Every spring, I sit with students holding their breath as Ivy League decisions roll in. Brown University, with its open curriculum and vibrant intellectual vibe, always sparks a unique kind of excitement — and anxiety. The Class of 2025 application cycle was particularly intense, shaped by a global pandemic, widespread test-optional policies, and a surge in applications across the board. Brown was no exception.
As someone who’s advised hundreds of students through this process, I want to walk you through what really happened with Brown’s Class of 2025 acceptance rate. But more importantly, I want to help you understand what it means — not just for statistics’ sake, but for your own college journey. Let’s break it down and make sense of the numbers, the trends, and the human stories behind them.
Brown University Class of 2025 Acceptance Rate Insights
Brown University announced a record-low acceptance rate for the Class of 2025: a mere 5.4%. Out of 46,568 applicants, only 2,537 students were offered admission. That’s the lowest admission rate in Brown’s modern history — and it mirrors what we saw across other Ivies, like Harvard and Columbia.
To put it into perspective, Brown’s acceptance rate dropped significantly from the previous year’s 6.9%. That may sound like a small percentage shift, but when thousands more students apply, those fractional differences represent real people with real dreams.
One of my students, Samira, a top student from Michigan with a stellar GPA and a passion for environmental science, was among those who didn’t make the cut. She wasn’t alone — many excellent applicants were squeezed out in this hyper-competitive year.
Application Surge Fueled by Test-Optional Policies
Much of the surge in applications can be traced back to Brown’s test-optional policy due to COVID-19. Students who might not have considered Ivy League schools before — often because of lower test scores — felt empowered to apply. I actually encouraged a few first-generation students to shoot their shot because of this shift.
One of them, Javier from Texas, said, “Without the SAT, I finally felt like my story mattered more than my numbers.” He didn’t get into Brown, but he did land a generous offer from another top-tier school. Still, his application was part of the reason Brown’s numbers swelled.
Brown’s Embrace of Diversity and Holistic Review
Brown has long emphasized holistic admissions. According to their Office of Institutional Diversity, they actively seek students from underrepresented backgrounds, and that showed in their Class of 2025. Nearly 55% of admitted students identified as students of color. International students made up 15% of the admitted pool, hailing from 72 countries.
In my work with international students, I saw both hope and heartbreak. A student from Vietnam, whom I helped craft a deeply personal essay about her mother’s food cart, received an offer from Brown. She told me, “I didn’t think someone like me belonged at an Ivy.” But Brown thought otherwise.
This emphasis on narrative, impact, and identity is part of what makes Brown’s admissions process both inspiring and unpredictable. You can read more about how holistic admissions work in our guide on what colleges look for.
How Brown Compares to Other Ivies in 2025
The Ivy League as a whole experienced record-lows in acceptance rates for the Class of 2025. If you’re trying to make sense of Brown’s numbers, you’ll want to see how it stacks up:
| University | Acceptance Rate (Class of 2025) |
|---|---|
| Brown | 5.4% |
| Harvard | 3.4% |
| Columbia | 3.7% |
| Princeton | 4.0% |
Brown’s rate may not be the lowest, but it’s close — and the competition is just as fierce. I often remind students that applying to multiple Ivies doesn’t guarantee a yes from any of them. That’s why having a balanced college list is so important. If you’re unsure how to build yours, check out our guide on choosing reach, match, and safety schools.
What This Means for Future Applicants
If you’re applying to Brown in the coming years, here’s the hard truth: It’s not getting easier. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. What stood out in the Class of 2025 wasn’t just perfect grades — it was authenticity, resilience, and impact.
One of my students who got in, Maya, wrote an essay about building a community garden in her neighborhood during the pandemic. It wasn’t flashy, but it was real. That’s what resonated.
For more on how to approach Brown specifically, I recommend reading our full guide on how to get into Brown University.
FAQs about Brown’s Class of 2025 Admissions
Why did Brown’s acceptance rate drop so much for the Class of 2025?
The drop was largely due to a record-breaking number of applicants — over 46,000 — driven by test-optional policies and increased interest from international and underrepresented students.
Is Brown test-optional permanently now?
As of now, Brown remains test-optional through admissions cycles affected by COVID-19, but they may revisit this policy. Always check their official admissions site for updates.
How can I stand out in my Brown application?
Focus on your story. Brown values students with intellectual curiosity, community engagement, and a clear sense of purpose. Your essays and recommendations should reflect that.
What if I didn’t get into Brown? Do I still have a chance at a great college?
Absolutely. Many students I work with get into incredible schools after a Brown rejection. It’s about fit, not just prestige. Explore schools like Northwestern or Duke — you might find a place that fits even better.
Final Thoughts: The Numbers Don’t Define You
I’ve had students cry over a Brown rejection and later thrive at schools they hadn’t even considered at first. I’ve also seen students light up when Brown says yes — but that yes doesn’t define their worth, and neither does a no.
The Class of 2025 was historic in many ways. But your story, your growth, and your future matter more than any statistic. Whether you’re dreaming of Brown or just trying to figure out your next step, know that there’s a place for you — and it’s not determined by a percentage.
Stay curious, stay grounded, and don’t let the numbers scare you off. If you’re ready to start crafting your strongest application — for Brown or any other school — I’m here to help you along the way.