Brown University vs University of Chicago

Brown University is the more selective of the two at 5%, versus 5% at University of Chicago. Here is how they compare on selectivity, test scores, and what they weigh, plus a free way to estimate your odds at each.

Brown University
Most selective
5%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1560
Private · Rhode Island
University of Chicago
Most selective
5%
acceptance rate
SAT 75th pct: 1570
Private · Illinois

Brown University vs University of Chicago: the differences that matter

How Brown University and University of Chicago stack up on selectivity, scores, and what they value.

Brown University and University of Chicago are almost equally selective (5% vs 5%), so neither is a clear safety relative to the other. Your odds at each come down to fit, not headline difficulty.

Brown University and University of Chicago weigh admission factors in broadly similar ways, so the main difference between them is selectivity and admitted-student scores rather than what they value.

On test scores, Brown University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1560 and University of Chicago's is around 1570. Admitted students at University of Chicago post somewhat higher scores. Run your own numbers below to see where you stand at each.

What each school weighs

Factors either school weighs heavily, side by side.

FactorBrown UniversityUniversity of Chicago
Rigor of secondary school recordvery importantvery important
Academic GPAvery importantvery important
Class rankimportantimportant
Standardized test scoresvery importantvery important
Application essayvery importantvery important
Recommendationsvery importantvery important
Extracurricular activitiesvery importantvery important
Talent / abilityvery importantvery important
Calculate your chances at both →

Frequently asked questions

Is Brown University or University of Chicago harder to get into?

Brown University is harder to get into, with a 5% acceptance rate versus 5% at University of Chicago.

What's the difference in SAT scores between Brown University and University of Chicago?

Brown University's admitted 75th-percentile SAT is around 1560, and University of Chicago's is around 1570.

What are my chances at Brown University and University of Chicago?

That depends on your full profile. CollegeCalcAI gives a free, personalized estimate for each school in a few minutes.