So, you’re 100% certain that Brown University is where you’d like to apply for college. Well, in deo speramus that you succeed in this highly competitive admissions process. With an acceptance rate that most recently clocked in at 5.35% for the Class of 2030, Brown University has well and truly one of the most competitive admissions cycles in the nation. While we at Ivy Coach have lots of thoughts on how you should position yourself as a competitive applicant amongst the many thousands of students who try to get into Brown each year, we would also like to review the plain and simple mechanics of submitting your application to Brown (hey, every school’s process is slightly different).

Step 1: Create a Common Application Account

The Common Application is the gold standard for applying to colleges in the United States, and Brown is no exception. Once you’ve registered your account, you must add Brown University to your list of colleges via the College Search tab. You’ll then use this portal to submit all required materials to complete your application to Brown, including the 650-word Common App. Personal Statement.

Step 2: Sit for Standardized Tests

As with many elite colleges, Brown requires applicants to submit standardized test scores (i.e., SAT or ACT) as part of their application. Brown superscores both ACT and SAT scores, meaning they will look at the top individual section scores you received across multiple test administrations and combine those into one singular composite score. However, a word of caution: superscoring can often backfire, as it signals to colleges that you had to work twice as hard as other applicants to achieve the score you received. 

Step 3: Familiarize Yourself With Brown University’s Deadlines

Brown has two admission rounds for first-year applicants: Early Decision (ED) and Regular Decision (RD). Early Decision applications are due on November 1st of each year at 11:59 p.m. (in the applicant’s local time). Regular Decision applications are due on January 5 of each year at 11:59 p.m. (in the applicant’s local time). 

If Brown really is your number one choice, Early Decision is the right choice for you. Brown’s admission officers reward ED applicants with an admissions boost because they’re typically highly enthusiastic and knowledgeable about Brown. Plus, Early Decision is a binding process, meaning ED applicants are contractually obligated to attend Brown if admitted. Agreeing to these terms makes you a highly desirable candidate in Brown’s eyes, as it shows you’re willing to forego any other school because you like Brown that much. 

Step 4: Respond to the Brown Specific Questions

The Brown University Specific Questions are the supplemental essay questions every Brown applicant must answer. If you’re applying via The Common App., these will be available under Brown’s application tab. Each and every sentence of your responses should highlight your exhaustive knowledge of all of the resources and opportunities on offer at this Providence, RI-based Ivy League school. 

A good rule of thumb while you’re writing your responses is if you pen a sentence that could apply to any other school (such as describing Brown’s “interdisciplinary culture,” “low faculty-to-student ratio,” or “study abroad opportunities”), chances are you’re wasting word count.

Step 5: Request Brown University School Forms

Brown requires applicants to submit the following school forms to complete their applications:

• Transcript: An official copy of your high school transcript must be sent by your school counselor or another school official.
• School Report: The School Report form is available through the Common Application website and must be completed and submitted by your school counselor or another school official.
• Midyear School Report and Transcript: Due February 27 or as soon as possible upon the completion of your first semester or second trimester of your final year of high school, the Midyear Report and Transcript can be submitted online through the Common Application by your guidance counselor or another school official. The Midyear Report includes information such as your GPA and class rank (if your school provides this information), and shares with us whether there have been any course changes or other updates since you have submitted your application. It is accompanied by a Midyear Transcript that includes your most recent available grades. If you are not given midyear grades or evaluations (e.g., home schooled students, some non-U.S. schools), please include a note explaining your circumstances under the “Additional Information” heading on the writing section of the Common Application.
• Counselor Recommendation: Please note that the School Report and Counselor Recommendation are separate items on the Common Application. Be sure to “invite” your school counselor to complete both items.
• Two Teacher Evaluations/Recommendations: Two letters of recommendation from teachers who have taught you in major academic subjects (science, social studies, mathematics, a foreign language or English) must be submitted through the Common Application or sent via email or fax. Material sent by email or fax should include the applicant’s name, date of birth and high school. If sending letters by email, please send as a PDF attachment.
• Bachelor of Science and PLME Recommendations: If you are considering a Bachelor of Science degree or the Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME), at least one of your recommendations should come from a math or science teacher.
• First Quarter/Trimester Grades: Early Decision applicants are required to have their counselor submit first quarter or trimester grades as soon as they are available. All applicants should have their school submit midyear or second trimester grades as soon as they are available.
• Early Decision Agreement: Early Decision applicants are required to complete the Early Decision Agreement form through the Common Application. This form requires the signature of the applicant, parent/guardian and school counselor. Submitting this agreement confirms your commitment to enroll at Brown if admitted Early Decision.
• Final School Report and Transcript: Due by June 30 for students who have chosen to matriculate at Brown, the Final School Report and Transcript should be submitted online through the Common Application by your school counselor or another school official. The Final School Report confirms your graduation date and alerts us of any course changes or other updates. The Final Transcript will include your final grades and confirm your successful completion of your secondary education.

How Ivy Coach Helps Students Apply to Brown

Getting into Brown isn’t just a matter of checking off all the boxes on your checklist. Brown looks for students who have distinguished themselves with a singular hook that showcases how they’ll spend their time on campus. But chasing after this ineffable quality is easier said than done, and the obvious choices you may be inclined to make (such as presenting as well-rounded) will only lead you astray.

Instead of going it alone, consider enlisting Ivy Coach’s help as you or your child navigates an application to Brown to avoid taking any wrong turns. Our team of former elite college admissions officers will equip you with the tools you need to optimize the odds of Brown admission. To get started with us, fill out our complimentary consultation form, and we’ll be in touch with an outline of services.