How to Get Into Brown University

Many high school students in the United States and among many countries aspire to attend Brown University, one of the most prestigious Ivy League schools located in Providence, Rhode Island. Known for its innovative curriculum, diverse campus life, and distinguished faculty, Brown provides a unique educational experience that emphasizes personal freedom and creativity. However, gaining admission can be competitive and challenging. If you're considering applying to Brown and getting accepted, you should familiarize yourself with the admission requirements, acceptance rates, and other important insights that can enhance your application.

Get to Know Brown University

Brown University is distinguished not only for its academic excellence but also for its commitment to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment. Here are some key details about Brown:

• Established: 1764
• School Type: Private
• Notable Graduates: John D. Rockefeller Jr., Emma Watson, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg
• Campus Location: Providence, Rhode Island
• Academics: Brown has a remarkable student-to-faculty ratio of 6 to 1, which offers personalized attention and mentorship. The university has a 95% six-year graduation rate and an impressive first-year retention rate of 98%. This commitment to student success is highlighted in the various opportunities available, allowing selected students across many majors to study abroad and engage in innovative research projects.
• Majors: With over 80+ majors, Brown offers undergraduate students the chance to concentrate in fields such as Astronomy, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cognitive Science, Computer Engineering, Engineering, English, and many other disciplines. This variety enables students to tailor their educational journeys to align with their interests and career aspirations

Unique Aspects About Brown

1. The Open Curriculum

• Brown is famous for its Open Curriculum (since 1969), which eliminates general education requirements.
• Students design their own course of study, choosing classes that genuinely interest them.
• This fosters academic independence, intellectual exploration, and cross-disciplinary learning.

2. Grading Flexibility

• Brown offers Satisfactory/No Credit (S/NC) grading options, encouraging risk-taking in difficult or unfamiliar courses.
• There’s less grade pressure compared to peer schools, making it easier for students to explore widely without worrying about GPA impact.

3. Undergraduate Research and Interdisciplinarity

• Research opportunities are accessible from the first year across all disciplines.
• Brown strongly encourages interdisciplinary approaches, with students often blending fields like computer science with biology, or history with international relations.

4. Collaborative, Non-Competitive Culture

• Brown’s ethos is often described as that of a ‘laid-back Ivy,’ fostering intellectual curiosity without cutthroat competition.
• The lack of class rank and emphasis on cooperation fosters a unique academic culture compared to other Ivies.

5. Student-Driven Environment

• Students play a big role in shaping the university: from the curriculum to governance and campus culture.
• Brown is known for its activism and social engagement, historically leading movements on free speech, divestment, and inclusivity.

6. Strong Focus on Liberal Arts + Innovation

• While rooted in the liberal arts, Brown is also forward-thinking in entrepreneurship and technology.
• The Brown–RISD Dual Degree Program (with Rhode Island School of Design) is one of the most unique collaborations in the U.S., combining Ivy academics with world-class art and design training.

7. Global and Social Impact Orientation

• Programs like the Engaged Scholars Program and the Swearer Center for Public Service show Brown’s emphasis on applying learning for societal good.
• Many students pursue social impact careers or combine academics with activism.

Brown College not only stands out for its academic rigor but also for its unique approach to education, providing a nurturing environment where college students can grow, learn, and excel.

Understanding the Odds of Brown’s Acceptance Rate

One of the most famous questions that prospective students ask is what the likelihood of acceptance is based on factors such as GPA, extracurriculars, awards, among many others. According to the latest data, Brown’s acceptance rate is around 5%. Understanding the different application processes can help you navigate getting into college.

Early Decision vs. Regular Decision

• Early Decision: This binding application option allows for students to express a strong commitment to Brown. By applying early, you show that this college is your top choice, which can increase your chances of acceptance. Under Early Decision, prospective students apply by November 1 (11:59 p.m. applicant's local time) and receive a decision by mid-December.
• Regular Decision: This non-binding option is available to those who prefer to keep their options open. While still competitive, the acceptance rates tend to be much lower compared to the Early Decision applicants, so it’s important to present a compelling application to stand out. The Regular Decision plan requires applying by January 5 (11:59 p.m. applicant's local time). Applicants who apply under the Regular Decision plan will receive a decision by early April.

Brown’s Most Popular Majors In Detail

To help you in your academic journey, here are some of the most popular majors at Brown:

• Cognitive Science: This program bridges psychology, neuroscience, and computer science to understand the mind and its processes. College students who are accepted to this program will gain valuable insights into how humans think and behave.
• Engineering: Brown’s engineering program emphasizes a hands-on approach to problem solving, allowing individuals to engage in research and real-world projects while building a strong technical foundation
• International Relations: This major prepares students for careers in global affairs. It offers a comprehensive understanding of political, economic, and social issues beyond national boundaries.
• Literature: By gaining a bachelor degree in this major, brown students will focus on critical analysis and creative writing. It also allows people to delve into a wide array of tests and explore different genres.

Brown’s Unique Programs

Here are the special programs that Brown University offers at the undergraduate level:

• RISD Dual Degree: This program is an effort between Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). Students in this dual degree program have the opportunity to earn both a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) from RISD and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) from Brown. This unique opportunity allows students to explore their creative passions while also engaging in a rigorous liberal arts education.
• Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME): The PLME is a unique program that allows students to pursue both their undergraduate education and medical school training in a span of 8 years. Designed for students who are committed to a career in medicine, it offers a combined course of study leading to both a Bachelor’s degree from Brown and a Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University (graduate program).
• Resumed Undergraduate Education (RUE): RUE is designed for adult learners who want to return to college to complete their undergraduate education after a gap in their studies. This program provides flexibility and support for non-traditional students who have other professional commitments. This program allows for a diverse learning environment at Brown.

What Does Brown Look For In High School Students?

Brown University says that they are looking for “intelligent, highly motivated students from all walks of life, … who represent different academic and extracurricular interests, and who bring a spectrum of ideologies to Brown.”

What Does this Mean?

This means that this college looks for leaders who come from different backgrounds and with different perspectives. They look for people with different interests and who recognize the opportunities that are around them.

This focus on diverse backgrounds means that candidates will have unique personal stories, interests in different fields of study, and different ways of problem-solving. Brown values leaders who are not only academically capable but also bring different cultural and ideological perspectives, as these contribute to deeper discussions and a more inclusive campus atmosphere.

How Can Kollegio Help You When Applying for Brown?

Kollegio is a college counseling tool that students from across the globe can use when applying to college and university. Students receive guidance on how to improve their extracurricular list, what colleges may be the best match for them, and scholarships that they can apply to to ease the college costs.

The most beneficial tool that students should know about is the college essay writing assistant tool. When it comes time for high school seniors to apply to colleges, these students will have to write essays and other similar writing prompts. Oftentimes, these sections are valued by colleges because it shows them how you think and your interests beyond just a list.

However, by utilizing Kollegio AI’s writing assistant tool, students will be able to get constructive feedback and advice on how to improve their writing to clearly get their point across to the readers.

Overall, Kollegio AI serves as a resource for students, enhancing their writing skills and their overall application strategy, helping them to feel more prepared and confident as they take this important step toward their future education.

Final Thoughts

Getting into Brown University requires strong academics, unique interests, and an interesting story. By learning more about what this college offers, you will be able to increase your chances of standing out in a competitive pool of applicants. Also, by utilizing the Kollegio tools, such as the College Essay Writing Assistant tool, you will definitely increase your chances of getting accepted to Brown University.

By Mira Romany