Brown University

Overview

Brown sits on College Hill above downtown Providence, about an hour south of Boston. Its Open Curriculum has no general distribution requirements: students design their own course of study, choose a concentration, and can take any course pass or fail. That freedom suits students who know how to direct their own learning, and Brown's essays ask you to show it. Brown also runs the Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME), an eight-year combined undergraduate and medical program that admits students straight from high school.

How to apply

Applications go through the Common Application. Music and visual art supplements use SlideRoom, and you track your file in the Brown Applicant Portal, which is also where updates go; Brown does not accept updates by email.

• Early Decision (binding): due November 1 at 11:59 pm your local time, with a signed Early Decision Agreement from you, a parent or guardian and your counsellor.
• Regular Decision: due January 5 at 11:59 pm your local time.
• PLME applicants: complete the program essays. Brown suggests at least one recommendation from a math or science teacher for PLME or Bachelor of Science plans.

The application fee is $80, or you can request a fee waiver.

Testing policy

Brown returned to requiring SAT or ACT scores for first-year applicants starting with the 2024-25 cycle, and the requirement continues. Brown superscores both tests, treats SAT Essay and ACT Writing as optional, and sets no minimum score.

If English is not your first language, Brown publishes minimum English test results for TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo and PTE; check its international applicants page for the current figures.

Financial aid for international students

Brown's financial aid office states that Brown is need-blind for first-year international undergraduate applicants, starting with students entering in fall 2025. A Canadian student's request for aid is therefore not considered in the admission decision. Students admitted before fall 2025 remain under the earlier need-aware policy. Transfer applicants should check their own rules.

Making the most of the Open Curriculum essays

Brown's supplement asks what you might study and why the Open Curriculum appeals to you. Give a concrete picture: two or three courses you might combine, or a question you would like to follow across departments. Brown also offers an optional video introduction; check the current instructions on the admission site if you want to add one. Keep it natural and short.

Notes for Canadian applicants

Brown's international pages do not single out Canada. Your school sends your transcript and reports through the Common App. Because the Open Curriculum puts you in charge, essays that show how you chose and pursued interests on your own tend to fit Brown well.

If PLME interests you, our MMI preparation article and the interview skills deck cover reflective speaking skills that medical programs value. The StudyBrix United States guide gives the wider context.