Brown University: Supplemental Essays 2025-26

Brown University, an Ivy League located in Providence, Rhode Island, is renowned for its flexible and open curriculum, which fosters intellectual exploration, creativity, and entrepreneurship. For the Class of 2028, Brown reported a 5.16% overall acceptance rate. The regular decision acceptance rate stood at 3.8%, a slight increase compared to recent years, attributed to a smaller applicant pool.

Applicants to the Class of 2029 were required to submit SAT or ACT scores. However, transfer students may still take advantage of the university’s test-optional policy.

“Brown’s supplemental essays are a direct reflection of the university itself. The three main prompts invite applicants to deeply consider how they would engage with the open curriculum, share meaningful context about their background and potential contributions, and reflect on what brings them joy. These prompts are thoughtfully crafted, so take the time to read each one carefully, reflect on what it’s truly asking, and show how you would be a great fit for Brown.”

– Nellie Brennan Hall, Top Tier Admissions Senior Private Counselor & former Associate Director of Admissions at Brown University

BROWN UNIVERSITY: SUPPLEMENTAL ESSAY PROMPTS

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

(200-250 words)

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.

First-year 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)

Transfer students are also asked to complete the following very short answer question: 

What is your most meaningful extracurricular commitment, and what would you like us to know about it? (100 words)

Essay questions for PLME Applicants:

Two essays are required for applicants to the PLME in addition to the three essays required of all first-year applicants:

1. Committing to a future career as a physician while in high school requires careful consideration and self-reflection. Explain your personal motivation to pursue a career in medicine, and why the Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) will best meet your professional and personal goals. (500 words)
2. Healthcare is constantly changing as it is affected by racial and social inequities, economics, politics, technology, and more. 
   Please respond to one of the following prompts (250 words):
   1. How will you, as a future physician, make a positive impact?
   2. How has your personal background uniquely shaped your perspective on the field of medicine?

Essay question for Brown | RISD Dual Degree Applicants:

One essay is required for applicants to the Brown | RISD Dual Degree Program in addition to the three essays required of all first-year applicants:

1. The Brown | RISD Dual Degree Program draws on the complementary strengths of Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) to provide students with the opportunity to explore and engage with diverse spheres of academic and creative inquiry. The culmination of students’ five-year program is a capstone presentation that relates and integrates content, approaches, and methods from two distinct learning experiences. Considering your understanding of the academic programs at Brown and RISD, describe how and why the specific blend of RISD’s experimental, immersive art and design program and Brown’s wide-ranging courses and curricula could constitute an optimal undergraduate education for you. Reflect on how you might integrate or synthesize content, approaches, and methods from these two distinct learning experiences. Additionally, how might you contribute to the Dual Degree community and its commitment to interdisciplinary work? (650-word limit)

WANT TO READ MORE?

Are you thinking about applying to Brown? Confused on how to start writing these essays? Contact us to discuss our Essay Guidance Program or Personal Application Boot Camp® and improve your odds of admission with expert guidance.

Top Tier Admissions is tracking the 2025-2026 supplemental essay prompts for all top schools here — we look forward to supporting you!

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