How to Get into Brown University 

Brown is a private Ivy League research university in Providence, Rhode Island. It is the 7th oldest higher education facility in the United States as well as one of nine colonial colleges chartered before the American Revolution. It was founded in 1764 as Rhode Island College, and then in 1804 it became known as Brown.   

What is Brown University? 

The Brown family moved the Rhode Island College to a permanent building in Providence, and Joseph Brown was one of the first professors to teach there in the 1770s. To this day, the college has the oldest Applied Mathematics program and the third oldest medical program in the country. Brown University is extremely competitive and highly prestigious. 

Testing Scores for Admission

According to the college, the average SAT score ranges from 1480 to 1560, while the average ACT score is between 33 and 35. The average weighted GPA of acceptance is around 4.08, and 94% of students placed in the top 10% of their class. As such, GPA is just as important as the main two standardized tests. 

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Acceptance & Graduation Rate

To get into Brown, a student’s standardized test scores and high school GPA have to be exceptional. This is reflected in the acceptance rate as it is 5%, meaning that roughly one of twenty students that apply get in. However, this school has enrolled some of the brightest students as the graduation rate is 95%.

How Are Applicants Rated? 

Brown ranks the following eight categories as being “very important” to the admissions process: rigor of secondary school record, class rank, GPA, standardized test scores, application essay, recommendations, talent/ability, and character/personal qualities. 

Tips to Get Into Brown

  • All Ivy Leagues, including Brown, accept the Common App so students should use that to their advantage by filling out the activities section.
  • The Harvard acceptance rate jumps to 17% when students apply early action. Current juniors should plan on applying by November 1st. 
  • Brown is looking for students who “possess an intense curiosity and aspire to make an impact.” The university avoids any type of formulaic assessment and dives into a full-blown holistic admissions process.
  • Brown gives applicants the option of an alumni interview, which can be conducted in-person, over the phone/Skype, or through the submission of a two-minute video portfolio. Those electing for the latter option can upload a video into their Applicant Portal on whatever topic they choose.

How Does Brown Compare to Other Top Universities? 

Brown’s yield rate; the percentage of accepted students who elect to enroll, divided by the total number of students who are admitted, was 70% last year. This figure is higher than comparable Ivy League universities like Yale (69%) and Cornell (64%).  

Are you or will you be attending Brown University?

Stock up on gear to show your pride for the Bears. Grab this sweatshirt, decals for your laptop, or this Brown University pennant.

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