Is Brown Test-Optional? Requirements + Tips

If you’re applying to Brown in 2025, you’re probably wondering: Is Brown test-optional? The short answer is no. Brown now requires you to submit SAT or ACT scores as part of your application.

In this guide, you’ll get the lowdown on Brown’s testing policy, how it affects your chances, and smart tips on which test to take and how to make your scores count. 

• Is Brown Test-Optional in 2025?
• Brown SAT Requirements
• Brown ACT Requirements
• How to Ace the SAT/ACT for Brown Admission
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

Is Brown Test-Optional in 2025?

Brown is no longer test-optional and now requires standardized test scores. Meaning, you must submit either SAT or ACT scores as part of your application.

This change follows three years of a test-optional policy. After reviewing applicant data, Brown decided that test scores give helpful insight into your academic preparation. They won’t decide your admission by test scores alone, but they do matter.

You don’t need to submit both tests. Just go with the one that fits your strengths. If you’re stronger in math, maybe the SAT is your best bet. If you feel more confident with science and timing, you might lean toward the ACT.

Also you can skip the SAT Essay or ACT Writing. Most applicants do, and it won’t count against you. Starting spring 2025, moreover, ACT Science will also be optional.

Brown superscoring policy

Brown accepts either test and uses a superscore approach. That means they’ll take your highest scores from each section across different test dates to build your best possible total score.

Here’s how that works. Let’s say you took the SAT twice:

Even though you scored 1400 both times, Brown won’t just look at the totals. They’ll take your best EBRW score from October (710) and your best Math score from August (730) to create a superscore of 1440. That’s 40 points higher than either of your full test-day scores.

This gives you a real advantage. If you take the SAT or ACT more than once, you’re not starting over each time. Brown will build a higher composite from your top scores, which can boost your academic profile.

This is especially helpful now that Brown is no longer test-optional. Since you’re required to send scores, it’s smart to take the test more than once if you can. Every extra section improvement could raise your final superscore.

So, if you’re stressed about getting everything perfect on one test date, don’t be. With superscoring, Brown gives you credit for your best work, even if that’s spread out over a couple of tries.

No minimum score

There’s no minimum SAT or ACT score to apply, but Brown is highly selective, so your scores should be strong. What’s “strong” depends on your full application and your academic environment.

Brown reviews your scores in context, where you go to school, what classes are available, and what opportunities you’ve had. Brown uses a holistic admissions process. Test scores are one part of the bigger picture; they help admissions officers understand your readiness, but your GPA, course rigor, essays, activities, and background matter just as much, sometimes more.

If your scores are strong, they can support your case. If they’re average or below, strong performance in other areas can balance things out.

How to send your test scores to Brown

You can self-report your scores through:

• The Common App
• Your Brown Applicant Portal
• Or you can ask the testing agency to send them directly.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Don’t miss the deadlines

Timing matters. Your scores need to be in by the right test date:

• Early Decision: Test by the last October date
• Regular Decision: Test by the last December date

Bottom line: Brown is not test-optional anymore. You’ll need to send in SAT or ACT scores, even though they’re just one part of the process. Strong scores can help, but they don’t guarantee anything. Keep your focus on your full application and use the scores to your advantage.

Brown SAT Requirements

While there’s no published minimum score, Brown does share the SAT score ranges of admitted students, and they’re highly competitive. Here’s a breakdown of SAT scores for the admitted students based on the latest Common Data Set:

Here’s the breakdown for the individual sections of the SAT:

If you’re aiming for Brown, you should be prepared to meet very competitive SAT score standards. The composite score range for admitted students falls between 1510 and 1560, with a median of 1540. 

Even at the 25th percentile, a Brown SAT score of 1510 places you in the 99th percentile nationally, which means you scored higher than 99% of all students.

SAT section scores for Brown

Math remains a critical area, with scores ranging from 770 at the 25th percentile to a perfect 800 at the 75th percentile. If you’re applying to a STEM-related field or want to strengthen your application, aim for a Math score near the top of that range.

The Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) section also demands excellence, with scores typically between 740 and 780. Strong reading comprehension, grammar, and verbal reasoning skills are essential to demonstrate well-rounded academic ability.

SAT tips for Brown

To be competitive at Brown, you should aim for a composite SAT score of 1540 or higher. A 1510 puts you at the 25th percentile, so if you’re in that range, the rest of your application, especially your essays and extracurriculars, needs to shine. Targeting a 1560 gives you a stronger shot, especially if you’re applying to a selective major.

Brown does superscore the SAT, so you can focus on improving individual sections over multiple test dates. This gives you some flexibility in how you plan your prep.

While Brown now requires test scores (Brown is not test-optional anymore), the SAT is just one part of the equation. Strong essays that reveal who you are and extracurriculars that show leadership or impact will help you stand out in a pool where high scores are common.

For example, being a Regeneron STS Finalist shows deep research ability, winning a National Speech and Debate title highlights your communication skills and poise under pressure, and leading a FIRST Robotics team to a national championship proves your initiative and teamwork in STEM. These kinds of standout achievements, combined with a personal and authentic essay, can make a real difference in your Brown application.

In short, aim for a 1540–1560 total, with a Math score near 800 and EBRW around 780. But don’t forget Brown wants to see what drives you, not just how well you test.

Brown ACT Requirements

While there’s no official minimum ACT score, Brown shares the ACT score ranges of admitted students, and like the SAT, they’re extremely competitive. Here’s a breakdown of ACT scores for admitted students based on the latest Common Data Set:

Here’s the breakdown for the individual sections of the ACT:

With Brown no longer test-optional, achieving a high ACT score is essential for a competitive application. A composite score of 35 places you among the top candidates, with even the 25th percentile scoring a 34, placing you in the 99th percentile nationwide.

ACT section scores for Brown

Math and Science are crucial, especially for STEM applicants, with scores ranging from 32 to 36. If you’re applying to a tech-heavy or science-focused major, try to get your Math and Science scores as close to 35 or 36 as possible.

English and Reading are also top-tier, with most admitted students scoring between 35 and 36. These sections test your grammar, reading speed, and comprehension skills you’ll need to succeed at Brown.

ACT tips for Brown

To be competitive, aim for a composite score of 35 or higher. While a 34 is still competitive, higher scores across all sections will strengthen your case, especially now that Brown is not test-optional. Since Brown superscores the ACT, you can improve individual sections across multiple test dates instead of needing your best composite on one try.

Remember, test scores aren’t everything; the essays and extracurriculars that show leadership and impact really help you stand out.

For example, being a National Merit Scholar highlights academic excellence, winning a DECA 1st place award shows strong business and leadership skills, and serving as Associated Student Body (ASB) president demonstrates your ability to lead and influence your school community.

In short, target a 35+ composite with near-perfect section scores, but keep in mind Brown wants to see your unique story and contributions just as much as your test results.

How to Ace the SAT/ACT for Brown Admission

Scoring high on the SAT or ACT can really make your Brown application shine. If you’re aiming to stand out, strong test scores can give your academic profile that extra edge. Let’s walk through a game plan to help you get test-day ready and confident:

1. Practice with official test materials.

Your first move should be taking full-length official SAT or ACT practice tests. These are designed by the same people who make the real test, so they’ll give you the most accurate sense of what to expect. Make sure to time yourself and treat it like a real test-day simulation.

Once you’re done, review your mistakes carefully. Figure out if you missed questions because of timing, misunderstandings, or gaps in your knowledge. This review step is where you’ll learn the most and see your score start to improve.

2. Use free online prep tools.

You don’t need to spend big money on test prep to succeed. Free resources like Khan Academy for the SAT and various ACT prep sites and YouTube channels can help you target the exact skills you need. These platforms offer videos, drills, and full-length practice tests at no cost.

Try combining different resources to keep things interesting. For example, use Khan Academy for personalized SAT practice and follow ACT experts on YouTube for tips and hacks. Mixing it up helps you stay motivated and hit every angle of the test.

3. Identify your weak spots and attack them.

If you’re aiming for Brown, SAT Math is not an area you can afford to ignore. The 25th percentile for Math is already a sky-high 770, and top scorers hit 800, so the margin for error is razor-thin. If you’re struggling with Math, even just a few mistakes can push you below Brown’s competitive range.

The best way to improve is to pinpoint exactly where you’re losing points in algebra, geometry, word problems, or data analysis. Build a focused study plan that rotates between your weak areas and includes timed practice sets every few days. As you master each topic, you’ll build the confidence and precision needed to inch closer to that perfect 800.

4. Practice under pressure with timed drills.

Getting familiar with the test structure and time limits is essential for maximizing your score on the SAT or ACT. Instead of passively reviewing questions, simulate the real test environment to improve endurance and time awareness.

Here’s how the SAT breaks down by section:

Meanwhile, here’s the ACT structure:

Focus on completing full-length sections, like 70 minutes for SAT Math or 60 minutes for ACT Math, without skipping or pausing. Over time, you’ll become more comfortable with pacing, reducing careless errors, and last-minute rushing. Practicing regularly under these constraints gives you a competitive edge and builds the mental stamina needed to thrive on test day.

5. Get help when you need it.

If you feel stuck or your scores, consider a tutor or prep course. Since Brown is not test-optional, targeted help can make a significant difference in improving your test results. A tutor can provide personalized strategies, keep you accountable, and clarify tricky concepts, helping you surpass Brown’s competitive score range.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Brown University test-optional?

No, Brown University is not test-optional anymore; you do have to submit your SAT or ACT scores when you apply. After a few years of letting students skip tests, they decided that test scores actually help show how ready you are for their academics. So, if you’re applying, make sure you plan to take the SAT or ACT and send those scores in on time!

2. Do I have to send all my SAT scores to Brown?

Nope, you don’t need to send every SAT score you’ve ever taken to Brown. The good news is that Brown uses superscoring, which means they’ll take your best scores from each section across different test dates to give you the highest possible combined score.

So if you did better in Math on one test and better in Reading on another, you’re in luck. Brown will mix and match to boost your final score, and you only need to send the scores from the test dates you want them to see.

3. What’s the minimum SAT score I need for Brown?

There isn’t a hard cutoff, but Brown is super competitive. Most admitted students score between 1510 and 1560 on the SAT, which puts them in the 99th percentile nationwide, so you’ll want to aim for that range if you’re serious about getting in.

Takeaways

• Since Brown is no longer test-optional, you have to submit your SAT or ACT scores.
• Brown superscores. The school will combine your best section scores from different test dates, so taking the test more than once can really help you boost your final score.
• Brown’s admitted students usually have exceptional test scores. Think 1500+ on the SAT or 34+ on the ACT.
• Don’t stress about tests alone; your essays, activities, and who you are really matter just as much to Brown.
• If you want the best chance of getting into Brown, working with a college admissions expert can help you navigate test policies and strengthen your overall application strategy.