What is the Brown University Acceptance Rate?

In this guide, we explore the acceptance rates for Brown University, one of the most prestigious Ivy League institutions, and the different factors that influence them. Renowned for its academics, open curriculum, and vibrant campus life, Brown’s competitive admissions process reflects its reputation, making it a top choice for ambitious students globally.

The acceptance rate is a critical metric for prospective students to consider as it demonstrates the level of competition they will face. Read on to find out the factors influencing Brown’s acceptance rates, and how Dukes Plus can help you submit a winning application.

The Recent History of Brown Acceptance Rates

The acceptance rate at Brown University has decreased over the years due to increasing application numbers and heightened competition. This decline highlights the university’s growing appeal and selectivity.

The following table illustrates the changes in Brown’s acceptance rates over time:

YearTotal ApplicationsAdmitted StudentsAcceptance RateYield Rate
202751,3022,6095.0%72.7%
202650,6492,5465.0%69.5%
202546,5682,5475.5%70.4%
202436,7942,5336.9%64.5%
202338,6742,7337.1%63.8%

The downward trend in acceptance rates reflects increasing applications from highly qualified candidates. For the Class of 2027, Brown admitted just 5% of its applicants, showcasing its extreme selectivity.

Brown Acceptance Rates: Class of 2018 to 2027

To offer more historical context, here is a broader look at Brown’s admissions data over the last decade:

ClassApplicantsAdmittedAdmit RateYield Rate
202751,3022,6095.0%72.7%
202650,6492,5465.0%69.5%
202546,5682,5475.5%70.4%
202436,7942,5336.9%64.5%
202338,6742,7337.1%63.8%
202236,7942,5667.0%63.2%
202134,4662,5807.5%62.0%
202032,3902,7558.5%61.8%
201930,4322,8049.2%59.7%
201829,5002,7599.3%58.0%

This historical data demonstrates the increasing competitiveness at Brown, driven by the university’s academic reputation and holistic admissions process.

The Latest Brown University Admission Cycle

For the Class of 2027, Brown University received a record-breaking 51,302 applications. Of these, only 2,609 students were admitted, resulting in an overall acceptance rate of 5.0%. This marks a slight decrease from the previous year, reflecting the institution’s heightened selectivity.

Early Decision applications contributed significantly to these numbers, with approximately 900 students being accepted through this process. Brown’s commitment to a diverse and inclusive student body continues to play a significant role in shaping its admissions policies.

Comparing Various Brown University Acceptance Rates

Brown Acceptance Rate: Early Decision (ED)

The Early Decision process at Brown offers applicants an opportunity to demonstrate their strong commitment to attending the university. For the Class of 2027, the early decision acceptance rate was approximately 14%, significantly higher than the overall acceptance rate. This trend is consistent across recent years, highlighting the strategic advantage of applying through early decision.

Brown Acceptance Rate: Regular Decision (RD)

For Regular Decision applicants, the acceptance rate remains significantly lower. For the Class of 2027, the regular decision acceptance rate was below 4%, reflecting the intense competition among applicants who opted for this route.

Factors that Affect the Acceptance Rate

Quality and Size of the Applicant Pool

Brown has seen a consistent increase in applications over the years, with more high-achieving students vying for limited spots. This growing applicant pool, combined with Brown’s holistic approach to admissions, has made the process increasingly competitive.

Holistic Admissions Process

Brown evaluates applicants based on academic achievement, extracurricular involvement, personal essays, and recommendation letters. The university prioritises creating a diverse and well-rounded incoming class, making the admissions process both rigorous and subjective.

How Does the Brown Acceptance Rate Compare with Other Ivy League Schools?

Brown’s acceptance rate is one of the most competitive among Ivy League institutions, though it varies slightly year-to-year. Here’s how Brown’s acceptance rate compares to its Ivy League peers for the Class of 2027:

Ivy League SchoolApplicationsAcceptancesOverall Admission Rate
Brown University51,3022,6095.0%
Columbia University57,1292,2463.9%
Dartmouth College28,8411,7986.0%
Harvard University56,9371,9423.4%
Princeton UniversityNot ReportedNot ReportedNot Reported
Yale University52,2502,2754.35%

Why is the Brown Acceptance Rate so low?

Brown’s low acceptance rate can be attributed to several factors, including its increasing applicant pool, high academic standards, and reputation as one of the world’s leading universities. Its emphasis on holistic admissions also means that every part of an applicant’s profile is scrutinised, further contributing to the university’s selectivity.

How Can Dukes Plus Help Your Brown application succeed?

At Dukes Plus, we specialise in guiding students through the highly competitive application process for Ivy League universities, including Brown. Our personalised approach ensures that every aspect of your application aligns with Brown’s values and expectations. From essay crafting to interview preparation, our experts are here to help you shine.

Explore our Ivy League admissions support services or contact us directly to begin your journey toward Brown University.

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