If you’re considering applying to Brown University, you’re probably wondering how to make your application stand out. There are tons of ways to show you’re serious about attending, and demonstrated interest is often top of mind.
But you might be wondering: does Brown track demonstrated interest? And if they do, how do you show interest in Brown University? Let’s break it down and talk about whether Brown cares about how interested you are, and what that really means for your application.
- Does Brown Track Your Demonstrated Interest?
- What Factors Does Brown University Actually Look At?
- How to Boost Your Chances of Getting into Brown (Without Worrying about Demonstrated Interest)
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Takeaways
Does Brown Track Your Demonstrated Interest?
The short answer is no—Brown University does not track demonstrated interest. Unlike some schools that keep tabs on your engagement through campus visits, emails, or event attendance, Brown doesn’t consider these factors in their decision-making process.
Brown University’s Common Data Set clearly states that “level of applicant’s interest” is not considered during the application review process. In fact, their official website says:
“Please do not feel compelled to contact us to demonstrate your interest in Brown; simply having applied demonstrates that you are seriously interested in Brown. The number of times you call, email or visit us will not have an impact on your admission decision.”
So, what does this mean for you? Well, it means you can forget about the extra busywork you might have created for yourself. You don’t need to go out of your way (like booking a flight for an in-person tour or sending a dozen emails) just to show you want to attend. Brown considers applying itself as a sign of interest.
In the end, this is actually great news. It means you can stop stressing about unnecessary tasks and focus on what really matters. Plus, it makes the admissions process fairer and less stressful for everyone.
Brown is telling you straight up that they don’t have the time or ability to track every little thing you do, but rest assured, your application will still speak volumes as you prepare to apply.
What Factors Does Brown University Actually Look At?
When applying to Brown University, it’s important to know what the admissions team actually cares about. While Brown does not track demonstrated interest, they do look at a few important factors that help them get a better sense of who you are and if you’d be a good fit.
Let’s break it down and take a look at what factors Brown University actually considers during the admissions process. Brown’s Common Data Set lists the following factors:
Level of Importance | Factors |
| Very Important |
|
| Important |
|
| Considered |
|
| Not Considered |
|
Looking at the table, we can now clearly see what Brown University actually cares about when reviewing your application.
Very important
They place the most importance on things like your talent/ability, character/personal qualities, standardized test scores, recommendations, and your application essay. These are the big-ticket items that help them understand who you are, how you perform academically, and whether you’re a good fit for their environment.
Important
Next up, extracurricular activities fall under the “important” category. Brown wants to see what you’re involved in outside of class because they care about what you bring to the table in terms of passion and engagement.
Considered
As for considered factors, first generation status, alumni relation, geographical residence, state residency, volunteer work, and work experience all play a part in the decision-making process. They’re not make-or-break factors but do help add more context to your background.
Not considered
Finally, there are the factors Brown doesn’t consider. These include things like your interview, religious affiliation/commitment, and your level of interest in the school. So, you don’t need to stress about these areas. They won’t affect your chances at all.
The bottom line? Focus on the “very important” and “important” factors and don’t worry too much about the rest. While the considered factors are nice to have, they do not carry significant weight at the end of the day. Brown is really looking for the full picture of who you are, so make sure you stand out in the areas they care about most.
How to Boost Your Chances of Getting into Brown (Without Worrying about Demonstrated Interest)
While Brown does not track demonstrated interest, there are still plenty of ways you can improve your chances of getting in. It’s all about showing Brown that you’re not only academically capable but also a good fit for their unique environment. Here are some steps to help you stand out:
1. Keep your GPA high and challenge yourself academically.
Your GPA is one of the most important factors in Brown’s admissions process, so aim to keep it as high as possible. While Brown doesn’t publish GPA data, a target of 3.9 or higher will make you a competitive candidate.
Brown looks for students who excel in rigorous coursework, so don’t just stick to the basics—take Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB), or honors courses to show you can handle challenging material. The key here is not just to pile up advanced courses but to do well in them. Show Brown that you can take on hard classes and succeed.
A few tips to manage your academics: stay organized, keep a steady study routine, and reach out for help when you need it. Whether it’s attending office hours or finding a study group, these little actions can make a big difference. And don’t forget to strike a balance between academics and self-care! Avoiding burnout is just as important as keeping your grades up.
2. Score well on the SAT/ACT.
Even though Brown doesn’t focus on demonstrated interest, strong SAT or ACT scores can still help bolster your application. Brown requires SAT/ACT scores for the 2024-25 application cycle, and hitting the 75th percentile is ideal. For the SAT, aim for a score around 1560 or higher; for the ACT, aim for at least a 35.
To get there, take practice tests and focus on improving your weak areas. If you’re struggling, consider enrolling in a test prep course or hiring a private tutor. Also, don’t stress if you need to retake the test. Brown superscores, so they’ll use your best section scores across multiple test sittings.
3. Focus on meaningful extracurriculars.
At Brown, it’s not about the quantity of your extracurriculars but the quality. Brown’s Open Curriculum encourages students to explore their interests deeply, and they want to see that you’ve done the same.
Choose activities that genuinely interest you and align with your passions, whether it’s public service, STEM, or the arts.
For example, if you’re passionate about social issues, getting involved in initiatives like the Model UN could help show your commitment. If you’re more into research or STEM, consider applying for research internships like those at the Research Science Institute.
Leadership and long-term commitment are key factors here. Focus on making a lasting impact rather than spreading yourself too thin across various activities. When you show deep engagement in something that matters to you, it speaks volumes about who you are.
4. Write compelling essays that reflect your personality.
Brown’s admissions process is about getting to know the real you. The essays play a major role in this. While many schools have a couple of essays, Brown asks for one Common App essay and seven supplemental essays. Yes, that’s a lot of writing, but it’s your chance to stand out.
Brown University supplemental essay prompts:
All applicants must answer the following supplemental essay prompts:
- 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)
- 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)
Use your essays to show Brown what makes you unique: your motivations, your passions, and what you’ll bring to their campus. For example, if you’re writing about an extracurricular, don’t just list what you did.
Dig deeper into why it matters to you and what impact it had on your growth. This will give admissions officers a sense of your character, your intellectual curiosity, and how you think.
Need more help with your essay prompt responses? Check out our go-to guide on Brown University’s supplemental essays!
5. Get strong letters of recommendation.
Brown requires three recommendation letters: two from teachers in core subjects like math, science, or English, and one from your high school counselor. These letters should reflect your academic strengths, work ethic, and how you engage with your teachers.
Building strong relationships with your teachers is crucial. Participate actively in class, show interest in the subject, and consistently put in effort. When it’s time to ask for a letter, give your teachers ample notice and provide them with your resume or a list of accomplishments to help them write a thoughtful recommendation. Be sure to thank them afterward for their time and support.
6. Consider applying through Early Decision (ED).
If you’re sure that Brown is your top choice, applying through Early Decision can give you a significant advantage. ED applicants have a higher acceptance rate than those who apply through Regular Decision (RD)—for the Class of 2028, Brown accepted 14.4% of ED applicants, while only 3.92% of RD applicants were admitted.
Applying ED is a commitment. If you’re accepted, you must attend Brown and withdraw all other applications. So, before you choose ED, make sure you’re absolutely sure Brown is where you want to go. But if it is, applying ED can significantly boost your chances.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does Brown track demonstrated interest?
Brown University does not track demonstrated interest. While some schools consider campus visits, emails, and event attendance, Brown focuses solely on your academic achievements, essays, recommendations, and overall fit for the university.
2. What is the acceptance rate for Brown University?
Brown University is one of the most competitive schools in the U.S., with an acceptance rate of just 5.2% for the Class of 2028. There were 48,904 applications to the undergraduate class, and only 2,638 students were offered admission.
3. Is Brown University test-optional?
No, for the 2024-2025 cycle, Brown has reinstated its standardized testing requirement. This means you will need to submit your SAT or ACT scores as part of your application.
However, if you’re feeling unsure about your scores or want to improve them, Brown does superscore. This means they will consider your best section scores across multiple test sittings, which can work to your advantage if you take the test more than once.
4. What GPA do you need to get into Brown?
Brown doesn’t have a hard minimum GPA requirement, but most admitted students have an average GPA of around 3.9. This means they’re looking for students who have not only excelled in their coursework but have also pushed themselves academically by taking on challenging classes, such as AP, IB, or honors courses.
If your GPA is lower, you’ll need to make up for it by demonstrating excellence in other areas of your application, such as essays, extracurriculars, or test scores.
5. How much is Brown University tuition?
For the 2024-2025 academic year, Brown University’s tuition is $68,612. When factoring in housing, meal plans, and other fees, the total estimated cost for a year at Brown can reach around $91,676. Fortunately, Brown is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated financial need, so financial aid can make a big difference if you qualify.
Takeaways
Here’s a quick recap of the key points to keep in mind when applying to Brown University:
- Brown doesn’t track demonstrated interest. Brown’s admissions process is more focused on who you are academically and personally, so make sure your application reflects that.
- Keep your GPA high and challenge yourself academically. If you want to be competitive, aim for that 3.9 GPA or higher, and don’t shy away from AP, IB, or honors classes.
- Quality over quantity in extracurriculars. Focus on the activities you’re genuinely passionate about. Get involved, make an impact, and show them you’re someone who digs deep into your interests.
- Your essays should give Brown a sense of your personality, passions, and what you’ll bring to the table. Don’t be afraid to get personal and share your experiences that shaped who you are today.
- Overwhelmed with the process? If you want to make sure your application stands out, a college admissions consultant can make all the difference. AdmissionSight offers personalized guidance that can help you with every step, from start to finish.
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