How to Get into Brown University: Admission Requirements and Tips

Known for its flexible curriculum and Ivy League status, Brown University is a top choice for students looking for a unique, world-class education. Ranked #13 nationally by U.S. News & World Report, Brown’s prestige comes with a high bar—only 5.2% of applicants made it in for the Class of 2028, making it one of the most selective rounds in the school’s history.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials on how to get into Brown University. From understanding admissions requirements and nailing standardized tests to writing essays that really resonate, we’ve got the details you need to build a standout application and boost your chances at joining this elite community.

• How Hard Is It to Get into Brown University?
• Brown University Admission Requirements
• Brown University GPA Requirements
• Brown University SAT Requirements
• Brown University ACT Requirements
• How to Increase Your Chances of Getting into Brown University
• Brown University Application Deadline
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

How Hard Is It to Get into Brown University?

To put it simply, Brown University receives tens of thousands of applications each year but offers spots to just a small fraction of hopefuls. For the Class of 2028, Brown’s acceptance rate landed at a tight 5.2%. Out of 48,898 applicants, only 2,521 made the cut.

Brown has maintained this level of selectivity over recent years, with acceptance rates consistently hovering around the 5% mark:

These numbers hint at stability, but they also confirm how tough it is to earn a spot at Brown. Even a slight change in percentages doesn’t indicate much leniency in the admissions process.

Comparing Brown University to other Ivies shows that while it’s not the absolute toughest, it’s still a high-stakes game:

Even though Brown’s acceptance rate is a smidge higher than places like Harvard, Yale, or Columbia, don’t let that fool you—getting in is still a major feat. The reality is, all Ivy League schools are highly selective, and sometimes even a fraction of a percentage point can make or break your chances. Sure, Dartmouth and UPenn have rates that seem a bit more forgiving, but the competition is fierce no matter which Ivy you’re eyeing. You’ve got to bring your A-game, no exceptions.

So, what does all this mean if you want to get into Brown? Simply put, you’ll need to rise above an already elite pool of applicants. While hitting the academic and extracurricular marks is essential, making a genuine impression and bringing something unique to the table is key to standing out in this fiercely competitive field.

Brown University Admission Requirements

To apply to Brown University, you’ll need to go through the Common Application. Start by creating an account on their website and adding Brown to your college list. This portal lets you keep an eye on your progress, see what documents have been received, and update things as needed.

Brown takes a holistic approach, which means they want to get the whole picture of who you are. Here are the main components to focus on:

• Transcript of records. Your grades and GPA are big indicators of your academic readiness. This is where they’ll assess how you handled your classes.
• Letters of recommendation. You’ll need three letters—two from teachers in core subjects like math, science, social studies, English, or a foreign language, and one from your counselor. If you’re aiming for a Bachelor of Science degree or the Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME), make sure at least one recommendation letter comes from a math or science teacher.
• Application essays. Brown asks for a personal statement through the Common App, plus three 250-word supplemental essays and four shorter responses. If you’re going for specialized programs like the dual degree with RISD or PLME, there are extra program-specific essays to write too.
• Extracurricular activities. Brown wants well-rounded applicants, so this is your chance to show what you do outside of class.
• Standardized test scores. While Brown was test-optional during the pandemic, they’ve brought back the requirement for SAT or ACT scores.
• Supplementary materials (optional). If you have a flair for music, art, or academic writing, you can upload materials through SlideRoom. Got a research paper or an extra recommendation letter? Those can go in here too.
• Video introduction (optional). Brown doesn’t do interviews, but you can submit a two-minute video to add a personal touch to your application.

Brown University cares a lot about the rigor of your classes, your rank, your talent, and your character. They’re looking for students who pushed themselves with AP or honors courses and show qualities like leadership and resilience.

On top of these main factors, Brown also considers things like being a first-generation student, legacy connections, where you’re from, and your work or volunteer experience. But they don’t factor in religious affiliation or whether you’ve shown interest in the school.

To be ready for Brown’s academic challenges, you’ll want to make sure your high school coursework hits these required subjects:

• English: 4 years
• Math: 4 years
• Science: 3 years (4 years recommended); with 2 years of laboratory (3 years recommended)
• Foreign Language: 3 years (4 years recommended)
• Social Studies: No formal requirement, but 1 year recommended
• History: 2 years (3 years recommended)
• Academic Electives: 1 year
• Visual/Performing Arts: No formal requirement, but 1 year recommended

Brown’s holistic review looks at how all the pieces of your application come together. Impressive numbers are nice, but they also want a vibrant and diverse community full of students with different talents and perspectives. Getting a handle on these requirements will help you craft a solid application for Brown University.

Brown University GPA Requirements

Brown University does not have a minimum GPA requirement, but given the competition, aiming for a strong GPA is essential. Admissions officers at Brown value the rigor of your coursework, so it’s crucial to challenge yourself with advanced courses like AP or honors classes. Brown looks for students who demonstrate not only strong academic performance but also a commitment to taking on intellectual challenges.

While Brown University doesn’t set a strict minimum GPA, it’s pretty clear that having strong grades is crucial given the competitive pool. Admissions folks at Brown care about the rigor of your coursework too. That means if you’ve been taking on tough AP or honors classes, you’re already on the right track.

Brown University average GPA

Brown University hasn’t released recent GPA stats, but in past admissions cycles, the average GPA of accepted students has hovered around 3.9. This number isn’t set in stone, but it gives you an idea of the academic level they expect. If you’re aiming for Brown, shooting for a 3.9 or higher puts you in a solid position.

What to do if your GPA is below average

If your GPA isn’t hitting that 3.9 mark, don’t lose hope. Brown University’s admissions are holistic. If you’re a little under that average GPA, you can still shine by showing strengths in other areas. Stellar essays, an impressive extracurricular record, and resilient character can really help offset a slightly lower GPA.

However, if your GPA is below 3.0, you’ll need to go the extra mile. Brown suggests backing up your application with additional evidence of your potential. That might mean sharing a portfolio of work, adding extra recommendations, or emphasizing strong performance in specific tough courses. The key to understanding how to get into Brown University is about showing you’re up for the challenge and ready to grow academically and personally.

Brown University SAT Requirements

Starting with the 2024-25 admissions cycle, Brown University has brought back its standardized testing policy, so you’ll need to submit your SAT (or ACT) scores. Although there’s no strict minimum, knowing the average scores of admitted students can give you a good idea of what to aim for.

Brown University average SAT

According to Brown University’s Common Data Set for 2023-2024, here’s where the SAT scores land for most admitted students:

For individual sections:

Ideally, shooting for the 75th percentile (a 1560 composite) or higher gives you a solid shot, as that’s where most top applicants are. Most successful applicants (97%) score somewhere between 1400 and 1600, with 94% hitting between 700-800 on the EBRW section and 95% reaching that range on Math.

But don’t stress if you’re a little below that. SAT scores aren’t the end-all, be-all. Even if your scores are a bit shy of this range, you can still make the cut if other parts of your application, like your extracurriculars or essays, truly stand out.

Does Brown require the SAT?

Yes, Brown University has reintroduced its testing requirement. After looking at data from the last three years, they decided to make SAT or ACT scores mandatory again for first-year applicants starting with the 2024-25 cycle. But they still superscore, meaning you can combine your best section scores across multiple test dates to build the strongest composite.

Brown doesn’t require the SAT Essay (or ACT Writing, and soon, the ACT Science section will be optional too). The goal behind reinstating this requirement is to get a clearer picture of each applicant’s academic abilities.

Brown University ACT Requirements

When it comes to ACT scores, Brown University doesn’t set a specific minimum, but if you want to be competitive, aiming high is key. Brown takes a holistic approach to admissions, which means your ACT score isn’t the only factor—but it can definitely boost your application if it’s strong.

Brown’s average ACT scores

According to Brown University’s latest Common Data Set, the ACT breakdown for admitted students looks like this:

By subject, the typical scores are:

Most (98%) of the students Brown admits score between 30 and 36 on the ACT composite. So, if you’re aiming for the 75th percentile or higher, targeting a 35+ in each section will give you a solid edge.

Keep in mind that starting in spring 2025, the ACT Science section will become optional due to changes in the exam format, so you’ll have one less section to worry about.

Does Brown prefer the ACT or SAT?

Brown doesn’t show a preference between the two tests since they both measure similar skills. They superscore both, so your focus should be on whichever test you feel most comfortable with.

Just keep in mind that historically, more students tend to submit SAT scores—around 54% of the Class of 2027 did, compared to 22% for the ACT. That doesn’t mean one is “better” than the other—it’s just a trend to note. In short, go with the test where you can shine the most. Brown’s admissions team just wants to see your best scores, no matter the test.

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting into Brown University

To get into Brown University, you need to stand out as a motivated, well-rounded candidate. By focusing on your academics, extracurriculars, and application strategy, you can make yourself a more compelling applicant.

1. Keep your GPA high.

To be competitive for Brown University, aim for a GPA around 3.9 or higher. Since Brown places a lot of value on course rigor, you’ll want to challenge yourself with AP, IB, or honors classes. The goal isn’t just to rack up advanced courses, but to show that you can handle them well.

A few key strategies can help. Manage your time wisely, create a realistic study schedule, and don’t let tough subjects slide. Ask teachers for help or consider getting a tutor if you need one. Consistency is key here. You’ll want to establish a regular study routine so you’re not cramming at the last minute.

Choosing the right classes is crucial too. Go for subjects that not only interest you but also demonstrate you’re up for a challenge. Brown’s admissions team likes to see you pushing your limits academically. But remember, your mental health is just as important. Find a balance between your studies and self-care to keep burnout at bay and your performance steady.

2. Get strong SAT/ACT scores.

With Brown University bringing back its testing requirement for the 2024-25 cycle, strong SAT or ACT scores are essential. Aim for scores in the 75th percentile or higher—around 1560 on the SAT or 35 on the ACT. Hitting these benchmarks shows you’re academically ready for Brown’s rigorous curriculum.

To get there, start with practice tests to figure out your strengths and weak spots. Official tests from the College Board or ACT are the best for gauging your progress. Once you know where you need improvement, create a study plan that builds up your strengths and tackles those weak areas. And if you’re struggling, consider a test prep course or a tutor.

When test day comes around, stay calm and pace yourself. Use strategies like process of elimination to boost your accuracy. And remember, Brown superscores, so taking the test more than once could help you improve your overall score by submitting your best section scores.

3. Excel in extracurricular activities.

At Brown University, the Open Curriculum is about embracing your interests and exploring your passions in and out of the classroom. So when it comes to extracurriculars, it’s not about padding your resume with a ton of activities. Brown looks for students who align their interests with what they do. Think of your extracurriculars as an extension of what you genuinely care about:

• If you’re into social issues or public service, you might want to get involved in initiatives like the United Nations Youth Delegate Program or even join a fellowship with an organization like the Civic Engagement Alliance.
• On the other hand, if research or STEM is your thing, you could aim for programs like the Research Science Institute (RSI) or maybe MIT’s Research Internship Program.
• Arts-focused? Getting involved in the National YoungArts Foundation or working on a community project could help your application pop.

Colleges like Brown are drawn to students who not only participate but also show leadership and initiative. In fact, most colleges rank leadership and a long-term commitment to a specific activity as major factors in admissions. So, instead of spreading yourself thin, aim to make a genuine impact where it matters.

4. Write compelling essays.

Brown University wants to get to know you. That’s why the essays are such a key part of the application. You’ll need to write one Common App essay and seven Brown-specific supplemental essays, making it one of the more essay-heavy Ivy League schools. And if you’re aiming for specialized programs, like the dual degree with Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) or the Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME), you’ve got a couple more essays to add to that list.

When you’re tackling these prompts, think of them as little windows where you get to show the real you—what drives you, what excites you, and what matters most to you. Admissions officers are after stories that reveal your personality and how you think.

For example, if you’re writing about an extracurricular activity, don’t just talk about what you did. Dig into a moment where you felt its impact. Maybe it’s that late night you stayed to organize a community event and saw your efforts bring people together. Sharing experiences like this creates a vivid picture and leaves a deeper impression.

Brown University 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)

In addition to the prompts above, applicants to the Brown | RISD Dual Degree program are required to respond to this prompt:

• The Brown | RISD Dual Degree Program draws on the complementary strengths of Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) to provide students with the opportunity to explore and engage with diverse spheres of academic and creative inquiry. The culmination of students’ five-year program is a capstone project that relates and integrates content, approaches, and methods from two distinct learning experiences. Considering your understanding of the academic programs at Brown and RISD, describe how and why the specific blend of RISD’s experimental, immersive combined studio and liberal arts program and Brown’s wide-ranging courses and curricula could constitute an optimal undergraduate education for you. Additionally, how might your academic, artistic and personal experiences contribute to the Dual Degree community and its commitment to interdisciplinary work? (650 words)

PLME  applicants, on the other hand, are also required to respond to these two prompts:

• Committing to a future career as a physician while in high school requires careful consideration and self-reflection. Explain your personal motivation to pursue a career in medicine, and why the Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) will best meet your professional and personal goals. (500 words)
• Healthcare is constantly changing as it is affected by racial and social inequities, economics, politics, technology, and more. Please respond to one of the following prompts: (a) How will you, as a future physician, make a positive impact? (b) How has your personal background uniquely shaped your perspective on the field of medicine? (250 words)

These prompts are all about reflection and self-awareness. Be specific and sincere. Admissions officers want to hear your voice, see your curiosity, and get a sense of how you’ve grown from your experiences. Think of these essays as your chance to fill in the gaps and round out your application. To get detailed insights on how to craft your responses to Brown’s supplemental essay prompts, check out our comprehensive guide. 

5. Get strong letters of recommendation.

Brown University asks for three recommendation letters—two from teachers in core subjects like math, science, or English, and one from your high school counselor. If you’re going for a specialized program like PLME or a Bachelor of Science degree, make sure one of your letters comes from a math or science teacher.

Building solid relationships with your recommenders is key. Participate actively in class, ask questions, and show genuine interest in the subject. Let your teachers see your growth over time by consistently putting in the effort. It also helps to check in now and then—ask for feedback, seek advice, or just express appreciation for their guidance. These small steps make a big difference when it comes time for them to write detailed, thoughtful letters.

When you’re ready to ask for a recommendation, be polite and give your teachers plenty of notice—at least a month. Provide them with the info they need, like your resume and key accomplishments, so they can craft a strong letter. Whether you ask in person or via a well-written email, let them know why you value their support. And of course, don’t forget to follow up with a thank-you note to show your appreciation for their help.

6. Apply through Early Decision.

Choosing Early Decision (ED) when applying to Brown University can give you a solid advantage. ED is a binding agreement, which means if you’re accepted, you’re committed to attending Brown and have to withdraw all your other college applications. It’s different from Regular Decision (RD), which gives you more flexibility but often comes with steeper competition.

The numbers make it pretty clear. For the Class of 2028, Brown accepted 898 students out of 6,244 Early Decision applicants, resulting in an ED acceptance rate of 14.4%. On the flip side, RD saw a much lower acceptance rate of 3.92%, with 1,623 admitted out of 42,654 applicants. Basically, your odds are more than three times better if you apply ED.

But keep in mind that Early Decision isn’t for everyone. It’s a commitment, so you should only go this route if you’re 100% sure that Brown is your top choice and you’re ready to stick with the binding agreement. If you get in, you’ll need to enroll and withdraw any applications to other schools.

Applying through Early Decision can be a smart strategy if you’re prepared and confident that Brown is the right fit. Just make sure you’re aware of the commitment and weigh your options before hitting that submit button.

Brown University Application Deadline

When applying to Brown University, staying on top of deadlines is essential. Here’s a breakdown of the key dates you need to know:

Now, let’s talk about what to expect with each decision route. For Early Decision applicants:

• Accepted. You’re in! But remember, ED is a binding agreement, so you’ll need to withdraw other applications and commit to Brown.
• Deferred. Not an outright rejection, but not an acceptance either. Your application will get another look during the Regular Decision round.
• Denied. This means you’re not getting in this cycle, and you can’t reapply to Brown this year.

For Regular Decision applicants:

• Accepted. Congrats, you’ve got until May 1 to confirm you’re heading to Brown.
• Waitlisted. This one’s tricky. It’s not a “no,” but it’s not a “yes” either. Your fate depends on how many accepted students choose to enroll, and decisions might not come until early summer.
• Denied. A final “no” for this application cycle.

Whether you’re leaning towards ED or RD, being organized and hitting those deadlines is key. For ED, make sure everything’s wrapped up by November 1 to give yourself the best shot. If RD is your choice, aim to submit by January 3 with a well-rounded and polished application. The goal? Keep your chances of joining Brown’s next class as high as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the acceptance rate for Brown University?

For the Class of 2028, Brown University’s acceptance rate was just 5.2%. This shows how selective the admissions process is, with only a small percentage of applicants making the cut each year.

2. Is Brown University test-optional?

No, for the 2024-25 cycle, Brown University has brought back its standardized testing requirement. You’ll need to submit either SAT or ACT scores, but the good news is they superscore both. This means you can send in your best section scores from different test dates to boost your overall result.

3. What GPA do you need to get into Brown?

There’s no hard minimum GPA at Brown University, but most admitted students have an average GPA around 3.9. To be competitive, you’ll want to aim for something in that ballpark and take challenging courses throughout high school to show you’re up for the academic rigor.

4. What major is Brown University known for?

Brown is famous for its Open Curriculum, which lets students chart their own academic course. Some of the most popular majors include Computer Science, Economics, Political Science, Engineering, and Biology. The university is also recognized for its Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) and its Brown | RISD Dual Degree Program in partnership with the Rhode Island School of Design.

5. How much is Brown University tuition?

For the 2024-2025 academic year, tuition at Brown University is $68,612. But when you factor in housing and other fees, the total estimated cost can reach up to $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

If you’re wondering how to get into Brown University, here are the main points you need to keep in mind:

• With an acceptance rate of just 5.2% for the Class of 2028, you’ll need a solid, well-rounded application to stand out.
• Aim for a GPA around 3.9 or higher to show consistency and tackle challenging courses—Brown cares about both performance and rigor.
• When it comes to test scores, aim for a 1560 or higher on the SAT or a composite score of 35 on the ACT, since standardized tests are back on the table.
• Go beyond academics by highlighting extracurriculars that truly matter to you, crafting essays that tell your story, and securing recommendation letters that really capture who you are.
• If you need extra guidance, consider reaching out to a college admissions consultant. They can help fine-tune your application strategy and make sure you’re on track to submit your best work.