Summer at Brown: A Complete Guide

Think you’re ready to explore college life and challenge yourself academically? Summer at Brown is a pre-college program where you can take college-level courses on Brown University’s campus in Providence, Rhode Island, or online during the summer. This program welcomes thousands of high school students from around the world, offering over 230 courses and a community experience that prepares you for college.

In this guide, you’ll learn what Summer at Brown is, how acceptance works, upcoming deadlines, and every step in the application process. You’ll also find out about requirements, costs, and tips to help your application stand out.

• What Is Summer at Brown?
• Summer at Brown Acceptance Rate
• Summer at Brown Application Deadline
• Summer at Brown Requirements
• How to Get into Summer at Brown
• Why Join Summer at Brown?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Is Summer at Brown?

Summer@Brown is a pre-college summer program where high school students get to experience college-level learning while living on Brown University’s campus in Providence, Rhode Island. The 2025 sessions ran from June 16 to July 25 and welcomed students from grades 9 through 12, ages 14 to 18.

In 2025, students chose from over 230 non-credit courses spanning many fields. Here are some examples of courses offered:

• Biological and Natural Sciences
• Business, Economics, and Legal Studies
• Course-Based Research Experiences (CREs)
• Engineering and Technology
• Language in Context: English, Spanish, Italian, American Sign Language
• Literature, Writing, and Communications
• Medical and Health Sciences
• Physical Sciences and Math
• Political Science, Philosophy, and History
• Psychology and Social Sciences
• Visual, Creative, and Performing Arts

Classes meet for three hours each day, five days a week, with extra workshops, events, and projects to help you learn and connect with other students. The program focuses on your learning experience without the stress of formal grades, so you can explore your interests and develop independence.

When you complete your course, you’ll receive a digital certificate of completion, and if you’re enrolled in a course that lasts two weeks or longer, you’ll also get a course performance report.

For the 2026 program, Brown University hasn’t released the full program details or course catalog yet. You can expect those to come out in early 2026 to help you plan your summer learning experience.

Summer at Brown Acceptance Rate

Summer@Brown is a popular program that attracts thousands of applicants each year from around the world. While Brown University hasn’t publicly released the exact acceptance rate for 2025, the program is known to be moderately selective because of high demand and limited spots.

In 2025, over 5,900 students attended the program, representing all 50 U.S. states and 80 countries. This broad interest means that while the program aims to be inclusive, you should prepare a strong application to boost your chances of getting in.

Because Summer@Brown emphasizes readiness for college-level work, the admissions team looks at your academic performance, motivation, and commitment to learning when reviewing your application. Showing your enthusiasm and qualifications clearly will help you stand out.

Summer at Brown Application Deadline

For 2025, the final deadline to apply for Summer@Brown was May 9, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Applications opened on January 15, and popular courses filled up quickly, so submitting your application early improved your chances of getting your top choices.

2026 application information

Brown University has not yet announced the specific application deadline for the 2026 Summer@Brown program. However, based on previous years’ timelines, you can expect the application deadline to fall around May 2026.

To stay informed about the 2026 application timeline, it is a good idea to regularly check the official Summer at Brown website or join their mailing list for announcements.

Application timeline and key dates

Here are the key dates you need to remember:

Admission decisions for the 2025 program were released within about 15 business days after completing the application. Course enrollment opened soon after acceptance, and if you applied early, you had access to a wider variety of course options.

If you’re planning to apply for 2026, start preparing your application materials early and keep an eye out for updates on deadlines and notifications.

Summer at Brown Requirements

If you want to join Summer@Brown, you need to be ready for college-level work and fully engage with the learning experience. Here’s what you need to know about eligibility, required documents, and program costs.

Eligibility

To apply, you must:

• Be completing grades 9 through 12 by the summer session.
• Be between ages 14 and 18 by June 15 of the program year.
• Demonstrate readiness for challenging coursework and independent study.
• Show motivation and interest in the subject areas offered at Brown.

Required documents

When applying to Summer@Brown, you need to submit several key documents that demonstrate your academic readiness and personal qualities.

1. A complete online application form

This form collects your personal details, educational background, and program choices. It’s important to fill out each section carefully and accurately to ensure your application is complete and ready for review.

2. Writing requirements

You will need to submit a 250 to 500-word essay as part of your application. This essay offers a chance to share a meaningful story or experience that highlights your personality, interests, motivation, or background. You are encouraged to write thoughtfully and clearly, focusing on a topic that truly resonates with you, such as an academic passion, a personal challenge, or something that brings you joy.

The prompts for your essay will focus on understanding what excites you academically, how your background has inspired or challenged you, and what personal joy or fulfillment you find in your daily activities or discoveries. For instance, you might describe how a hobby or project made you feel fulfilled or an experience that shaped your outlook.

3. An official or unofficial current academic transcript

This provides a record of your academic performance up to the application point. It helps the admissions team understand your coursework and grades to assess your readiness for college-level study. If you are homeschooled, transcript-like documentation with course grades should be included.

Accepted submissions include:

• Unofficial transcripts
• Report cards
• Progress reports
• Marksheets
• Screenshots of grades from school portals (must include your full name)
• Narrative assessments

All documents should be in English and clearly display your full name and the academic term covered. These materials help the admissions team evaluate your academic background and readiness for college-level coursework.

4. One letter of recommendation (when required)

Depending on the specific courses you apply for, a letter from a teacher or school counselor might be requested. This letter should speak to your academic abilities, character, or readiness for the program. Make sure to ask your recommender well in advance and provide them with the necessary details about the program.

5. Payment of a non-refundable application fee 

For 2025, the fee was $65 before April 8 and increased to $100 afterward. This fee covers processing your application and is required for submission. Fee waivers or financial assistance may be available for qualifying students.

6. English language proficiency

If English is not your primary language of instruction or you do not meet the eligibility requirements through your current schooling, you may need to provide proof of English proficiency. This can include standardized test scores like TOEFL or IELTS. Providing these documents ensures you are prepared to fully engage with college-level coursework taught in English.

Program costs

For 2025, tuition and fees varied by session length and online vs. on-campus format. Here’s a sample range of tuition and fees for Summer@Brown, based on 2025 data:

Keep in mind that costs for 2026 are likely to be similar, but exact figures will be announced early next year. These figures are approximate and depend on the specific courses and formats you select. Additional costs, such as travel and personal expenses, are not included.

The program is an investment in a high-quality Ivy League academic experience. Financial aid and scholarships were available for eligible students to reduce costs.

How to Get into Summer at Brown

Getting into Summer@Brown involves several important steps. By following each stage of the application process closely, you give yourself the best chance of being admitted to the program.

1. Explore program options.

Begin by exploring the variety of courses and program formats available. This will help you select sessions and subjects that fit your interests and summer schedule. Regularly check the website for the latest course catalog and program updates to make an informed choice.

2. Confirm eligibility.

Make sure you meet the basic requirements: you must be finishing grades 9 to 12 and be between 14 and 18 years old by June 15 of the program year. The program is designed for students ready to handle college-level work. Verify your grade and age carefully since these eligibility criteria are strictly enforced and essential for application success.

3. Prepare your application materials.

Gather all necessary documents for your application, including your academic transcript, a personal essay answering program prompts, and if needed, a recommendation letter. Proofread your essay to clearly show your enthusiasm and readiness for the program.

Start drafting your essay early and seek feedback from teachers, mentors, or family to polish your writing. If you need professional help, get expert feedback and polished revisions that make your essay stand out with our professional editing service.

4. Complete and submit the application.

Fill out the application form online, upload all required documents, and pay the non-refundable application fee ($65 before early April, $100 afterward). Make sure all sections are completed before submitting. Submit your application as early as possible to improve your chances of getting your preferred courses.

5. Await admission decision.

Watch your email and application portal for updates, as most decisions are released within 15 business days after application completion. Keep an eye on your spam folder to avoid missing important messages. Use this waiting time to prepare questions and plan for course selection once admitted.

6. Enroll in courses.

If admitted, you will receive instructions to enroll in courses. Enrollment depends on availability, so respond promptly to secure the classes you want. Have backup course options ready in case your top choices fill quickly.

7. Prepare for program start.

Make arrangements for housing if you’re attending in person, review campus policies, and get familiar with upcoming orientation activities. Engage with any pre-program communications from Brown and connect with fellow students through the social platforms provided.

Why Join Summer at Brown?

Summer@Brown offers a unique and rewarding academic and social experience. Here are some of the key benefits of joining this program:

Explore diverse academic interests

You gain access to over 230 courses in a wide range of subjects, including science, humanities, engineering, arts, and more. This lets you deepen knowledge in your favorite areas or try something completely new, preparing you for college-level academics and sparking new passions.

Experience college life firsthand

By living on campus or fully participating online, you develop essential skills like time management, independence, and balancing academics with social activities. This firsthand experience helps ease the transition from high school to college life in a supportive environment.

Learn from engaged instructors

At Summer@Brown, you’ll benefit from college-level instruction in a focused, welcoming environment. Each course is led by Brown faculty or seasoned program instructors dedicated to helping you explore subjects in depth and gain valuable academic skills. Smaller class sizes make it easy for you to participate actively, collaborate with classmates, and work closely with your instructors.

In 2025, the program featured a diverse group of passionate educators, including:

• Yolanda Davis, Assistant Dean for Pre-College Programs
• Abbey Aevazelis, Associate Director of Pre-College Programs and Director of STEM Programs
• Karen Haberstroh, Associate Director of Engineering Programs
• Jane Winograd, Associate Director of Pre-College Programs and Environmental Studies
• Rosario Navarro, Assistant Dean for Pre-College Experiential and Language Programs
• Katie Stewart, Assistant Director of Pre-College Programs, Online and Humanities

Learning from this accomplished team gives you firsthand experience with expert instruction and Brown’s student-centered approach. You’ll build critical thinking, communication, and research skills that will serve you well in high school, college, and beyond.

Build a global network

You meet students from all over the world, enriching your perspective and intercultural understanding. These connections can turn into lifelong friendships and expand your personal and academic network.

Receive formal recognition

Successfully completing your course awards you a digital certificate of completion. Longer courses also provide a performance report, both of which serve as valuable proof of your academic achievements for college applications and resumes.

College admissions advantage

While Brown states that participation in Summer at Brown does not guarantee admission or provide a direct advantage in the undergraduate admissions process, the experience can strengthen your academic profile, deepen your interests, and provide material for college essays and interviews. It shows colleges your commitment to learning beyond the classroom, which can be a positive factor in holistic admissions reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can apply for Summer at Brown?

Students currently in grades 9 to 12 who will be ages 14 to 18 by June 15, 2025, are eligible to apply for the program.

2. How many courses can I take during the summer?

You choose one course per session, with options ranging from 1 to 3 weeks on campus or 2 to 6 weeks online, allowing you to focus deeply on a single subject.

3. Is the program graded or for college credit?

No, Summer@Brown courses are non-credit and ungraded, so you can concentrate on learning and exploring subjects without the stress of formal grades.

4. Will I receive recognition for completing my course?

Yes, students who successfully complete their course will receive a digital certificate of completion, and those in courses two weeks or longer also receive a performance report.

5. Is Summer@Brown worth participating in?

Many students find it valuable for personal growth, exploring passions, and experiencing college life, but it’s important to note that it does not provide a college admission advantage.

Takeaways

• Summer at Brown offers high school students the chance to explore over 230 non-credit courses modeled on Brown University’s Open Curriculum, providing a taste of college-level academics without the pressure of formal grades.
• The program features multiple formats, including in-person, online, and hybrid options, with flexible course lengths from one to six weeks, giving students freedom to choose a schedule that works best for them.
• Students benefit from small classes led by engaged Brown faculty and experienced instructors, fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and in-depth understanding of subjects.
• Living on campus or participating online helps students develop independence, time management, and social skills through workshops, activities, and events alongside classmates from over 80 countries.
• To maximize chances of admission and craft a strong application, consider consulting with college admissions experts who can provide personalized guidance, essay feedback, and strategic support tailored to Summer at Brown.