Overview
Brown University is a extremely selective private four-year institution in Providence, Rhode Island. The school accepts 5.1% of applicants and enrolls 7,273 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 5.1%
- Average SAT
- 1,535
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,490–1,580
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 35
- Total Enrollment
- 7,273
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Brown's Open Curriculum means you can design your academic path without distribution requirements or core classes, making your "Why Brown" essay fundamentally different from other Ivy applications. You need to explain not just what you want to study, but how you'll use complete academic freedom responsibly and creatively.
The admissions office wants to see intellectual adventurousness paired with self-direction. Your application should show you can handle choosing every single course without external requirements guiding you. Don't write about wanting to "explore different fields" without specificity. Instead, explain the exact academic connections you want to make and why Brown's flexibility is essential for your goals.
Reference specific aspects of Brown culture in your essays. The shopping period lets you attend any class during the first two weeks before finalizing your schedule. The pass/no credit grading option removes competition and encourages academic risk-taking. Spring Weekend is the campus-wide celebration that shows Brown's work-hard-play-hard balance. These details prove you understand what makes Brown different from Harvard or Yale.
Don't assume Brown is less competitive because of its collaborative atmosphere. The Open Curriculum attracts self-motivated students who create demanding academic programs for themselves. Your application needs to show you can thrive without external structure, not that you want an easy path.
Brown offers binding Early Decision, which provides a clear advantage for committed applicants. The PLME (Program in Liberal Medical Education) guarantees medical school admission for qualified students but requires a separate application with additional essays. If you're applying to PLME, address why you want to combine liberal arts exploration with medical school certainty.
Your essays should demonstrate genuine intellectual curiosity about specific academic intersections only possible at Brown. Don't write about the beautiful campus or Providence's food scene. Focus on academic programs, research opportunities, or specific professors whose work aligns with your interests. Brown admits students who will take full advantage of unprecedented academic freedom, not those seeking prestige or avoiding requirements.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $26,572/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $68,230
- Students Receiving Aid
- 13%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 95.9%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $93,487/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 98.7%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Brown University require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Brown has a test-optional policy, meaning you can choose whether to submit SAT or ACT scores. Students who feel their test scores strengthen their application should submit them.
Does Brown University offer Early Decision or Early Action?
Brown offers Early Decision, which is binding and has a November 1 deadline. The university does not offer Early Action or non-binding early admissions options.
Can you transfer to Brown University from another college?
Brown accepts transfer students for fall semester entry only. Transfer applicants must complete at least one full year of college coursework before applying.
What makes Brown University's curriculum different from other schools?
Brown operates on an open curriculum with no distribution requirements or core classes. Students can also take any class pass/fail without affecting their GPA.