Brown University

Independent Thinkers

Brown’s Open Curriculum removes many traditional requirements, which means students must be proactive about their education. The admissions team looks for applicants who take initiative, follow ideas across disciplines, and show evidence of self-directed learning. Curiosity matters more than checking boxes.

Genuine Self-Expression

Brown prioritizes authenticity. Rather than perfectly polished applications, they value honesty, reflection, and individuality. Essays that feel real, thoughtful, and personal tend to resonate more than those that try to impress through grand claims or rehearsed narratives.

Collaborative and Ethical Engagement

Community matters deeply at Brown. The university seeks students who contribute thoughtfully to group discussions, support others, and engage with social and ethical questions. Collaboration, empathy, and openness are seen as strengths, not softness.

Brown reports an average GPA of around 3.9, reflecting a highly accomplished student body. Most admitted students have taken the most rigorous courses available to them and performed at a very high level.

Unlike many peer institutions, Brown now requires standardized testing. For recent admitted classes, the middle 50 percent of students scored approximately 1500–1570 on the SAT and 34–35 on the ACT. Test scores are only one component of a holistic review, but they do provide context for academic readiness.

Applications are submitted through the Common Application or Coalition Application and include:

Early Decision: November 1

Regular Decision: January 5

Brown requires two teacher recommendations and one counselor recommendation. Strong letters typically come from teachers who know you well in an academic setting and can speak about how you think, contribute, and grow. It’s best to ask by the end of junior year so recommenders have time to write detailed and thoughtful letters.

Brown emphasizes depth, initiative, and meaningful engagement over résumé-building. Competitive applicants usually show sustained involvement and leadership, along with clear impact.

Activities don’t need to be prestigious, but they should demonstrate responsibility, growth, and purpose. Whether through leadership roles, community initiatives, creative projects, athletics, or work experience, Brown values students who take ownership of what they do and commit to it seriously.

Brown-Specific Essays

Brown requires three main essays of around 200–250 words each, focusing on:

In addition, applicants complete short responses, including:

These responses work together to show intellectual curiosity, self-awareness, personality, and fit with Brown’s flexible academic environment.

Demonstrate Comfort with Academic Freedom

Brown wants evidence that you can thrive without rigid requirements. Highlight moments where you pursued interests independently, combined disciplines, or created your own learning opportunities.

Lean Into Uncertainty and Growth

Essays don’t need to present you as someone who always had the answers. Brown values curiosity that develops through confusion, experimentation, and reflection.

Avoid Overstated Impact Narratives

You don’t need to claim you’re changing the world. Thoughtful, personal contributions often feel more aligned with Brown’s culture than sweeping, abstract missions.

Use Short Answers Strategically

The brief responses are a chance to show humor, quirks, and contrast. Use them to reveal sides of yourself that don’t appear elsewhere in the application.

Brown is best suited for students who enjoy autonomy, intellectual exploration, and self-designed paths. If you are motivated by curiosity rather than requirements, and if you value collaboration over competition, Brown may be an excellent fit.

The Open Curriculum rewards students who are proactive, reflective, and comfortable making choices without constant guidance. If that freedom excites you and aligns with how you learn best, Brown is worth serious consideration.

Princeton University Admissions Guide