Brown, a prestigious Ivy League research institution that was founded in 1764, brings together students and professors to tackle the fundamental problems of a world that is becoming more complicated and dynamic. The Brown University acceptance rate is a significant factor in determining how selective the university is. The Office of Institutional Research is tasked with initiating and carrying out research on the University's policies, academic programs, and environment in order to support the senior administration's planning and assessment initiatives.
Brown University has a single digit acceptance rate, which means it is rather difficult for students to get into this Ivy League university. You must have a strong academic and extracurricular profile in order to be considered for admission. To be considered good contenders, applicants to Brown should preferably have a GPA of between 3.8 and 4.0. Although there are no formal GPA requirements at Brown, most applicants—typically 90% or more—have an unweighted GPA of at least 3.75. If you have a GPA of 4.0, you have an excellent chance.
Latest about Brown University Acceptance Rate
Although Brown University's Building on Distinction strategic plan emphasizes the university's commitment to diversity, Brown has long understood that diversity benefits all facets of the school, including the Open Curriculum, world-class research opportunities, and residential and extracurricular experiences. They still regard this dedication as essential to their development into a preeminent hub for scholarly achievement.
What is Brown University acceptance rate?
According to U.S. News and World Report, the Brown University acceptance rate is 5%. This means that for every 100 applicants, only 5 are accepted into the university. Overall, Brown University accepted 7,222 undergraduate students and 2,920 graduate students for fall 2023 enrollment. The total number of students admitted to Brown University in 2023 was 10,737.
Brown University Acceptance Rate for International Students
As an international student, you might be wondering what is the acceptance rate for Brown University? International students are always welcome at Brown. Actually, 14 percent of their pupils are international. In reality, more than 2,700 international academics, students, and their families attend Brown, representing more than 100 nations. The Brown University acceptance rate for international students is significantly lower than other universities in the U.S.A. International applicants to Brown University were accepted at rates of 3.9%, 3.6%, and 4% for the classes of 2027, 2026, and 2025, respectively. On the other hand, it was reported to be 5.4% for the class of 2024.
Brown University Acceptance Rate for Post Graduates
The total number of students admitted to Brown University in 2023 was 10,737. Out of this, 2,920 were graduate students. A mere number of prospective students are granted admission to Brown University out of the about 350 thousand applications it gets annually. The Brown University transfer acceptance rate is also comparatively lower than several other universities in the United States.
Brown University Acceptance Rate for Undergraduates
The total number of students admitted to Brown University in 2023 was 10,737. Out of this, 7,222 were undergraduate students. There were 51,316 applications to the undergraduate class of 2027. Out of these, 2,686 students were admitted to the undergraduate class of 2027. The acceptance rate for the undergraduate class of 2027 was 5%. You need to have a very high GPA and excellent overall class ranking to be considered for admission at Brown University. However, Brown has no minimum requirement.
Brown University Acceptance Rate Trends (Last 5 Years)
The number of applicants has increased significantly since the Class of 2024, which had 32,232 applications and had an acceptance rate of 5.4%, even though it has stayed reasonably steady over the last two years. With the increasing number of applications, Brown University has become even more competitive over time. For the 2027 session, Brown received more than 40,000 applications. So the competition is extreme. You need very high academic standards to be eligible for admission. The table below demonstrates the last 5 years of trend for the Brown University acceptance rate.
Applications
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
No. of Applications Received
34,444
32,232
41,028
44,503
44,532
No. of Applications Accepted
1,782
1,733
1,652
1,651
1,730
Factors Influencing Brown University Acceptance Rate
The Ivy League admissions setting has seen significant upheaval in the past ten years. A detailed examination of Brown's acceptance rate data identifies a few distinct patterns. The number of applicants has increased significantly since the Class of 2024, which had 32,232 applications and had an acceptance rate of 5.4%, even though it has stayed reasonably steady over the last two years. The Class of 2025, with 41,028 applications and an acceptance rate of 4%, started a pattern of declining acceptance rates.
Let us analyse the implications of this for potential students.
The most notable pattern is a steady drop in acceptance rates accompanied by an overall rise of applications. This illustrates how competitive Brown admissions have become over the past years.
Applying early can definitely improve an applicant's chances of being accepted to Brown, as seen by the comparison of early round acceptance rates to regular decision rates. The Class of 2028 has an Early Decision acceptance rate of 14.4%, whereas the Regular Decision acceptance rate is 3.9%. This difference underscores the possible benefit of applying during the Early Decision period.
Ivy League acceptance rates are still far lower than they were even five years ago, despite having stabilised following a sharp decline. Top institutions admit almost the same number of students each year despite an increase in applications. As a result, there is still intense rivalry for admissions.
The picture of top college admissions is reflected in the startlingly low acceptance percentages at Brown and the growing number of applicants. Brown's student-led curriculum and its restored test score requirement (effective with the 2024–2025 application season) are further elements that increase the school's competitiveness.
How to Improve Your Chances of Admission at Brown University
Your first step toward attending one of the most vibrant and thought-provoking Ivy League universities is to apply to Brown University. The admittance rate at Brown University is 5%. The institution got 51,316 applications during the most recent cycle of admissions, and 2,686 students were admitted. Here are some strategies to increase your chances of being accepted into this esteemed college.
Brown University does not have a minimum GPA requirement for applicants. The Brown University acceptance rate GPA is typically high. Although the average GPA of accepted students is not publicly disclosed by the institution, it is stated that 95% of first-year students graduated from high school in the top 10% of their class. Having a high GPA will make you more likely to be accepted.
A strong SAT and ACT score is essential for Brown University applications. In the Evidence-Based Reading and Writing part of the SAT, the majority of first-year students scored between 750 and 800, and in maths, 87.2% of them achieved that high level. On the SAT, the middle 50% had scores between 1510 and 1570. With the middle 50% scoring between 34 and 36 on the ACT, 66.4% of accepted students had composite scores ranging from 35 to 36.
Your essays provide you the opportunity to express yourself authentically and to shine light on your beliefs, interests, and distinctive qualities beyond the quantitative data of your application. Talent/ability and character/personal traits are crucial components of your candidacy, according to Brown, so make sure your essays highlight these aspects. Brown places a high importance on community, so make sure in your essays that you align with the school's ideals. Finally, since Brown encourages originality, pay close attention to the way you write.
Comparing Brown University's Acceptance Rate to Other Similar Universities
The following universities in the table, along with their acceptance rates, are frequently contrasted with Brown University.
Name of the University
Acceptance Rate
California Institute of Technology
3%
Harvard University
3%
Columbia University
4%
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
4%
Stanford University
4%
Stanford University
5%
Curtis Institute of Music
5%
University of Chicago
5%
Yale University
5%
Dartmouth College
6%
With an admittance rate of just 3%, Harvard University is a very hard university to get into. Brown, on the other hand, has an admittance rate of 5%, making it almost equally selective.
Admissions to Harvard University (3%) are extremely tough. International students who excel intellectually, athletically, and have the potential to improve the welfare of the Yale community are welcomed. To put it briefly, the applicant needs to be an all-around player to get accepted into this esteemed Ivy League school.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get into Brown University with a 2.5 GPA?
You have received low Bs and high Cs in every class if your GPA is 2.5. A 2.5 GPA will not get you into Brown University because of its high academic requirements. You must have a very high GPA, preferably between 3.8 and 4.0, to be considered for admission to Brown, along with strong analytical and communication abilities.
Is a 3.5 GPA good for Brown University?
Brown University does not keep track of class rankings or formally calculate or verify grade point averages. However, a 3.5 GPA is not enough to get into an Ivy League college like Brown. If your grade point average is between 3.8 and 4.0, you still have a chance. However, your GPA is not the only factor that can get you through Brown University.
What GPA do I need to get into Brown University?
Brown University does not have a strict minimum GPA requirement for undergraduate admission. However, the GPAs of admitted students were often quite high, ranging from 3.9 to 4.0 with a median of 3.92. You should aim for a class rank at Brown that places you in the upper decile.
What is the lowest GPA Brown University will accept?
Brown University does not have a minimum GPA requirement for applicants. Although the average GPA of accepted students is not publicly disclosed by the institution, it is stated that 95% of first-year students graduated from high school in the top 10% of their class.
How much does Brown University cost for Indian students?
The overall budget for housing and board ($17,444), tuition and fees ($71,412), and projected personal costs ($97,756), which includes books, supplies, and health insurance but excludes travel ($8,900), is the total cost for the academic year 2024–2025.
What steps should I take if I am waitlisted by Brown University?
Commit to a waitlist through the Brown Applicant Portal. You have two choices on your Brown Application Portal: either commit or remove yourself from the waitlist. Only waitlisted applicants who have confirmed their waitlist placement will be given consideration for admission, should space become available.
Does Brown University require SAT or ACT scores for admission, and how important are these scores in the application process?
Gaining admission to this institution is quite competitive, thus achieving a good GPA and SAT/ACT score is essential. If you don't meet their GPA and SAT/ACT criteria, you'll probably be rejected without much thought. There are no minimal criteria for standardized tests, and Brown carefully considers each application.
Which university has the highest acceptance rate in the USA?
While some institutions and schools take great satisfaction in their selectivity, others accept the majority of applicants, if not all of them. Adams State University (100%), Albizu University—Miami (100%), Alliance University (100%), and Alliant International University (100%), are a few of the universities with the highest acceptance rates.
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