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Brown University

Overview

Brown University

Brown University, an esteemed member of the Ivy League, is celebrated for its unwavering dedication to academic excellence, creativity, and inclusivity. Set on the picturesque East Side of Providence, Rhode Island, Brown has been a hub of intellectual exploration since its establishment in 1764.

With a competitive acceptance rate of only 5% and fielding more than 50,000 applications each year, Brown guarantees that admission is a notable achievement reserved only for the most exceptional students. In this overview, we’ll delve into the distinctive qualities that define Brown University: its rigorous academic programs, unique school traditions, its dynamic campus culture, and its commitment to fostering a diverse and supportive community.

Spark Admissions’ college consulting results are 8X the national average for Ivy League admissions and 6X the national average for many top 50 colleges.

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Brown University Academics

At Brown University, students navigate a rich academic landscape, choosing from an array of over 80 concentrations (majors). What truly distinguishes Brown is its unique commitment to an open curriculum and interdisciplinary studies. This ethos is reflected in the university’s numerous interdisciplinary programs, which encourage students to explore connections across diverse fields of study, fostering innovation and creativity. From spearheading groundbreaking research endeavors to engaging in hands-on learning experiences, Brown equips students with the skills and resources needed to tackle real-world challenges and drive meaningful change in their respective fields.

At Brown, students have the autonomy to craft their educational journey through the Open Curriculum, allowing for a personalized and tailored academic experience that aligns with their individual passions and goals. With a faculty renowned for their expertise and dedication to teaching, Brown cultivates a collaborative learning environment characterized by intimate class sizes and close student-faculty relationships, ensuring that each student receives personalized attention and mentorship to thrive academically and beyond.

The student/faculty ratio at Brown University is 6:1 and 68% of classes have 20 students or fewer.

Undergraduate Colleges at Brown:

  • College of Arts & Sciences
  • School of Engineering

Popular Concentrations (Majors) at Brown:

  • Computer Science
  • Economics
  • Engineering (various disciplines)
  • Biology
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • English

Notable or Distinct Concentrations (Majors) at Brown:

  • Science, Technology, and Society
  • Cognitive, Linguistic & Psychological Sciences (CLPS)
  • Architecture
  • Education Studies
  • Health and Human Biology
  • Physics and Philosophy
  • Public Health

Unique Academic Opportunities at Brown:

  • Very well-known Open Curriculum that prioritizes academic experimentation.
  • Engaged Scholarship Certificate.
  • Entrepreneurship Certificate at the Nelson Center for Entrepreneurship.
  • Brown/RISD Dual Degree: A five-year Dual Degree Program that results in an A.B. or Sc.B degree from Brown and a BFA degree from RISD.
  • Program in Liberal Medical Education: A distinguished eight-year program that allows students to integrate their undergraduate with their medical school education. The PLME is currently the only baccalaureate-MD program offered in the Ivy League.

Brown University Admissions

Brown University Application Details:

  • Brown University has reinstated its requirement for standardized test scores. According to recent reports, the 75th percentile SAT score of an admitted student was 1580, and the 75th percentile composite ACT score was 36.
  • The Common Application is accepted at Brown.
  • A personal statement or personal essay is part of the Common App.
  • Brown University poses seven essay questions of varying lengths that require responses from all first year and transfer applicants.
  • Students must submit a counselor recommendation, two teacher recommendations, a mid-year report, and school report.
  • Brown does not offer on-campus or alumni interviews; instead, it encourages applicants to submit a two-minute personal video introduction.

Application Deadlines:

Early Decision
Nov 1
Regular Decision
Jan 3
Fall Transfer
Mar 1

Brown University Class Profile

Undergraduate Demographics (2023-2024):

  • Asian students: 19%
  • Black students: 8%
  • Hispanic students: 12%
  • White students: 38%
  • International students: 12%
  • First-generation college students: 14%
  • 51% women; 49% men

Life in Rhode Island

Home to renowned institutions such as Brown University and the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), Rhode Island provides students with access to world-class academic programs and innovative research opportunities. Beyond Brown’s campus walls, Rhode Island’s compact size and picturesque landscapes offer a unique blend of urban excitement and natural beauty where students can explore and thrive. Whether strolling along the historic streets of Providence, immersing themselves in the vibrant arts scene of Newport, or hiking the coastal ecosystems of Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island provides students with endless opportunities for personal and intellectual growth.

  • Diverse Cultural Scene: Despite its small size, Rhode Island boasts a rich and diverse cultural scene, with numerous art galleries, music venues, theaters, and festivals throughout the state, providing undergraduates with ample opportunities for exploration and engagement.
  • Coastal Lifestyle: With over 400 miles of coastline, Rhode Island offers undergraduates the chance to enjoy a quintessential coastal lifestyle, including scenic beaches, sailing, kayaking, and other water activities, perfect for relaxation and recreation. Getting to the beach from Brown’s campus will only take you 30 minutes!
  • Proximity to Boston and New York City: Rhode Island’s central location on the East Coast provides undergraduates with easy access to two major cities, Boston and New York City, offering additional opportunities for cultural enrichment, internships, and weekend getaways.

Perched between bustling metropolises and serene coastal landscapes, Rhode Island offers undergraduates a unique and enriching college experience that seamlessly integrates urban vibrancy, historical charm, and academic distinction.

Campus Life at Brown

Nestled in the vibrant city of Providence, Rhode Island, Brown University boasts a dynamic student body, comprising more than 7,000 undergraduates and close to 3,000 graduate students. From its architecturally diverse buildings steeped in history to its cutting-edge research facilities, Brown offers a captivating environment for academic exploration and communal involvement. Whether students are participating in grassroots activism, delving into interdisciplinary research endeavors, or immersing themselves in the arts scene, Brown fosters an atmosphere of intellectual curiosity and inclusivity. Here, diverse perspectives converge to inspire meaningful change both on campus and beyond its ivy-clad walls, creating a tight-knit community where students are empowered to chart their own paths to enlightenment.

Brown University Social Activities:

  • Approximately 7% of undergraduate students at Brown are involved in Greek life.
  • The Brown Motion Pictures (BMP) group, a student-run film production group, offers students the chance to create original short films.
  • Brown Varsity Athletics competes in NCAA Division I across various sports including football, basketball, and soccer.
  • The Brown Daily Herald is the independent student newspaper covering campus news and providing students with journalism experience.
  • Students like to take advantage of the inexpensive train that goes into Boston.

Brown Campus Traditions

  • Campus Dance: A beloved tradition since the late 19th century, Campus Dance is an annual event held on the Saturday evening of Commencement Weekend. It features live music, dancing, and the lighting of the Van Wickle Gates, symbolizing the transition of students from undergraduates to alumni.
  • Midnight Organ Concert: Occurring every Halloween at midnight, this tradition involves an organ concert held in the Sayles Hall. The performance, featuring spooky music and atmospheric lighting, has become a favorite among students and community members.
  • Spring Weekend: Brown’s Spring Weekend is a celebration held annually near the end of the spring semester. It includes a series of concerts, performances, and events, culminating in a large outdoor concert featuring popular musicians and performers.

Brown Housing and Dorms

At Brown University, undergraduate housing options vary to accommodate diverse preferences and needs. Here’s an overview:

  • All first-year students (and 74% of all undergraduates) live on campus. Freshman, Sophomore and Juniors are required to live on campus.
  • Traditional Residence Halls: There are 49 residence halls offering typical co-ed dormitory-style accommodations (e.g., shared living spaces, such as communal lounges, and shared bathrooms) for students who prefer a traditional college living experience.
  • Program Houses: Program houses are residential communities centered around specific cultural, academic, or social themes. These houses provide a supportive environment for students who share common interests or identities.
  • Students involved in Greek life can choose to live in their fraternity or sorority chapter house.

Brown University Cost of Attendance

This estimate takes into account tuition and fees, housing and meals, books and supplies, and personal expenses for the 2023-2024 academic year.

undergraduate students

$91,676

There are multiple opportunities to receive financial aid assistance including grants, work study programs, loans, and outside scholarships.

Spark Admissions has the highest college admissions success rate in the country.

If Brown University is your dream school, it’s essential to approach the admissions process with careful planning and early preparation. Crafting a strong academic narrative and using your years in high school wisely can help you distinguish yourself as a competitive applicant. At Spark Admissions, our team of seasoned college admissions consultants is dedicated to helping you navigate the complexities of the application process and maximize your chances of acceptance to Brown. We understand what it takes to stand out to the admissions committee and are committed to helping you join the ranks of the 5% of applicants accepted. Reach out to us today to schedule a complimentary initial consultation and take the first step towards becoming a Brown University Bear!

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