Brown University: Acceptance Rate and Your Chances
Updated June 2026 · CollegeCalcAI
| Acceptance rate | 5% |
| SAT (75th percentile) | 1560 |
| ACT (75th percentile) | 35 |
| Location | RI |
| School type | Private |
Brown University is an Ivy League school in Providence, Rhode Island. It accepts about 5% of applicants, putting it firmly in the most selective tier of American colleges. Brown is known for its open curriculum, which gives students significant freedom in designing their own education.
Calculate your chances at Brown University free →How hard is it to get into Brown University?
At a 5% acceptance rate, Brown turns away the overwhelming majority of applicants, and a large share of those rejected students are genuinely strong candidates. The selectivity reflects both the volume of applications Brown receives and the very high bar it sets.
Brown tends to attract applicants who are drawn to its flexible academic structure. Students who thrive with intellectual independence and can make a convincing case for how they want to use that freedom often fit well with what the school is looking for.
Test scores that make you competitive
The 75th percentile SAT score among admitted students is 1560, and the ACT equivalent is 35. Scores in this range are characteristic of a strong application, but Brown is also test-optional. If your scores are not in this range, your application can still be competitive based on your overall academic record and personal qualities.
What Brown looks for
Brown places a high value on students who are curious, self-aware, and genuinely interested in learning for its own sake. Its open curriculum means students are trusted to take ownership of their education, so the admissions process looks for evidence that you are capable of doing that. Intellectual initiative in your coursework and activities can signal this well.
Your essays are a key part of the application. Brown's prompts often invite you to reflect on your own thinking and interests rather than list accomplishments, so writing that is honest and specific tends to land better than writing that is polished but vague.
Estimate your chances at Brown University
CollegeCalcAI offers a free calculator at collegecalcai.com that gives you an instant estimate of your chances at Brown based on your GPA, test scores, and activities. It is a useful tool for figuring out where Brown fits on your list.
Frequently asked questions
What is Brown University's acceptance rate?
Brown accepts about 5% of applicants.
What SAT or ACT score do I need for Brown?
Admitted students at the 75th percentile score 1560 on the SAT and 35 on the ACT. Brown is test-optional, so you are not required to submit scores.
Is Brown hard to get into?
Yes. A 5% acceptance rate makes Brown one of the most selective schools in the country. Strong academics and a compelling personal application are both important.
See your real odds at Brown University
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Sources: U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS), NCES, and publicly reported Common Data Sets. Acceptance rate and score figures are rounded and reflect recent admissions cycles. How we calculate chances.