Guide to Applying to Brown University as an International Student for an Undergraduate Degree
Brown University is a leading research university located on the sandy shores of Rhode Island, United States. Established in 1764 in Providence, it is a private Ivy League research university. Brown was also the first college to accept students regardless of their religious affiliation. Founded before the American Revolution, it is the seventh-oldest higher education institution in the US.
English Proficiency Test Requirements
Like most of the universities in the US, all non-native English speakers and international applicants are required to take the English proficiency test. It is a requirement of Brown University that helps them assess the student’s capability. The scores accepted by the university are as follows:
- 100 and above on the internet-based TOEFL
- 600 and above on the paper-based TOEFL exam
- 8.0 and above on the IELTS
ACT/ SAT requirement
Brown University requires all its students to take either the SAT or ACT for admission. The cut-off scores do not guarantee admission to the university since each application is checked wholly on all grounds. The average scores mentioned below are just to motivate you and give you an idea of the average cut-off marks that have got students admission to the university in the past.
| Test | Score Range | Average score required |
| ACT | 1-36 | 31-34 |
| SAT | 400-1600 | 1340-1510 |
Tuition Fee and Cost of Living
The university is located in Rhode Island and since it’s considered equal to top Ivy League colleges, you can expect the tuition fees to be on a bit of a high range. Here is an estimate of the tuition and living expenses listed below:
| Annual Cost | In US Dollars | In Indian Rupees |
| Tuition Fee | $ 54,320 | ₹ 38,02,400 |
| Living Expenses | $ 19,572 | ₹ 13,70,040 |
| Total | $ 73,892 | ₹ 51,72,440 |
The conversion from USD to INR has been made with $1 = ₹70. The cost may vary with the varying exchange rate.
Need-based scholarships are provided to International students.
Application Portal
Brown University accepts applications through the Common Application portal. You need to add Brown University to your list while applying on the Common App portal. Brown University also has some specific questions which need to be submitted along with the application, so make sure to answer them when applying.
Essay Prompts
In addition to the essays on the Common Application portal, Brown University requires students to submit supplemental essays. These are the essay prompts:
For all applicants:
Essay Prompt:
Word Limit: 250 words
“Brown’s Open Curriculum allows students to explore broadly while also diving deeply into their academic pursuits. Tell us about an academic interest (or interests) that excites you, and how you might use the Open Curriculum to pursue it.”
Essay Prompt:
Word Limit: 250 words
“At Brown, you will learn as much from your peers outside the classroom as in academic spaces. How will you contribute to the Brown community?”
Essay Prompt:
Word Limit: 250 words
“Tell us about a place or community you call home. How has it shaped your perspective?”
For Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) applicants only:
Essay Prompt:
Word Limit: 250 words
“Committing to a future career as a physician while in high school requires careful consideration and self-reflection. What values and experiences have led you to believe that becoming a doctor in medicine is the right fit for you?”
Essay Prompt:
Word Limit: 250 words
“Most people describe a career as a physician/doctor as a “profession”, beyond a job. Describe for us what “professionalism” and “the profession of a physician/doctor” mean to you.”
Essay Prompt:
Word Limit: 500 words
“How do you envision the Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME) helping you to meet your academic personal and professional goals as a person and as a physician of the future?”
For Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) applicants only:
Essay Prompt:
Word Limit: 650 words
“The Brown|RISD A.B./B.F.A. Dual Degree Program draws on the complementary strengths of Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) to provide students with the opportunity to explore and engage with diverse spheres of academic and creative inquiry. The culmination of students’ five-year program is a capstone project that relates and integrates content, approaches, and methods from two distinct learning experiences.
Considering your understanding of the academic programs at Brown and RISD, describe how and why the specific blend of RISD’s experimental, immersive combined studio and liberal arts program and Brown’s wide-ranging courses and curricula could constitute an optimal undergraduate education for you.
Additionally, how might you contribute to the Dual Degree community and its commitment to interdisciplinary work?”
College Application Deadlines
For any undergraduate course, the decision taken for admission is received by early March. The deadlines of application for Brown University is as mentioned below:
| Early Decision | Regular Decision | |
| Apply by | November 1 | January 5 |
Conclusion
Being one of the private Ivy League Universities and the oldest institute, Brown University is ranked 49th globally. Hear it first hand what UniRely’s student mentors studying at Brown University have to say. Sign up on UniRely to talk to a student mentor and get your application to top universities noticed!