Brown University

Yes — Brown is one of the most selective universities in the country, admitting about 6.3% of applicants in the most recent cycle. It drew roughly 42,774 applications and enrolled around 1,719 first-year students, so strong grades and test scores are the baseline rather than a differentiator.

Brown does not collect or report an average high school GPA. Among the roughly 29% of enrolled first-years who submitted a class rank, about 93% were in the top tenth of their graduating class and 98% in the top quarter — so admitted students typically earn top grades in the most rigorous courses their school offers. Rigor of secondary record and academic GPA are both rated very important in Brown's review.

A 1500 is in range but on the lower side: the middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 1470–1550 on the SAT, with a median of 1520. About 89% of enrolled students scored 1400 or above. Brown has reinstated its testing requirement, so first-year applicants must submit SAT or ACT scores.

Yes. Brown is not test-optional — first-year applicants must submit SAT or ACT scores. Among enrolled students the middle 50% scored 1470–1550 on the SAT and 33–35 on the ACT, and standardized test scores are rated a very important factor in admission.

Brown offers a binding Early Decision plan, and applying early carries meaningfully better odds: Brown admitted about 907 of roughly 5,062 Early Decision applicants, an ED admit rate near 18% versus the 6.3% overall rate. ED is binding, so apply early only if Brown is your clear first choice.

The social sciences are the largest area at about 27% of degrees conferred, followed by computer science (about 13%), mathematics and statistics (about 10%), and the biological sciences (about 10%). Brown's Open Curriculum has no general-education requirements, letting students design concentrations across a wide range of humanities and STEM fields.

Tuition and required fees run about $77,552, with on-campus food and housing adding roughly $19,464 more. Brown is need-blind for domestic applicants and meets 100% of demonstrated financial need — about 49% of first-years receive need-based aid, with an average aid package near $72,838.

Yes — the application essay is rated a very important factor in Brown's holistic review, on par with grades, rigor, test scores, and recommendations. Character and personal qualities are weighed as very important too, while level of applicant interest is not considered, so the essays are where you show fit with Brown's Open Curriculum rather than simply declaring interest.

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