As a member of the Ivy League and the #13 university in the nation according to U.S. News, Brown University is an elite institution. The Brown enrollment consists of about 7,000 undergraduates and 2,500 graduate students.
The Brown University admissions process, therefore, is highly selective. As you consider how to get into Brown University, you should pay attention to your grades, extracurriculars, test scores, and essays.
The Brown University admissions office evaluates the following Brown University requirements when reviewing applications:
- Your Common Application
- Your high school transcript
- Standardized test scores (optional)
- A school report (completed by your school counselor)
- Counselor recommendation
- Two teacher recommendations
- The Brown supplemental essays
Brown has extended their test-optional policy, removing test scores from the Brown University requirements. This means that you do not need to provide SAT or ACT scores in the Brown University admissions process. However, the Brown admissions office will still evaluate test scores if you do choose to send them. You can use Brown admissions statistics regarding testing to see whether your scores will help or hinder your application.
Once you apply, you will check the Brown admissions portal for your admissions result. You can also reach out to the Brown admissions office with any questions as you prepare your application.
What is the Brown admissions rate?
The Brown acceptance rate is just 5%. If you apply through Brown’s binding Early Decision program, the Brown acceptance rate is slightly higher—around 13%.
As you can see, the Brown acceptance rate is higher in the Early Decision Brown University admissions pool. However, this doesn’t mean that it’s necessarily easier to get into Brown if you apply early—acceptance rates are influenced by a variety of factors. The ED Brown acceptance rate likely reflects the strength of ED applicants as compared to those who apply in the RD Brown admissions cycle.
Demonstrated interest does not influence the Brown University admissions process. So, unlike at some schools, applying early or visiting Brown will not increase your Brown admissions odds.
As you consider how to get into Brown University, you should think about a variety of factors. If you know that Brown is your dream school, you may choose to apply ED. While it won’t necessarily boost your Brown admissions chances, applying early certainly will not decrease your chances of Brown enrollment. Still, when it comes to the Brown University admissions process, there are no guarantees.
Is Brown University prestigious?
Yes—Brown is prestigious. As a top-ranked university, Brown is a top choice for many qualified students. So, you can expect the Brown admissions process to be competitive.
Figuring out how to get into Brown University isn’t easy. Keep in mind that the Brown acceptance rate is only 5%. As you prepare for the Brown University admissions process, you should take every part of your application seriously. This means that you should take care as you craft your essays, build your extracurriculars list, and secure teacher recommendations.
If you have specific questions as you prepare your application, contact the Brown admissions office.
Brown Admissions Process: What to Expect
Brown accepts the Common Application. There, you’ll complete most of the Brown University requirements. After you submit your application, you’ll be able to access the Brown admissions portal. On the Brown application portal, you can check if each of your Brown University requirements has been processed.
As stated, the Brown admissions process is competitive. Like other top schools, Brown uses a holistic application review process. This means that no aspect of your Brown University application will disqualify you. Brown admissions officers look at your extracurriculars, test scores (if submitted), transcript, recommendations, and essays to get a full picture of who you are. Brown admissions officers want to accept high-achieving students who will enrich the campus community. So, as you craft your Brown University application, look for what sets you apart from other students.
On your Brown University application, try to highlight your leadership skills, community engagement, academic passions, and future goals. Make sure that you build a compelling application narrative that gives Brown admissions officers a clear idea of who you are and how Brown would help you achieve your goals.
After you apply, you can log into the Brown applicant portal. You’ll gain access to the Brown admissions portal using your email address. On the Brown admissions portal, you’ll be able to view your admissions result.
If you apply Early Decision, your result will appear on the Brown applicant portal in mid-December. You’ll receive an email notification that will prompt you to check the Brown admissions portal for your decision. If you apply Regular Decision, you will find your admissions result on the Brown admissions portal in early April.
How does the Brown admissions process compare to other Ivy Leagues?
While Harvard has a lower acceptance rate than the Brown acceptance rate, Yale’s is the same at 5%. Indeed, all Ivy League universities are competitive. Most Ivy League schools look for similar things within the holistic review process—namely, high grades and test scores, sparking recommendations, strong essays, and a compelling application narrative.
The Brown admissions office also looks for students who will “fit” on campus. This means that the Brown admissions office wants to accept students who would succeed at Brown. So, you should use your Brown University application to highlight why Brown is the right place for you. Brown also has a partnership with RISD, which can be an attractive opportunity for some students.
As you consider applying to Brown, you might check out the Brown admissions blog. On the Brown admissions blog, you’ll find information about Brown from current students. The Brown admissions blog can help you decide whether you can see yourself attending this top-ranked school.
Many students are attracted to Brown due to its prestige and ranking. However, as you begin the Brown admissions process, you should think critically about whether Brown is right for you. All Ivy League schools are different, and a student who thrives at Cornell may not be right for Brown.
Brown University admissions statistics and other information
As stated, the Brown admissions process is competitive. The Brown admissions statistics—along with the Brown University acceptance rate—reflect this. While standardized tests are not part of the Brown University requirements, the middle 50% of those who submitted test scores fell in the following ranges:
Brown University Average Test Scores:
- SAT Math and ERW: 1510-1570
- ACT Composite: 34-35
While submitting scores is optional, these numbers can help you get a sense of your Brown admissions odds. In terms of other Brown admissions statistics, admitted students also tend to have a GPA of 4.0 or higher.
The Brown enrollment includes students of all backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, and personal histories.
Of the current Brown enrollment:
- 22% of undergraduates are from historically underrepresented groups
- 15% of undergraduates are first-generation college students
All to say—Brown is a diverse community made up of thousands of high-achieving students.
Brown Admissions Requirements: Final Thoughts
The Brown University admissions process is competitive. So, as you craft your Brown University application, make sure you do all you can to stand out. Don’t feel overwhelmed by the Brown admissions statistics or the Brown University acceptance rate. Instead, ensure you complete all of the Brown University requirements and start your application early to maximize your Brown admissions odds.