A guide to Brown University's admissions process, eligibility criteria, and financial aid options for undergraduate and postgraduate applicants
Brown University, one of the eight Ivy League universities, is famous for its Open Curriculum, research-oriented culture, and highly competitive admissions process. Brown is based in Providence, Rhode Island, and welcomes top students globally. If you’re thinking of applying, this is a complete guide including eligibility criteria, the application procedure, and scholarship opportunities to enrol in both undergraduate and postgraduate courses.
UNDERGRADUATE ADMISSIONS
Eligibility Criteria
Academic Excellence: Candidates should have a good academic history with high marks in honours or advanced courses. A competitive GPA of 3.9 or higher on a 4.0 scale is suggested.
Standardised tests (Optional): SAT and ACT scores are not required but can be used to enhance an application. Competitive scores are an SAT of 1500+ or an ACT of 33+.
English proficiency (for International Students): Non-native English speakers should show proficiency using tests like TOEFL (100+), IELTS (7.5+), or Duolingo English Test (130+).
Extracurricular activities: Brown appreciates balanced applicants who have shown leadership, community service, research experience, or exceptional contributions in sports, arts, or other areas.
Application process
Application submission: Students should apply using either the Common Application or Coalition Application.
Personal statement & supplemental essays: A strong personal statement, as well as Brown-specific supplemental essays, needs to be submitted to reflect an applicant’s academic interests and intellectual development.
Letters of recommendation: Applicants usually need to submit two letters from teachers and one letter from a school counsellor.
Portfolio (if applicable): Applicants for arts programmes need to submit a portfolio to illustrate their creative abilities.
Official transcripts & test scores: High school transcripts and SAT/ACT scores are required to be submitted.
Application fee: There is a $75 fee, although fee waivers are available for certain applicants.
Checking application status: Applicants may monitor the status of their application through the Common Application website.
Scholarships and Financial Aid for Undergraduates
Need-Based Assistance: Brown maintains a need-blind admissions policy for U.S. students to make sure financial need does not come into play while making admission decisions. The university meets 100 per cent of demonstrated financial need.
Merit-Based Aid: Brown doesn’t award merit-based scholarships, unlike other institutions, but grants financial aid in terms of family income.
Full Tuition Grant: Students from families with annual incomes below $125,000 can get their tuition covered.
External Scholarships: Third-party scholarships are available to international students, such as the Fulbright, Inlaks, and Tata Scholarships (for Indian nationals).
Financial Aid Application
In order to be considered for financial aid, students need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or CSS Profile by the same deadline as submitting their application.
POSTGRADUATE ADMISSIONS (MASTERS AND PHD) 
Eligibility criteria
Bachelor’s degree: A candidate should have obtained an undergraduate degree from a reputable institution with an excellent academic track record.
GPA requirements: A minimum GPA of 3.0 is generally required, but some programs have higher requirements.
Standardised tests: GRE or GMAT scores are sometimes required, although many departments have suspended these requirements over the past few years.
English proficiency (for International Students): Minimum requirements for non-native speakers are TOEFL (100+), IELTS (7.0+), or Duolingo (130+).
Application process
Submission: Applications should be submitted through the Brown University Graduate School portal.
Statement of purpose: A thoughtful and well-written statement of purpose  outlining the research interest and career aspirations of the applicant.
Letters of recommendation: Three letters of recommendation are usually required from academic or professional referees by most programmes.
Resume/CV: A professional resume with work experience, research work, and publications is a must.
Writing sample: Some programmes, particularly in humanities and social sciences, may ask for a writing sample.
Application fee: Varies by programme.
Master’s programmes: Funding is scarce, although students may be eligible to apply for fellowships, assistantships, or external scholarships.
PhD programmes: The majority of doctoral students are fully funded, including tuition waiver, stipends, and health insurance.
External scholarships and fellowships: There are Fulbright, Rhodes, Marshall, and Chevening Scholarships options available. Inlaks and JN Tata Endowment scholarships are also open to Indian students.
Brown University’s admissions procedure is very competitive, and it focuses mainly on academic merit, personal statements, and extracurricular activities. Although the university does not provide merit-based financial aid, it offers need-based assistance to deserving students. Aspiring applicants need to be very careful with deadlines and requirements to maximise their likelihood of getting admitted and access to financial aid. 
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