Brown University, an Ivy League institution located in Providence, Rhode Island, is known for its commitment to a flexible and open curriculum. The Class of 2028 had a 5.16% overall acceptance rate. The regular decision acceptance rate was 3.8%, slightly higher than recent years due to a smaller applicant pool.
Applicants to the Class of 2029 will need to submit an SAT or ACT score although there are some exceptions for those unable to take these exams. Transfer students may still take advantage of a test-optional policy.

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TTA Top Tip: Don’t forget that if you are applying to the eight-year Program in Liberal Medical Education or the five-year Brown-Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) Dual Degree Program, you must also complete program-specific essays. While the number of essays required by Brown might seem daunting at first, rest assured that with the right strategy you can tackle them easily! Consider our Essay Guidance Program for expert counseling on how to craft the most compelling responses to these questions.

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BROWN UNIVERSITY: SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAY PROMPTS
Required for all first-year and transfer students:
- 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)
Required for first-year students:
- What three words best describe you? (3 words)
- What is your most meaningful extracurricular commitment, and what would you like us to know about it? (100 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)
Required for transfer students:
- What is your most meaningful extracurricular commitment, and what would you like us to know about it? (100 words)
APPLYING TO BROWN UNIVERSITY?
Are you thinking about applying to Brown University? Confused on how to start writing these essays? Contact us to discuss our Essay Guidance Program or Personal Boot Camp and improve your odds of admission with expert guidance.
Top Tier Admissions is tracking the 2024-2025 supplemental essay prompts for all top schools here — we look forward to supporting you!
Interested in reading more about Brown?
- Brown University: Class of 2028 Acceptance Rate
- Breaking News: Brown Requires Standardized Test Scores
- Get into Brown: 5 Insider Tips
- Brown University: Acceptance Rates & Statistics
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