Brown University Acceptance Rate

Brown University stands among the world’s most selective universities. Over recent years, its acceptance rate has become increasingly competitive - a trend reflecting growing applicant pools and high academic standards.

Recent Acceptance Statistics

• For the Class of 2029, Brown admitted 2,418 out of 42,765 applicants, resulting in an overall acceptance rate of ~ 5.65%. 

• For the Class of 2028, Brown’s overall acceptance rate was 5.2%, among the lowest in its history.

• For the Class of 2027, the acceptance rate was roughly 5.08%, with a regular-decision rate of around 3.8%.

These numbers place Brown’s admissions among the most competitive globally.

The Role of Early Decision (ED) vs. Regular Decision (RD)

At Brown, the path you choose - Early Decision vs Regular Decision can significantly affect admission odds:

• For the Class of 2029, the Early Decision (ED) acceptance rate was ~ 17.9% (with 907 admitted out of ~5,050 ED applicants).

• By contrast, Regular Decision (RD) was far more selective: only ~ 4% of RD applicants got admitted in that cycle. 

This disparity underscores the significant advantage ED applicants historically have had - though competition remains fierce even in ED.

Why Is Brown’s Acceptance Rate So Low?

1. Huge Number of Applicants

Over the last decade, Brown’s popularity has soared. Many thousands apply each year. For example: in recent cycles, applicant pools have hovered around 45,000-50,000.

When so many high-achieving students apply for limited spots, the acceptance rate naturally drops.

2. High Academic Standards & Selectivity

Brown looks for excellence - in academics, extracurriculars, intellectual curiosity, and diversity. According to its published data, a large majority of admitted students are among the top performers in their high school class.

Also, admitted students tend to have very high standardized test scores (for those who submit SAT/ACT).

3. Holistic Review & Broad Criteria

Admission is not based solely on grades or test scores. Brown evaluates essays, extracurriculars, personal background, creative potential, leadership, community engagement — key elements that make applications stand out beyond raw numbers. This holistic approach emphasizes the "fit" with Brown’s values, which automatically narrows the pool further.

What the Low Acceptance Rate Means for Applicants

• Competition is extremely high. With < 6% overall admission rate, many excellent candidates will still get rejected.

• ED can be an advantage - but only if you're absolutely committed to Brown, and your application is strong.

• Standing out matters. It's not enough to have good grades: you need a compelling personal story, passion, clear interests, and strong extracurricular or personal achievements.

• Backup plans are important. Because even top applicants may not get in, having alternate schools or paths in mind is wise.

Tips to Improve Your Chances at Brown

If you plan to apply to Brown, here are some strategies to maximize your chances:

1. Apply via Early Decision only if Brown is your top choice. ED offers better odds, but it’s binding — make sure you’re committed.

2. Show academic excellence but also depth. Combine strong GPA/Test scores with meaningful extracurriculars, personal projects, or leadership experiences.

3. Craft strong, introspective essays. Use essays to show who you are, what you care about, and why Brown is right for you - beyond stats.

4. Highlight unique strengths or backgrounds. Diversity of perspective, unusual interests, creativity, community service, all of these help you stand out in a large, competitive pool.

5. Start early & plan holistically. Build a balanced profile: academics, extracurriculars, test prep (if submitting), community involvement, and compelling narratives.

6. Have safety and target schools ready. Given the competitiveness, don’t rely solely on one application - cast a wider net.

Historical Trend: Brown Acceptance Rate Over Time

Over the past decade, Brown’s acceptance rate has steadily fallen. Some of the trend data:

This downward trend reflects increasing competition, growing applicant interest, and Brown’s consistent selectivity.

What Brown Seeks Beyond the Numbers

Because many applicants have stellar grades and scores, Brown relies heavily on non-numeric factors:

• Personal essays and authenticity: unique stories - challenges overcome, passions, intellectual curiosity.

• Extracurricular involvement & leadership - quality over quantity: meaningful commitments rather than a laundry list of clubs.

• Diverse backgrounds and perspectives: geographic, cultural, socio-economic, interests -diversity helps create a dynamic community.

• Fit with Brown’s values: creativity, collaboration, interdisciplinary curiosity, community engagement.

For many admitted students, the decision to come to Brown isn’t just about prestige - it’s about belonging to a community where their uniqueness is valued.

FAQs - Brown University Acceptance Rate & Admissions

Q1. What is the current acceptance rate at Brown University?

• The acceptance rate for the Class of 2029 is about 5.65%. (Source)

Q2. What is the difference between Early Decision (ED) and Regular Decision (RD) acceptance rates at Brown?

• For the Class of 2029, ED acceptance was ~ 17.9%, while RD was ~ 4%.(Source)

Q3. Does a high SAT or ACT guarantee admission to Brown?

• No. While admitted students often have strong test scores and academic records, Brown uses a holistic admission process. Essays, extracurriculars, personal background, creativity, and fit with the university matter heavily.

Q4. Has Brown become more competitive over time?

• Yes. Over the last decade, acceptance rates have steadily declined from higher percentages to around 5%, as applicant pools grew and the university remained selective. (Source)

Q5. What can I do to improve my chances of getting into Brown?

• Focus on a balanced and authentic application: strong academics, meaningful extracurriculars, compelling essays, uniqueness, and clear fit. Consider applying ED only if Brown is your first choice. And have safety/target schools as backup.

Q6. Is applying via Early Decision the only way to get in?

• No. Many students are admitted via Regular Decision. But ED tends to offer somewhat better admission odds  for committed applicants.

Conclusion

Brown University’s low acceptance rate - often under 6% overall - highlights just how competitive admission is. With tens of thousands of applicants vying for limited slots, even outstanding students face steep odds. But numbers aren’t everything.

What helps you stand out is authenticity, passion, creativity, and a compelling narrative. If you can show who you are beyond test scores - your ambitions, interests, background, what you care about - you increase your chances, regardless of how selective Brown gets.

If you're considering applying to Brown, give yourself time to build a strong, holistic profile: great academics, meaningful extracurriculars, thoughtful essays, and a sense of purpose. ED can offer a boost, but only if you're committed and ready.

Ultimately, Brown isn’t just looking for numbers - it’s looking for people who will contribute to its vibrant, curious, and diverse community.