We all know the Brown University stereotypes: a hippie-dippie student body who spend their days writing poetry while picnicking under trees, a curriculum without core requirements allowing students to mold their studies to their liking, and the intersection of liberal activism and Ivy League esteem. If this sounds like heaven to you, we have good news: this is not really an exaggeration. As the seventh-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, Brown has been forging this legacy of humanities and social justice-driven scholarship for centuries. Its student body contains 2,955 postgraduates and 7,272 undergraduates, and Chair of the Federal Reserve Janet Yellen, political commentator Chris Hayes, and actress Emma Watson all count themselves as alumni.

Perhaps the most distinctive feature of undergraduate academics at Brown is the “Open Curriculum,” which was put into place in 1969 in order to expand intellectual freedom and agency for college students. No shared coursework is required, but according to Brown’s website, “most undergraduates sample courses in a range of subjects before diving into one of 80-plus academic concentrations for in-depth, focused study.” While some may interpret the freedom inherent to the Open Curriculum as lacking in rigor, most students agree that it encourages them to break away from their comfort zones and explore their true passions.

One of the most competitive undergraduate programs in the country is the Brown-Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) dual-degree program, which received hundreds applications to the Class of 2029 for 21 spots, producing a projected acceptance rate in the single digits that gives the likes of Harvard and Yale a run for their money! Fortunately for the rest of Brown, students are encouraged to cross-register at RISD in order to take advantage of the resources of the nearby world-renowned arts school. The two adjacent campuses make Providence’s historic College Hill neighborhood bustling with public art, museums, and nightlife opportunities, in addition to it being the site of one of the largest concentrations of colonial architecture in America. 

Founded in 1764, Brown University was the first university in the United States to codify in its charter that religious affiliation would have no bearing on admissions, even though the fledgling university maintained ties to the Baptist Church. It was named after its first benefactors, the Brown family of Providence. Their economic ties to the Atlantic slave trade were detailed in 2003 by the “Slavery and Justice” report commissioned by then President Ruth Simmons, the first African American president of an Ivy League school. Brown has since been at the forefront of contending with its own history, setting the tone for the rest of the Ivy League.

Student life on campus is anchored by affinity and extracurricular organizations, such as publications like The Brown Daily Herald andThe Brown Spectator, Ivy Film Festival (the world’s largest student-run film festival), and a cappella groups like The Jabberwocks and The Brown Derbies. Greek life draws only around 12% of the student body, but many others opt to be housed in “program houses,” which are residences organized around shared academic disciplines or cultural affinities. These houses select new members to join at the start of each spring semester. Additionally, Brown sponsors 32 varsity intercollegiate teams, making it one of the biggest university sports programs in the U.S.

Despite (or perhaps because of) Brown’s reputation for free-spirited self-discovery, admission is incredibly competitive. Even though in previous years Brown was one of the easier Ivies to get into (in relative terms!), the university has followed the recent trend of dwindling acceptance rates across all Ivies. For the Class of 2029, Brown received 42,765 applications, and accepted 2,418, for a 5.65% acceptance rate comparable to Columbia and Princeton. The admissions process is test-optional and has pioneered a video introduction component in place of traditional alumni interviews. This changing admissions landscape has increased the importance of supplemental writing, essays, and holistic criteria. Luckily for you, New Ivies is here to help you convey that you’re the whole package!

What are Brown University looking for?

Brown carries on the legacy of Rhode Islands founding mission: individual liberty, tolerance, and freedom. Today, Brown students continue to live out such principles by choosing an academic path of their own design. This freedom challenges students to come prepared with intelligence, personal responsibility, and self-discipline. Yet, in spite of the challenges—and also because of them—freedom always brings out the best in those ready to shine.

We believe that all students at Brown are up to the task of freely choosing their own course of study. We are not going to tell you what to do or how to do it—that would be too simple. Instead, we are going to ask you to constantly consider your options, look ahead, and make the tough decisions that will shape the rest of your life. Of course, we will be here to guide and support you along the way, but the inspiration, initiative, and hard work will be yours.

Over the years, our approach has proven itself in the accomplishments of our graduates. They leave their undergraduate experience at Brown already knowing the thrill of creating their own goals and confident that they have what it takes to achieve them. Their ability to master freedom responsibly gives them a huge advantage when it comes to thriving in their chosen profession and in the world beyond Van Wickle Gates.

Admissions Statistics

ADMISSION INFORMATION

APPLICATION DATES & DEADLINES

Additional essay questions of the application.

Three essays are required for all first-year and transfer applicants:

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. (200-250 words) 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. (200-250 words)

Brown students care deeply about their work and the world around them. Students find contentment, satisfaction, and meaning in daily interactions and major discoveries. Whether big or small, mundane or spectacular, tell us about something that brings you joy. (200-250 words)

First-year and transfer applicants are also asked to reflect briefly on each of the very short answer questions below. We expect that answers will range from a few words to a few sentences at most.

What three words best describe you? (3 words)

If you could teach a class on any one thing, whether academic or otherwise, what would it be? (100 words)

In one sentence, Why Brown? (50 words)