Brown University Admission

Brown University, with a student population of 10,737, which includes 14% international students, holds the 79th position in the QS World University Rankings 2024. The university offers two primary intakes: Fall and Spring. Application deadlines vary by program, but generally, the early deadline is November 1, 2024, with regular decisions released by January 3, 2025. As of Fall 2023, the acceptance rate at Brown University is only 5%. 

To apply to Brown University, students must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required, although admitted students typically have an average GPA of 3.49.
• The required GRE score is 305, while the average score of accepted applicants is 321.
• A GMAT score of 700 is necessary for relevant programs.
• Applicants must provide a minimum SAT score of 1570.
• A minimum IELTS score of 7.5 is required.
• The university accepts a TOEFL pBT score of 620 or a TOEFL iBT score of 105.

Applicants may initially submit unofficial transcripts with their application. Official transcripts are required only for students who enroll and must be submitted before classes commence. For degrees from non-U.S. institutions, an international transcript evaluation from WES, or ECE is a must. To process the entire application process, the university charges an application fee of USD 75 which is to be paid during the application process. 

Brown University Admission - Application Timeline

Brown University offers two intakes primarily - Fall and Spring. The application deadline for each program is different. However, the application deadlines for early decisions and regular decisions are stated below - 

Brown University Admissions - Top Graduate Courses 

It is an Ivy League institution located in Providence, Rhode Island, and is known for its rigorous academic programs and a unique approach to education that encourages student autonomy and interdisciplinary study. The university offers nearly 2,000 courses across 45 departments. Brown's Computer Science department is highly regarded, particularly for its strengths in systems, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and theoretical computer science.
 

Brown University Admissions - Eligibility Criteria (Graduate)

To pursue any master-level course, the specific eligibility criteria varies program to program. But common eligibility criteria include the following - 

Brown University Admissions - Eligibility Criteria (MBA)

To apply for an MBA program, international students must fulfill the following eligibility criteria -

Brown University Admissions - Eligibility Criteria (Under-Graduate)

Undergraduate courses come with their own set of eligibility criteria. Refer to the table below - 

Brown University - Application Process

With an acceptance rate of 6%, the application process to Brown is competitive, and prospective students need to carefully prepare their applications to stand out. Below is an overview of the steps and requirements involved in applying to Brown University for undergraduate programs.

Step 1: Apply through the common application or coalition application. A non-refundable application fee of USD 75 is required. Fee waivers are available for eligible students.

Step 2: The Brown University application will include the following information - 

• Academic Transcript: Official high school transcript with a strong emphasis on academic performance. 
• Standardized Test Scores:

• 
  SAT or ACT scores are optional for the 2023-2024 application cycle. Applicants who choose to submit scores should ensure they are sent directly from the testing agency.

• Letters of Recommendation:

• 
  Teacher Recommendations: Two letters from teachers who have taught the student in core academic subjects.
• 
  Counselor Recommendation: One letter from the school counselor or a similar school official.

• Essays:

• 
  Common App or Coalition Essay: A general personal statement of 650 words.
• 
  Brown Supplementary Essays: Three short answer questions specific to Brown, usually about the applicant’s academic interests, reasons for applying to Brown, and their perspective on a significant personal experience.

• School Report: A form completed by the high school counselor, including an evaluation of the student’s academic and personal achievements.
• Mid-Year Report: An update on the student’s academic performance during their senior year.

Step 4: Brown University offers optional alumni interviews for applicants. These interviews are informational and evaluative, providing applicants with an opportunity to learn more about Brown and for the admissions committee to gain additional insights into the applicant.

Step 5: Apply for financial aid application. 

• CSS Profile: Required for all students applying for financial aid. The CSS Profile helps Brown determine the student’s financial need.
• FAFSA: Required for U.S. citizens and permanent residents applying for federal financial aid.
• Financial Aid Deadlines:

• 
  Early Decision: November 15
• 
  Regular Decision: February 1

Step 6: Brown University sends the decision notification by the following dates - 

• Early Decision: Mid-December
• Regular Decision: Late March

Step 7: Accepted students must confirm their enrollment by May 1 for Regular Decision.

Brown University Admissions - Hostel Application Process

Once you are admitted to Brown University, you can apply for on-campus housing through the Residential Life Office. The application typically opens in early February. Follow the steps below to apply for housing at Brown University -

Cost of Housing at Brown University:

Refer to the table below to understand the housing and food costs at Brown University.

Brown University Admissions - Scholarship Application Process

International students applying to Brown University are eligible for need-based financial aid, which covers the full demonstrated need of admitted students. Brown University does not offer merit-based scholarships; all financial aid is need-based. To secure need-based financial aid from Brown University, applicants must follow the following steps - 

Step 1: Submit your application through the Common Application, indicating your international status and completing all admission requirements.

Step 2: Submit the CSS Profile by the deadlines to be considered for need-based financial aid:

• Early Decision: November 1, 2024
• Regular Decision: February 1, 2025.

*No fee waivers are available for the CSS Profile.

Step 3: Provide additional documents via the College Board’s IDOC if requested. This may include:

•  2022 federal income tax returns or non-tax filer statements for parents and students. 
•  Employer statements of annual earnings if applicable.

Step 4: If you are eligible for the financial aid you will receive a provisional financial aid decision with your admission decision. This aid covers tuition, fees, room, and board, but may not cover personal expenses, travel, or vacation costs.

Starting with the Class of 2029 (Fall 2025 entry), Brown University will be need-blind for international students, meaning financial need will not affect admission chances. Before this, a need-aware policy applies.

Brown University - Acceptance Rate

Brown University maintains a rigorous admissions policy for international candidates, reflected in its diverse student population. International students make up 12% of the total student body, with a significant 44% representation in the graduate class. Among the international students, there are 250 Indian students. The university also reported that 16% of admitted applicants are the first in their families to attend college. Additionally, 91% of admitted students come from non-rural areas, and it is estimated that 65% of applicants seek scholarships to support their studies at Brown.

The acceptance rate was 5.2%, and approximately 12% of the students in this class are international citizens. This highlights the competitive nature of gaining admission as an international applicant.

Furthermore, Brown University recently adopted a need-blind admission process for international students starting with the Class of 2029, meaning that the financial need of international applicants will not impact their admission chances.

Frequently Asked Questions