How to Get Into Brown University
Complete guide to admission requirements, essays, deadlines, and tips for success
Quick Overview
Brown University is one of the most selective universities in the United States, with an acceptance rate of 5.4%. Founded in 1764, the university is located in Providence, Rhode Island and currently enrolls ~7,000 undergraduates.
Getting into Brown University requires exceptional academic performance, meaningful extracurricular involvement, and compelling essays that demonstrate your unique perspective and potential for contribution to the university community.
Academic Requirements
GPA Requirements
Most successful applicants have a GPA in this range or higher
Test Scores
Remember: While these statistics provide guidance, Brown University uses holistic admissions. Strong essays, recommendations, and extracurriculars can significantly impact your application.
Application Essays
Key Essay Prompts:
- "Why Brown?"
- "Academic interests"
- "Brown community contribution"
Essay Tips: Focus on authenticity and specific examples. Show, don't tell your story. Connect your experiences to your potential contributions at Brown University.
Application Deadlines
Tips for Success
- Emphasize intellectual freedom and the Open Curriculum
- Show diverse academic interests and interdisciplinary thinking
- Demonstrate independent learning and self-motivation
- Highlight creative and innovative approaches
- Show fit with Brown's collaborative and inclusive culture
- Connect your interests to specific Brown programs
What Makes a Strong Applicant
Quick Links
Popular Majors
- Computer Science
- Economics
- International Relations
- Biology
- English
Notable Alumni
- John F. Kennedy Jr. (Magazine publisher)
- Emma Watson (Actress)
- Anderson Cooper (CNN anchor)
- Ted Turner (Media mogul)
- Lisa Loeb (Musician)
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Start Your JourneyFrequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Brown University?
Brown University has an acceptance rate of 5.4%, making it one of the most selective universities in the United States. This means that for every 100 applications, only about 5 are accepted.
What GPA do you need for Brown University?
Most successful applicants to Brown University have a 4.0+ (weighted). However, Brown University uses holistic admissions, meaning they consider all aspects of your application including essays, extracurriculars, and recommendations.
What SAT scores do you need for Brown University?
The middle 50% SAT range for Brown University is 1440-1570. The university is currently test-optional, meaning you can choose whether or not to submit test scores.
When are Brown University application deadlines?
Application deadlines for Brown University are: Early Decision: November 1, Early Action: November 1, Regular Decision: January 2. Make sure to submit all materials before these dates.
What makes a strong applicant to Brown University?
Strong Brown University applicants typically demonstrate intellectual curiosity and independence, diverse academic interests, self-motivated and innovative thinking, among other qualities. The university values students who will contribute meaningfully to their community.