Brown University

Providence, Rhode Island
www.brown.edu Box 1920, Providence, RI, 02912

Brown Admissions

Acceptance Rate 6%
Acceptance Deadline January 5

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:

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.

Brown University Tuition

Average Cost* $29,544
Average Total Aid Awarded $59,749
Students Receiving Financial Aid 41.87%
*Average cost after financial aid for students receiving grant or scholarship aid, as reported by the college.

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Academics at Brown

Student Faculty Ratio 6:1

Brown Majors

Brown Majors

What is a college major, and how do college majors at Brown work? In this guide to Brown majors (also known as Brown concentrations), we’ll discuss the college majors at Brown University. 

We’ll outline what college majors are and how they fit into your college application process. Then, we’ll discuss the Brown open curriculum, the Brown University majors (or Brown concentrations), and other details about majors at Brown. 

Before we dig into the Brown University majors, let’s break down what a college major is. 

Understanding college majors

Later in this guide, we’ll outline the different Brown University majors. But first, let’s talk about college majors in general. So, what is a college major?

A college major is your primary field of study in college. Depending on your school and program, your college major will account for about 50-70% of your overall course load. Some college majors—including Brown majors—require more credits than others, so make sure you do your research. 

At many colleges, you’ll have the option to “double-major,” or choose two college majors rather than one. You can also pursue a minor, which is a secondary field of study that you complete alongside your college major. Both of these options are available at Brown, so you can choose multiple Brown majors or minors. We’ll expand on how to pursue two Brown majors later in this guide. 

Your college major will likely influence your career path after graduation. However, you can pursue a wide variety of careers regardless of your college major. While some careers in STEM fields may require you to take certain courses, many careers do not. Humanities majors can also lead to a vast set of opportunities. So, while you should choose a college major that interests you, your college major won’t dictate every aspect of your future. 

Finally, note that there’s no set of “best college majors.” Instead, as you choose your college major, think about finding the best college majors for you. For more guidance, click here to read a useful list of college majors. The more you use resources like this list of college majors, the easier it will be to find the best college majors for your needs. 

Exploring Brown University Majors

Next, let’s outline the different Brown majors. There are many Brown majors available, and each of them offers students plenty of opportunities. 

As a top-ranked Ivy League university with a strong liberal arts bent, Brown offers a wide variety of degree programs. Brown University majors are known as “Brown concentrations.” There are over 80 Brown concentrations available to undergraduates. 

When you apply to Brown, you will choose one of the Brown concentrations to list on your Common App. However, this choice is not binding. In fact, you don’t need to formally declare your concentration until the spring of your sophomore year. So, don’t feel like you need to make a final decision on Brown University majors as a high school student. 

To view a full list of college majors at Brown, click here. Some Brown concentrations from this list of college majors include:

With so many Brown concentrations available, students should have no trouble finding one of the Brown University majors to suit their needs. 

How many majors can you have at Brown?

Now that we’ve discussed the Brown majors, let’s talk about double-majoring at Brown.

Brown allows students to double concentrate. So, if you fall in love with two Brown concentrations, you can pursue both. About 20% of Brown students choose to double-concentrate. This means they complete all requirements for two Brown University majors.  

You may only pursue two Brown concentrations if you can fulfill all requirements for both concentrations within eight semesters. If you choose to double-concentrate, keep in mind that you may need to complete multiple theses or capstone projects in your senior year. 

Double-concentrating may also limit your ability to take advantage of Brown’s open curriculum. So, think carefully about how many Brown concentrations you choose.

 What is Brown’s open curriculum?

Now that you understand the Brown majors, let’s discuss academics at Brown more broadly. 

Brown offers an open curriculum. The Brown open curriculum means that students at Brown can take whatever courses they like, so long as they complete the requirements for their concentration. This allows students at Brown more flexibility than at other institutions. 

The Brown open curriculum is unique among Ivy League schools. Many top universities require students to take a core set of classes (like at Columbia) or fulfill departmental distribution requirements (like at Harvard). At Brown, the only requirements that students need to complete are those for their concentration. 

If you’re interested in exploring a wide variety of areas in college, the Brown open curriculum might make Brown a great fit for you. For more details about Brown, click here. 

What are the best college majors at Brown?

As we discussed, there’s no such thing as the “best college majors” for everyone. Similarly, there are no “best Brown majors” that will suit every student’s needs. So, no one list of college majors will tell you which of the Brown majors to pursue. 

However, every school has its strengths, and Brown is no exception. Brown is known for its emphasis on writing, and many programs in both humanities and STEM fields focus on writing skills. 

However, as you’ll notice from any list of majors at Brown, writing isn’t the only important part of Brown concentrations. Some of the most popular Brown majors include:

  1. Computer Science
  2. Econometrics and Quantitative Economics
  3. Applied Mathematics

U.S. News ranks Brown as #13 in National Universities. With such a high ranking, you can rest assured that nearly all Brown majors will offer engaging courses, stellar faculty, and exciting opportunities. U.S. News also ranks Brown as #33 in Undergraduate Engineering and #1 in Writing in the Disciplines.  

We hope this guide to Brown University majors helps you better understand the Brown open curriculum and the Brown concentrations.

Most Popular Majors
  • Computer Science
  • Economics
  • Biology
  • Computational and Applied Mathematics
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Engineering
  • Political Science and Government
  • History
  • Neuroscience and Neurobiology
  • English

Brown University Online

Offers Online Courses No

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Brown University Students

Full-Time Undergrad Enrollment 7,349
Part-Time Undergraduates 308

Brown Alumni at CollegeAdvisor

Nikki Tully
Brown University

Hello, my name is Nikki. I graduated from Brown University with a degree in Biomedical Engineering, which I am very proud of as a first-generation college student from the Rio Grande Valley in TX! At Brown, I was part of 2 different engineering research labs and worked a part-time job as a barista at the cafe in the engineering building. After graduating from Brown, I joined Teach For America and taught 8th grade math for 2 years. Now, I am a College Counselor at a charter school in Houston, TX. I walk students step-by-step through the college admissions process from building a college list to helping them understand their financial aid packages. I love having the opportunity to serve students whose shoes I was once in and show them the patience and kindness needed through the admissions process. I particularly enjoy getting to know students personally and finding the best way to help them tell their story in their application. I look forward to doing the same with my advisees and being a support for you in your journey to college!

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Neida Moreno
Yale University

As a first-generation college student, I understand how daunting the college admissions process may seem to those who have no experience with it. Despite the challenges I encountered, I was admitted to every college I applied to and learned how the process works along the way. I bring my past advising experiences helping students draft and write essays, create college application plans, and manage their time to my role as an Advisor. The pride in seeing my students succeed makes me excited to help you on your journey to college. I believe that behind every successful student there are individuals who have helped them find and express their voice, and I can’t wait to work with you to accomplish this!

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Molly Wagschal
Columbia University

I received my BA in Comparative Literature and Society from Columbia University, where I graduated summa cum laude in 2022 and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa academic honor society. I am currently pursuing a PhD in Hispanic Studies at Brown University. I have been helping high school students with the college admissions process since 2018, and I am passionate about demystifying college admissions and helping students find schools and programs that are a good academic, social, and economic fit for them. I take a flexible approach to advising, taking into account each student's organizational style and personal goals.

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Maxx Grossman
Tufts University

Hi my name is Maxx and I am a Senior Advisor based in the great city of New York! My love of teaching and experience in college admission stems from a lifelong passion to support students in realizing their educational goals. Growing up I attended Greenwich Academy, an intensive college preparatory school. There I gained a comprehensive experience in the college process that serves as the foundation for my admission work. I hold both a B.A. and B.S. from Tufts University in Spanish and Biopsychology respectively. While at Tufts I was involved in a myriad of activities including an outdoors club, a GOTV political organization, greek life, a comedy troupe, and a writing group. This breadth of experience gives me a unique insight into the different facets of campus life as well as the curricular demands for both STEM and Arts and Language majors. After graduation, I worked in the development and admissions office of University of the People, an education non-profit with over 100,000 students that focuses on accessibility to higher education. In addition to my grant writing work, I assisted students in navigating the admission process to schools such as NYU, LIU, McGill, Effat University, and Edinburgh University. My strength as a writer and work in psychology helped students find and bring unique voices to paper. It also gave me exposure and familiarity with international schools and international students. By nature, I am an outgoing, fun and passionate individual. I bring the whole of myself and my expertise to students. While this process can be at times overwhelming and intimidating, I am here to help empower students to take the driver's seat. Together we will delve deep to discover who they are and what they want from their college experiences. Through this process, I help their confidence and unique experiences shine both in and out of their application

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Iyanu Dare
Stanford University

Hello everyone,

I am Iyanu, a junior majoring in Economics at Stanford University. Having attended high school in London, UK, I gained a deep understanding of the profound challenges and anxieties the US admissions process can pose, especially for international students who may find it unfamiliar. My central aim is to transform what can be a stressful process into a smooth and more enjoyable journey by providing guidance and unwavering support. I hold A Levels In Mathematics, Economics, Further Mathematics and an AS in Physics in addition to my 9 GCSEs at level 9 (A*). Beyond this, my professional experience spans over 5 years, encompassing tutoring, nonprofit youth board advising, university admissions mentorship and the creation of essential resources for navigating the US college admissions process. This diverse background has not only refined my knowledge but fueled my dedication to helping all students best position themselves to attain their educational goals. My time at Stanford University has been an enriching and diverse experience. I explored a range of academic disciplines and contributed to research in ethical AI and published research in health equity. I have also interned in finance, consulting and public policy, gaining insights to guide students in their professional journeys. Beyond academics, I have been actively engaged in financial literacy initiatives, dance, debates, efforts to reduce food insecurity, and STEM tutoring for female students in the local area. As your advisor, my goal is to guide you on a journey of personal growth within a supportive and effective advising environment. I am committed to helping you craft an application that creatively narrates the story of your unique strengths and holistic talents. No matter what stage you are in the process, I am here to support you and also let you find joy in the application experience.

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Isabel Santuiste
Yale University

My name is Isabel and I graduated from Yale University in 2022 with a B.S. in Psychology and completed requisites for the pre-med track. While at Yale, I was involved in neuroscience research, a non-profit for youth experiencing homelessness, and mentoring first year Latinx students. Currently, I conduct medical research at Johns Hopkins University. I’m passionate about connecting students to resources and helping them achieve their academic goals. I aim to guide students interested in a career in medicine so that they are able to make informed decisions throughout the college application process. I’m looking forward to working with you on this journey!

Also Accepted to

Destiny Blue
University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

To give you an idea of who I am, I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with my Bachelor of Science in Biology & Exercise and Sport Science in 2016. I then went on to become a College Advisor aiding over 1500+ students in their college process. Some of my most rewarding experiences have been supporting students to be admitted to Harvard, Yale, Stanford, Columbia, NYU, Duke, and many other top universities. I’m very passionate about the sciences and education. I currently work as a Senior Instructional Designer for a cable provider! I’d love to be a part of your journey!

Also Accepted to

Zachariah Crutchfield
Columbia University

Hello! My name is Zachariah Crutchfield, and I’m very excited to work with you! I graduated from Columbia University in 2019 with a BA in political science, from Washington University in St. Louis in 2021 with an MA in Jewish, Islamic, and Middle Eastern Studies, and from the University of Chicago in 2022 with an MA in social sciences, and am about to start my PhD this fall at Cornell University’s Department of Near Eastern Studies. University applications have become something of a second job for me, so I’m really excited to share all the tips and experience I’ve accumulated. I am passionate especially about linguistics, history, and cultural studies, and also have quite a bit of experience with young adults in high school and early college as an Arabic immersion camp counselor and a teaching assistant. I can’t wait to help all of you realize not only what your potential is, but where you want to apply it!

Also Accepted to

Hamsa Shanmugam
Brown University

Hi everyone! My name is Hamsa Shanmugam, and I am a Senior at Brown University’s Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME), one of the top BS/MD programs in the country. I am from Hopkinton, MA and am pursuing a double concentration in Health and Human Biology as well as Music. I am deeply passionate about academic mentorship–having been a peer tutor since high school, a college application advisor for the past several years, and an academic peer advisor for the PLME and orientation leader during my time at Brown. At Brown, I am also involved in research, student government, and volunteering with the local Providence community. Outside of classes, I enjoy making music with Brown Bhairavi–the student group I founded for students interested in South Asian classical music–and dancing with Brown Abhinaya, the South Asian classical dance team. As a member of a combined baccalaureate/MD program, I have extensive experience with the college admissions process and, specifically, the admissions process for combined medical programs. I look forward to working with you and supporting you in your college admissions journey!

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Hear from Clients Accepted to Brown University

Sofia Vaca Narvaja
Brown University

As an international student who was not very familiar with the whole American universities system in terms of expectations and rules of the college admission “game” in general, having the advisor team made me feel confident in the work I was aiming for and the essays I ended up submitting. They helped me put my best self forward, both on paper and with my interviews. Lastly, a distinctive feature of CollegeAdvisor is the opportunity to chat with students that attend the universities I was planning to apply to. I found this aspect to be very helpful.

Navneet Raam
University of Michigan

Excellent service with over the top commitment to ensuring the student succeeds and reaches their goals. Couldn’t be happier with the process! Best investment of my life.

Iyanuloluwa Dare

When I reached out to CollegeAdvisor, they supported me with their program and helped me through the signup step-by-step. I was matched with my mentor. She helped me realize my best fit and find my authentic voice through my passions, experiences and challenges. She encouraged me to weave these experiences into my essays which made them stand out. She went above and beyond to support me through the stressful time of college applications and I am so appreciative of how this program supported me into getting into some amazing schools.

Francesco Efrem Bonetti
Harvard University

When I started the application process as an international student, nobody around me knew what it consisted of. The time we had available was short and I immediately got along with Genevieve. I was able to portray the full picture of my personality and interests. The application process for colleges in the US is very specific and as an international student with no experience in the USA, getting advice from “insiders” was very helpful. What I loved about CollegeAdvisor is that I was always at the center of the creative process as the only one writing my application.

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