Established in 1764, Brown University is a private Ivy League research university in Providence, Rhode Island. As one of the most prestigious Ivy League schools, Brown offers not only academic excellence but also a culture of individuality, creativity, and intellectual freedom.
Some popular subjects offered at Brown are: Computer Science, Economics, Engineering and Psychology.
Important Factors in Admission Decision
Brown considers the following “very important” factors in admission decisions
Course rigor
GPA
Class Rank
Test scores
Essay
Recommendation letters
Extracurriculars
Talent/ability
Character/ personal qualities
How To Improve Your Chances Of Getting Into Brown
1. Achieve a high GPA while taking the most challenging classes available
It’s extremely important for Brown applicants to not only possess outstanding grades but for those grades to come in challenging courses. International students accepted to an Ivy League like Brown typically complete between 5 to 8 advanced courses in high school.
Taking Advanced Placement (AP) exams is a great way to enhance your academic profile and demonstrate your commitment to challenging coursework. These exams allow you to showcase college-level knowledge which can impress admissions officers looking for students who push themselves academically.
2. Aim for a 1570 SAT or a 35+ ACT
Brown University has reinstated its standardized testing requirement for first-year applicants, marking a significant change in its admissions process. Starting with the 2024-2025 admissions cycle, all applicants are required to submit either SAT or ACT scores, emphasizing the importance of standardized tests in evaluating academic preparedness. This decision reflects the university's commitment to a holistic admissions process while also recognizing that standardized tests can provide valuable insights into an applicant's readiness for the rigors of college coursework.
Brown encourages students to submit their highest scores, but also emphasizes that test scores are just one part of a comprehensive application that includes academic records, personal essays, and letters of recommendation. This reinstatement aims to create a more balanced assessment of each candidate's potential for success at Brown.
The middle 50% of Brown class of 2024 earned SAT scores of 1500-1570 and ACT scores of 34-35+. Any score in the middle 50% is good, however, the higher the score, the better your odds of admission.
3. Explore your favorite subjects via Research Papers
One common factor that we have noted in the resumes of students admitted to the Ivy Leagues and other top colleges is the prevalence of research work while still in high school. In this article we explain how and why exposure to research helps students and the key steps in planning and writing high quality research papers.
There are three main reasons, as to why Research Papers help students stand out. A high-quality research paper shows that you have the energy and the initiative to go beyond what is taught in the class and apply it to real life problems. It shows that your interest in the subject extends beyond the questions provided at the end of the chapter. Secondly, you learn the discipline of not rushing intuitively to the likely answer, instead using a deliberate process in which you are guided by the data. Lastly, in working with a skilled professor or mentor you learn how to organize your thoughts better, ask the right questions and try to answer those questions in the best way possible subject to the constraints.
4. Cultivate at least one or two Tier 1-2 extracurriculars (find your “niche”)
For selective institutions like Brown, extracurricular activities can play a larger role in admission decisions. Up to 25% of an admissions decision can be determined by a student’s activities outside of the classroom. While it’s true that there is no such thing as a bad extracurricular activity, some extracurricular activities are more impressive than others.
Admissions officers evaluate extracurriculars with one being the most exceptional and four being the most common. For example:
Tier 1 activities are rare and demonstrate exceptional achievement or leadership at a national or international level. Some examples are, 1) World Robot Olympiad, a global competition where youngsters (13 to 19 years age) from different countries participate, 2) International Mathematical Olympiad, a math competition for pre- university students, 3) International Science Olympiads in various areas of the formal sciences, natural sciences and social sciences.
Tier 2 extracurriculars show high levels of achievement and leadership but aren’t quite as rare as activities found in Tier 1 (they’re more of state-level achievements). These include making an all-state selection in athletics, serving as student body president, or being selected for a prestigious state-wide summer program like governor’s school.
Tier 3 extracurricular activities are great for showing an applicant’s interest outside of the classroom but don’t have the cachet of higher-tiered extracurriculars. These activities are smaller leadership roles and achievements that often appear on applications. These include being captain of a sports team or holding a lesser officer position in a club.
Tier 4 extracurriculars are the least impressive and most common activities seen by admissions officers. These activities include playing a sport or instrument, participating in a club but not holding a leadership position, and volunteering.
Supplementary Submission: Brown University invites applicants to submit supplementary materials that showcase exceptional academic work, research, or artistic achievements. This is your chance to stand out by sharing advanced research papers or artistic portfolios. When submitting through the Brown Applicant Portal, include the research paper’s date, whether it was independent or a team effort, your role, and any recognition received. Providing context, such as challenges faced or skills gained, helps the admissions committee see your work beyond classroom achievements and highlights your active engagement in research or creative projects.
5. Write engaging essays
Essays are the best way to distinguish yourself from other applicants. Brown requires all applicants to submit one personal essay and seven question prompts as part of its application. Research the university and the faculty of the department you are planning to join. Explain in your essay how your values tie with the expectations of the university and how you expect to utilize the knowledge to make the world a better place.
These short takes and essays range from 50 to 200 words. Let’s take a look at some of these questions:
Brown's Open Curriculum allows students to explore broadly while also diving deeply into their academic pursuits. Tell us about any academic interests that excite you, and how you might pursue them at Brown. This prompt is asking you to reflect on the academic subjects you're passionate about and how Brown's Open Curriculum would allow you to explore those interests. Think about what excites you intellectually—whether it's a specific field or a combination of disciplines—and explain how Brown’s flexible structure would let you tailor your education to dive deeper into those areas while still exploring others. Highlight the freedom the curriculum offers to shape your learning experience according to your goals.
Students entering Brown often find that making their home on College Hill naturally invites reflection on where they came from. Share how an aspect of your growing up has inspired or challenged you, and what unique contributions this might allow you to make to the Brown community. This prompt asks you to reflect on how your upbringing has shaped you and what challenges or inspirations you've faced along the way. Brown wants to know how these experiences have influenced your identity and the unique perspective you’ll bring to campus. Share a personal story that reveals how your background has prepared you to contribute meaningfully to the Brown community.
If you could teach a class on any one thing, whether academic or otherwise, what would it be? This prompt is asking you to share something you’re truly passionate about, whether it's an academic subject, hobby, or unique interest. It’s your chance to showcase your curiosity and what excites you enough to share with others. Be specific, explain why this topic matters to you and what you'd want others to take away from the class. This helps Brown see how you might enrich their community with your passions and knowledge.
6. Recommendation Letters
Letters of recommendation (LOR) help paint a complete picture of who you are in front of the admission officers. Like any good painter, you want to be in control of your whole application. It is important to ensure that you are approaching teachers, mentors etc. that know you well. The LOR provides an insight into your personality, behaviors and work ethic and are crucial to your application. Brown requires you to send recommendations from
Teacher – Required 2, Optional 2
High School Counsellor – Required
Other – Optional 1 (Example: Art teacher, Clergy, Coach, College Access Counselor, Employer, Family Member, Peer etc.)
You should approach your high school teachers several months in advance. Requesting a letter of recommendation from a teacher is a big ask—they’re busy and don’t get paid to write recommendations. Make it easy for your recommenders by giving them plenty of time, providing them with as much relevant information as possible.
7. Apply Early Action/Early Decision
Brown’s Early Decision program is binding, meaning that if you are admitted, you are obligated to accept their offer of admission. The ED deadline for Brown is 1st November.
The primary criterion for admission to Brown is academic excellence. Brown values students who are committed, dedicated, passionate, have potential to succeed and those students with a genuine interest in expanding their intellectual horizon. Following the guidelines above will help you present your best self to Brown University and maximize your admission chances.
EZ Scholar is a premium admissions consultancy and test prep organization which works with bright and ambitious students seeking admissions to Ivy Leagues, Oxbridge and other top global universities. Our experts have mentored thousands of students with their profile building, research papers, extracurricular and co-curricular activities, test prep and admissions essays.
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