, see our guide here.
What is the Brown-RISD Dual Degree Program?
Brown also has a program for design-oriented students. Their five-year Brown-Rhode Island School of Design Dual Degree Program (BRDD) integrates a liberal arts education with concentrated work in the fine arts. In this program, you’ll complete roughly half of your coursework at Brown and half at RISD, resulting in an A.B. or Sc.B degree from Brown and a BFA degree from RISD. In order to be considered for BRDD, you must apply to both Brown and RISD through the Common App and indicate your interest in the dual degree program. Studying at two esteemed institutions is a great opportunity, but will require lots of hard work and dedication. Take a look at the requirements before you decide that this program is right for you.
