College Navigator: Brown University
Admissions Angle's official application guide to Brown
Brown University is a prestigious Ivy League institution located in Providence, Rhode Island. Founded in 1764, Brown is known for its unique Open Curriculum, which allows students to design their own educational paths and explore a wide range of academic disciplines without the constraints of a core curriculum.
The picturesque campus, characterized by its historic buildings and modern facilities, provides a stimulating environment for academic and extracurricular pursuits. Brown's vibrant campus life, combined with its strong commitment to social justice, community engagement, and global awareness, fosters a supportive and inclusive community.
With a diverse student body, a faculty composed of leading scholars and researchers, and a strong emphasis on innovation and critical thinking, Brown University prepares its students to be creative leaders and engaged citizens. The university's tradition of academic excellence and its progressive approach to education make it a distinguished and dynamic place of learning.
Overview
US News Ranking: 13
Acceptance Rate: 5%
Deadline: Jan. 3rd
Application Fee: $75
Tuition: $71,312
Average cost after aid: $27,157
Until recently, Brown’s acceptance rate was hovering around 9%. After the pandemic, Brown saw a much higher number of applicants and in just four years, the acceptance rate has decreased by 4%.
Should I submit my test score?
Test optional: no
61% of students submit SAT scores | 24% of students submit ACT scores
SAT 25th-75th percentile range: 1510-1560
ACT 25th-75th percentile range: 34-35
If your SAT is at least 1510 and your ACT is at least 34, we recommend you submit your test scores. As you can see, most applicants submit SAT scores over ACT scores. There is no value in submitting one over the other; there is, however, value in knowing which test is right for you. The majority of applicants submit their test scores.
Student life:
Top majors: computer science, econometrics and quantitative economics, applied mathematics, biology/biological sciences, international relations and affairs
Student-to-faculty ratio: 6:1
Minority enrollment: 49%
International student enrollment: 12%
Brown comprises several schools and colleges, including the College, the Graduate School, the Warren Alpert Medical School, the School of Public Health, and the School of Engineering. The university offers a diverse array of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, emphasizing intellectual independence and interdisciplinary study.
The student-to-faculty ratio is low at 6:1, meaning there is more opportunity for face time with a professor.
With a minority enrollment of 49%, Brown offers a diverse campus. Meanwhile, international students make up a sizable population of the undergraduate enrollment at 12%.
Admissions Factors:
Required supplemental essays: 3 essays + 4 short answers
Interview: not considered (a new(ish) optional video introduction is considered)
Demonstrated interest: not considered
Alumnae relation: considered
The supplemental essay prompts are as follows:
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)
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)
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)
Short answers questions:
What three words best describe you? (3 words)
What is your most meaningful extracurricular commitment, and what would you like us to know about it? (100 words)
If you could teach a class on any one thing, whether academic or otherwise, what would it be? (100 words)
In one sentence, Why Brown? (50 words)
💡Pro Tips:
Brown loves creative students who aren’t afraid to march to the beat of their own drum. This is why they’ve introduced the option to include a 2-minute introduction video, which has taken the place of the previously conducted alumni interviews. We recommend that students take advantage of this opportunity.
Brown has suggested the following tips for your introduction video:
Your video should begin with you in front of the camera saying, "Hi, my name is [insert name] from [high school]." After that, what you choose to say and how you choose to say it is up to you. Simple and unrehearsed is fine, and you are welcome to be creative.
We recommend you dress casually as you would for a school day or school event.
Videos will not be evaluated for production quality; we recommend sitting in front of your laptop/camera/tablet/phone and speaking directly to the audience. Make certain you are visible and audible during your video. Check the lighting and listen to your video after you have recorded it to ensure you are happy with the final product before submitting.
Limit your video to no more than two minutes.
Be sure your video is in landscape orientation so your finished product will not require viewers to turn their heads to the side when viewing on a desktop computer.
They’ve also offered the following prompts to help you get started:
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.