If you’re drawn to a classic New England campus with a cozy, studious vibe, Brown University is probably high on your list. But how competitive is it right now, and what does that mean for your application?
Here’s the headline for 2025: Brown remains among the most selective universities in the country. Why do so many students apply? In a word: freedom. The Open Curriculum (Brown’s design-your-own path that pairs rigor with flexibility) plus distinctive programs like PLME and the Brown/RISD Dual Degree attract independent thinkers who learn best by exploring across fields.
There’s more to the story than a single admit rate. Let’s put the numbers in context so you can plan your next move.
Brown University: at a glance
How much do you know about this school? There’s plenty to love. Let’s cover the basics first.
- Campus: College Hill, Providence, Rhode Island; medium-sized private research university.
- Application timeline: ED deadline Nov 1. RD deadline Jan 5. Reply by May 1.
- Essays: Common App personal statement + Brown supplements (very short answers).
- Testing policy (2025–26): SAT or ACT required again, beginning with applicants to the Class of 2029; Brown superscores either test.
- Special programs: Open Curriculum, PLME (8-year), Brown/RISD Dual Degree (5-year, two degrees).
What makes Brown different from other Ivies? Among other things…
- No general education requirements: you design your own curriculum.
- Unorthodox & interdisciplinary: you’ll meet CS majors taking sculpture and poets doing bioethics research.
- Smaller class feel: many courses have fewer than 20 students and are primarily discussion-based.
Still not sure? Check out this video about the campus and community that explains why so many students choose Brown University as their second home:
The Brown acceptance rate
Remember to read the numbers in context. True, early admission rates are typically much higher than regular decision rates; however, ED is binding and should be used only if Brown is your clear first choice.
Here are the overall acceptance rates for Brown University in the last five years:
- Class of 2025: 5.4%.
- Class of 2026: ~5.0% (record-low at the time).
- Class of 2027: 5.08%.
- Class of 2028: 5.2%.
- Class of 2029: 5.65%.
What changed this year? For one thing, applications dipped from recent peaks, and Brown reinstated the SAT/ACT requirement, producing a modest uptick in the overall admit rate while keeping selectivity extremely high.
Average accepted student profile
We already know it’s a selective pool. To put things in perspective, ~95% of the Class of 2029 were in the top 10% of their high school class. Let’s look a little closer at the numbers.
Testing (enrolled first-years, Fall 2024):
- 61% submitted SAT; 24% submitted ACT.
- SAT composite (25th–75th): 1510–1560
- SAT EBRW: 740–780
- SAT Math: 770–800
- ACT composite (25th–75th): 34–35
How this compares: Nationally, the average SAT is around 1050 and ACT around 20; Brown’s middle-50 ranges sit well above typical national benchmarks, which is expected at Ivy-level selectivity. (For Brown-specific decisions, rely on the ranges above.)
- Takeaway: Even at this level, context matters. Brown evaluates scores, grades, rigor, and impact holistically in the context of your school and opportunities.
How to craft a strong Brown application
If you’re ready to build the best possible application for Brown, let’s review what you need to know!
1) Show you can thrive in the Open Curriculum.
Connect your academic interests to self-directed learning: independent study, interdisciplinary projects, or original research. Name a few Brown offerings that fit (labs, centers, or course clusters) to demonstrate fit with the Open Curriculum.
2) Use the short answers strategically.
Those tiny prompts are where voice and clarity shine.
- “Three words”: pick specific, non-generic descriptors that you can support elsewhere.
- “Teach a class” (100 words): outline a micro-syllabus and why your lived experience makes you the teacher.
- “Why Brown” (50 words): focus on one or two precise matches, like programs, advising, labs, or policies, rather than a list.
3) If applying ED, make it airtight.
ED can boost odds, but only commit if Brown is the clear first choice on your college list and the financial plan works for your family. Use Brown’s Net Price Calculator and compare need-based policies before signing the agreement.
Tips for PLME and Brown/RISD applicants:
For both programs, your portfolio (art or academic) matters just as much as your grades.
- For PLME (Program in Liberal Medical Education): Go beyond academic stats. Brown wants to see maturity, curiosity beyond the sciences, and a desire to learn across disciplines. Use your essays to show how you think like a future doctor, and a future scholar.
- For BRDD (Brown/RISD Dual Degree): This 5-year program seeks students who bridge two worlds. Discuss how your artistic and academic identities intersect, and describe past interdisciplinary projects.
Life at Brown University
Other than friendly mascot Bruno the Bear, what else will students enjoy? Brown students are passionate about real-world change.
The Open Curriculum in action.
Students blend computer science with music tech, or public health with urban studies, often spinning up independent studies or sophomore seminars to go deeper. Faculty mentorship and small classes (many under 20 students) make this feasible. Social impact is a core part of life on College Hill.
Career and research access.
Through BrownConnect and department hubs, undergrads find funded summer internships, alumni mentors, and research roles on campus and beyond. This is particularly useful if you’re aiming for startups, civic tech, labs, or creative industries.
Providence, RI.
College Hill is walkable, artsy, and plugged into the Providence design scene via RISD. Dual-degree and cross-registration options create a tight academic-creative ecosystem. Interested in public health? Climate justice? Education reform? You’ll find classmates and professors who are building solutions alongside community partners in Providence and beyond.
Your college future (and beyond)
Brown’s 5.65% acceptance rate confirms a fiercely competitive landscape, but not an impossible one. If you can show authentic intellectual curiosity, readiness for the Open Curriculum, and a clear sense of how Brown’s resources advance your goals, you’ll be a compelling candidate. Start with a balanced list, a testing and timelines plan, and short answers that sound like you.
Ever wondered where your application goes next? Empowerly counselor Connie, a former Admissions Officer at Brown University, explains what happens behind the scenes:
Want a second set of eyes on your Brown strategy?
Talk to an Empowerly advisor about whether your strategy is set up for success!
We are here to help you on your college admissions journey, no matter where it takes you. If you need guidance during this stressful process, book a free consultation with a team member to learn more about our comprehensive student support packages. You can do this.
