Brown University Undergraduate Admissions Guide

Brown University, a member of the Ivy League and located in Providence, Rhode Island, is renowned for its open curriculum and strong liberal arts foundation.

📝 Required Application Components

All applicants must submit the following:

• Common Application form with Brown-specific questions

• $75 application fee or fee waiver request

• Official high school transcript(s)

• School Report and Counselor Recommendation (two separate items)

• Two teacher recommendations (from core academic subjects)

• Mid-Year Report (due by February 28 or upon availability)

• Final Report (for admitted students, due by June 30)

• Early Decision Agreement (if applicable)

Optional Components:

• Video introduction (no more than 2 minutes)

• Portfolio (music/visual arts only, via SlideRoom)

• Additional letter of recommendation (1 allowed, must be sent directly)

🧪 Standardized Testing Policy

Brown reinstated its standardized testing requirement for the 2024–25 cycle.

• Required: SAT or ACT (superscoring applied to both)

• Optional: SAT Essay, ACT Writing, ACT Science (from spring 2025)

• No minimum score required

• Test scores are reviewed in context, considering:

  • Educational background

  • Socioeconomic circumstances

  • Access to testing resources

Institutional Codes:

• SAT: 3094

• ACT: 3800

• TOEFL: 3094

🌎 International Applicants

Brown welcomes applicants from around the globe—approximately 14% of the undergraduate population holds international citizenship.

🧾 English Language Proficiency

Highly recommended if English is not the student’s first or primary language of instruction:

Official score reports are required for enrolling students. Scores must be submitted before expiration.

🧭 Curriculum Context & Advanced Standing

• Brown reviews applications in the context of each country’s educational system.

• Applicants are expected to complete 12–13 years of primary and secondary education.

• International curricula such as IB, A-Levels, French Baccalauréat, and Abitur are well understood and respected.

Advanced Standing

Applicants who have completed 13 years of study with exceptional results (e.g., full A-Levels, IB diploma) may apply for one semester of advanced standing after matriculating. Approval requires:

• Enrollment at Brown

• Submission of official documentation

• Consultation with an academic dean

💸 Financial Aid for International Students

Beginning with the Class of 2029, Brown is need-blind for international applicants—admission decisions are made without consideration of financial need.

• Brown meets 100% of demonstrated financial need.

• All aid is need-based; no merit scholarships are available.

• Applicants must request financial aid at the time of application.

Note: Financial aid does not cover summer/vacation costs or off-campus employment during school breaks. Students are encouraged to explore external funding options.

🎓 Academic Interests & Unique Programs

Applicants can indicate their intended concentrations (majors) in the application, but Brown does not admit by major. Academic interest is used solely for understanding student preferences.

Notable programs include:

• PLME: Program in Liberal Medical Education (8-year BA/MD)

• Brown-RISD Dual Degree: Five-year program in collaboration with the Rhode Island School of Design

📽 Video Introduction

Instead of alumni interviews, applicants may submit an optional 2-minute video introducing themselves. Submission options include:

• Brown Applicant Portal

• Glimpse (for U.S. students)

• InitialView (for international students)

This video allows applicants to express their interests and personality beyond their written application.

🧩 Supplementary Materials

For applicants accomplished in the arts or research:

• Submit music or visual arts portfolios via SlideRoom by:

  • November 4 (Early Decision or QuestBridge Match)

  • January 6 (Regular Decision)

• Academic papers or research abstracts can be uploaded to the Applicant Portal with context explanations.

📬 Final Notes

• Materials must be submitted by relevant institutions, not directly by students.

• Brown communicates via the Applicant Portal; applicants will be notified if documents are missing.

• Do not submit duplicate documents unless requested.

If you're an international student aiming for a place in one of the most selective and intellectually flexible undergraduate programs in the U.S., understanding Brown's expectations and preparing with care are essential.