When students tell me they dream of getting into Brown University, I always pause and smile. Brown is more than an Ivy League school — it’s a bold, intellectual playground for curious minds. It’s where students are encouraged to shape their own education and challenge every convention. But that freedom comes with a fiercely competitive admissions process. If Brown is at the top of your college list, you need more than strong grades and test scores. You need clarity, creativity, and a strategy that reflects who you truly are.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to get into Brown University with insight from years of advising students just like you — first-gen, international, low-income, high-achieving, and everything in between. We’ll talk about what Brown looks for, how to build a compelling application, and how to stay grounded through the process.
How to Get Into Brown University: What You Need to Know
Brown’s acceptance rate has hovered around 5% in recent years, making it one of the most selective universities in the world. But that number doesn’t tell the whole story. Brown isn’t looking for perfect students. They’re looking for passionate, independent thinkers. That’s why understanding what makes Brown unique is critical to your application success.
Brown’s Open Curriculum
The heart of Brown’s academic philosophy is its open curriculum. Students have the freedom to design their own course of study without general education requirements. That flexibility attracts intellectually adventurous students — and that’s who Brown wants to admit.
So if you’re the kind of person who reads philosophy and neuroscience for fun, or who blends art and coding to tell stories, Brown might be your place. But you’ll need to clearly articulate that in your essays and application theme. I often suggest students explore how to build a college application narrative before they even start writing.
Brown’s Holistic Admissions
Brown uses a holistic admissions process, which means they consider your grades, test scores (if submitted), essays, extracurriculars, recommendations, and background as one complete picture. They want to see:
- Intellectual curiosity
- Creative thinking
- Self-motivation
- Community engagement
- Authenticity
One student I worked with, Mateo, didn’t have perfect SAT scores. But he’d spent three years building a nonprofit to support refugee students in his city. His essays radiated compassion and clarity. Brown admitted him — not because he was flawless, but because he was fearless in his purpose.
What Academic Profile Do You Need?
Brown doesn’t publish a strict GPA cutoff, but most admitted students are in the top 10% of their class. The middle 50% SAT range is typically around 1480–1570, and the ACT range is 33–35. Still, Brown is test-optional through at least 2026, and they mean it. If you attend a school with limited access to APs or testing, Brown will consider that in context.
That’s why I urge students to focus less on chasing perfect numbers and more on building a strong academic identity. For some, that means taking dual enrollment or AP classes. For others, it’s independent research or publishing stories online. Show evidence that you love learning.
What Brown Looks For in Applicants
Brown admissions officers read applications quickly but deeply. They’re looking for students who know who they are and what they care about — not just who can jump through academic hoops. Here’s what they prioritize:
A Clear Voice in Your Writing
The Brown supplement includes several short essays that ask you to reflect on your academic interests, your life experiences, and your desire to attend Brown. These aren’t trick questions. They’re designed to see your values. One essay prompt asks about your perspective on community. Another asks why you’re drawn to Brown’s curriculum.
When I worked with Laila, a first-generation student from Detroit, she wrote about her love of jazz and how improvisation shaped the way she approached science. That essay stuck with me — and it clearly stuck with Brown, too. She got in.
If you’re struggling with this part, I recommend reading our guide on Common App essay prompts and considering how your personal story overlaps with your intellectual passions.
Depth in Your Extracurriculars
You don’t need to do everything. In fact, I often remind students that overloading your activities list can hurt more than help. What Brown wants to see is depth — leadership, impact, and consistency in the things you care about most.
One student I advised, Ananya, focused mainly on environmental activism. She organized clean-up drives, presented at her city council, and led workshops for local schools. Instead of spreading herself thin, she went deep — and that helped her stand out.
Think about how your activities show who you are. If you’re unsure, our article on balancing academics and extracurriculars can help you evaluate your current balance.
Letters of Recommendation
Brown requires two academic recommendations, typically from core subject teachers. Choose teachers who know you well and can speak to your growth in and out of the classroom. If you’re not sure how to guide them, check out our post on securing strong recommendation letters.
And don’t forget the counselor letter. If your school’s counselor doesn’t know you well, take time to meet with them, share your goals, and provide a brag sheet. Context matters.
How to Strengthen Your Application to Brown
While there’s no guaranteed formula, there are strategic ways to build a Brown-worthy application. Here’s what I often recommend:
Demonstrate Fit
Brown wants students who genuinely want to be there. Mention specific centers, professors, or academic programs in your essays. If you’re interested in public policy and data science, name relevant initiatives like the Watson Institute or the Data Science Initiative.
Also, attend virtual info sessions or in-person events if you can. That’s a great way to show demonstrated interest in a school that values authentic engagement.
Apply Early if You’re Sure
Brown’s Early Decision acceptance rate is often higher than its Regular Decision rate, but it’s binding. If Brown is your top choice and you’ve done your research, applying Early Decision can give you a small strategic edge — as long as you’re ready for the commitment.
I’ve worked with students who applied early and were deferred. If that happens, don’t panic. Our guide on next steps after being deferred can walk you through how to respond thoughtfully.
Craft a Cohesive Story
Brown reads applications for coherence. Your transcript, essays, activities, and recommendations should all point toward a consistent story of who you are. That doesn’t mean you have to know your exact career path. It just means your application should feel like it’s coming from the same person — one with direction and heart.
Sometimes I sit down with a student and ask: “What’s the thread that ties your application together?” If you can answer that, you’re ahead of the game.
FAQ: Applying to Brown University
Is Brown test-optional?
Yes. Brown is currently test-optional through at least the 2025–2026 cycle. If you have strong scores, they can help — but if not, your application can still be very competitive without them.
Does Brown interview applicants?
Yes, but interviews are optional and conducted by alumni. If offered, take it. It’s a chance to show your personality and learn more about Brown. Read our tips on acing your college interview to prepare well.
What if I don’t have many AP or IB classes?
Brown reviews applications in context. If your school doesn’t offer many advanced courses, they won’t hold that against you. Just focus on excelling in what’s available and showing initiative through research, summer programs, or independent learning.
How do I stand out without “wow” accomplishments?
You don’t need to win national awards to get into Brown. What matters most is depth, authenticity, and intellectual passion. Tell your story with honesty and care — that stands out more than you think.
Final Thoughts: Your Story Matters Most
Getting into Brown is not about checking every box. It’s about knowing who you are, what you care about, and how Brown fits into that picture. I’ve guided students from all walks of life — some from elite prep schools, others from rural towns or refugee camps — and what helped them succeed wasn’t perfection. It was purpose.
If you’re aiming for Brown, pour your energy into becoming the most honest version of yourself on paper. Use your essays to speak from the heart. Use your activities to reflect your values. And give yourself grace — this process is hard, but you don’t have to do it alone.
For more guidance on applying to other top-tier schools, don’t miss our in-depth guides on getting into Princeton, Columbia tips, and navigating Yale’s application. Each Ivy has its own personality — and your best strategy is to find the one that resonates with yours.
And no matter where you apply, remember this: you are more than your application. You are a whole person, with a story worth telling. Brown admissions may be tough, but your potential is bigger than any one decision.