Does Brown Have Early Action? Requirements + Tips

If you’re thinking about applying to Brown University and wondering about the early application options, you might be curious to know that Brown doesn’t offer Early Action. Instead, they offer Early Decision (ED), which is a binding commitment to attend if accepted.

So, what does Early Decision mean for you? Well, applying ED to Brown means that if you’re accepted, you’re committed to attending. It’s an important decision to make, so you’ll want to know all the ins and outs before you dive in. We’ll break down everything you need to know about Brown’s Early Decision process, from deadlines to acceptance rates, so you can figure out if it’s the right path for you.

• Brown Offers Early Decision, Not Early Action
• Brown Early Decision Acceptance Rate
• Brown Admission Requirements
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

Brown Offers Early Decision, Not Early Action

Does Brown have Early Action? The short answer is no. Instead, Brown offers Early Decision, which is a binding commitment for students who are sure Brown is their top choice.

If you apply under Early Decision, you’re agreeing not to apply to any other colleges under Early Decision or similar restrictive plans. If you get in, you’re expected to withdraw all other applications and attend Brown. It’s a big step, but if Brown is your dream school, it could be worth it for the peace of mind of knowing you’re in early!

Here’s what you need to know about Brown’s ED deadlines:

• Deadline. Submit your application by November 1st (by 11:59 p.m. in your local time zone).
• Decision date. You’ll hear back by mid-December.

Here are the possible outcomes:

• Accepted. You’re in! You’ll need to withdraw all other applications and confirm your spot at Brown.
• Deferred. They’ll review your application again with the Regular Decision pool.
• Denied. If you’re denied, you can’t reapply later in the same year.

Brown Early Decision Acceptance Rate

If you’re totally set on Brown and can’t see yourself anywhere else, Early Decision (ED) might be your best bet. The numbers don’t lie: Brown’s ED acceptance rate is way higher than Regular Decision (RD).

For the Class of 2028, 6,244 students applied ED, and 898 got in. That’s a 14.4% ED acceptance rate. On the other hand, Brown received 42,654 RD applications but only admitted 1,623 students. That’s a mere 3.9% RD acceptance rate.

And this isn’t just a one-time thing. Year after year, Brown admits a larger percentage of ED applicants compared to RD. Check out the trends:

Over the past decade, ED acceptance rates have been way higher—ranging from 13% to 22.1%—while RD rates have stayed in the 3.7% to 7.7% range. That means ED applicants are about three to five times more likely to get accepted.

But here’s the catch: both ED and RD rates have been dropping over the years, which just goes to show how competitive Brown has become. For example, the ED rate fell from 22.1% in 2020 to 14.4% in 2028, and RD rates dipped from 7.7% to 3.9% in the same period. So, no matter when you apply, it’s getting tougher.

So, what should you do as an applicant? If Brown is your dream school and you’re ready to commit, go for ED. But make sure your application is as strong as it can be, because even ED is getting more competitive.

If you need more time to boost your grades, test scores, or extracurriculars, it might be better to wait for RD, even though the odds are lower.

Just remember, ED is binding, so only apply early if you’re 100% sure Brown is where you want to be. Otherwise, take the extra time to polish your application and shoot your shot during RD.

Brown Admission Requirements

When applying to Brown, there are a few key things you’ll need to include in your application:

Common Application

First off, Brown requires the Common Application, so make sure you submit all your materials through this platform. It’s the easiest way to keep everything in one place.

You’ll also need to submit a $75 application fee along with your Common App—unless you qualify for a fee waiver. This helps make the application process a little smoother for everyone, no matter your financial situation!

Essays

You’ll also need to submit some supplemental essays along with the Common App personal statement. This is your chance to really show who you are beyond just your grades and test scores, so make sure you put your best foot forward here!

Here are the main essays you’ll need to write for Brown (200-250 words each):

1. Brown’s Open Curriculum is all about giving you the freedom to explore different subjects while diving deep into your academic passions. In this essay, talk about any academic areas that get you excited and explain how Brown’s Open Curriculum will help you pursue them.
2. Brown students often reflect on where they come from. Here, share how something from your background or growing up has shaped you, and what unique perspective or contributions you can bring to the Brown community.
3. Brown students care deeply about their work and the world around them. In this essay, write about something that brings you joy, whether it’s a hobby, passion, or small moment that makes your day brighter. 

For first-year applicants, you’ll also answer these shorter 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)

If you’re a transfer student, there’s just one more short answer to add:

• What is your most meaningful extracurricular commitment, and what would you like us to know about it? (100 words)

If you want to learn how to effectively answer these prompts, you can check out our comprehensive guide on Brown’s supplemental essays.

Recommendation letters

Brown wants two teacher recommendations and one from your school counselor.

When choosing your teachers, go for the ones who know you ideally from core subjects like English, math, or science. You want someone who can hype you up, not just list your grades.

Think about teachers who’ve seen you put in the effort, overcome challenges, or contribute to class discussions. Their recs can give the admissions team a real sense of who you are beyond your GPA.

Standardized test scores

Brown requires SAT or ACT scores. But don’t stress too much about getting perfect scores. Brown looks at them in context, meaning they’ll take your background and resources into account along with your scores.

Here’s what the typical SAT scores look like for admitted students at Brown:

For most applicants, aiming for a composite score of 1560 or higher (which is in the 75th percentile) is a solid target. But don’t worry if your scores are a little below that. Brown also considers other parts of your application, like your essays and extracurriculars.

On the other hand, here are the typical ACT scores of Brown admits:

Most students admitted to Brown score between 30-36 on the ACT composite, with a 35 or higher in each section putting you in a great position.

A few more things to keep in mind:

• Superscoring. Brown will superscore your SAT and ACT scores. This means they’ll take your highest section scores across multiple test dates to create your best possible composite score.
• SAT Essay/ACT Writing. You don’t need to submit these, and starting in 2025, the ACT Science section will be optional.
• Which test should you take? Brown doesn’t have a preference between SAT and ACT scores. They just want to see your best performance, so take the test that suits you best.

So, while your scores are important, don’t stress—if your other application pieces are strong, they’ll balance out your test scores. Just make sure you submit your best ones!

High school transcript

Your high school transcript is a must-have for your Brown application! Your counselor will send in an official copy with all your grades up to senior year.

So, what GPA do you need? Brown doesn’t officially publish recent GPA stats, but in past years, accepted students had an average GPA of around 3.9. That’s not a strict cutoff, but it gives you a good idea of the level they’re looking for. If you’re aiming for Brown, shooting for a 3.9 or higher keeps you in a strong position.

Once you’ve submitted everything, you’ll be able to check your Brown Applicant Portal to make sure all your materials are in and see if anything else is needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When does Brown Early Decision come out?

If you apply Early Decision, you’ll find out whether you’re admitted in mid-December. It’s a pretty quick turnaround, so keep an eye on your email for updates. Make sure you check regularly so you don’t miss any important info!

2. When is the Brown Early Decision deadline?

The Early Decision application deadline is November 1. Be sure to submit everything by 11:59 p.m. on your local time to make sure your application is considered. If you miss this deadline, you’ll have to wait until Regular Decision.

3. Can I apply to other schools’ Early Action plan?

Nope! If you apply to Brown Early Decision, you can’t apply to other schools under Early Decision, Single-Choice Early Action, or Restrictive Early Action. It’s a binding commitment, so you’ll have to fully commit to Brown if you’re admitted.

4. What happens if I’m deferred or denied under Brown Early Decision?

If you’re deferred, your application will be reviewed again by Brown’s admissions committee as part of the Regular Decision pool. But if you’re denied, you can’t reapply for the same year under Regular Decision, so it’s important to give it your best shot the first time!

5. Can I change my mind after applying Early Decision at Brown?

Since Early Decision is a binding commitment, you can’t back out of your decision without a really serious reason (like a major financial issue). So before you hit “submit,” make sure Brown is your top choice!

Takeaways

• The Early Decision application deadline is November 1, so make sure you hit that mark to stay in the game for Brown.
• You’ll hear back by mid-December, so stay on top of your email to know if you’re accepted, deferred, or denied.
• For SAT scores, aim for a composite score of around 1560 or higher, and for the ACT, a composite score of 35 or higher will put you in a great position.
• Make sure you submit all required materials on time, including your transcript and test scores, to avoid any delays in your application process.
• If you want personalized guidance through the application process, AdmissionSight’s Private Consulting Program can help you with everything from essay advice to score strategies to boost your chances at Brown.