
Brown University, a private Ivy League university based in Providence, Rhode Island, is known for its innovative educational philosophy and undergraduate Open Curriculum. Unlike other American colleges and universities, Brown has no required core curriculum, allowing students to shape their education and make their curriculum a thorough reflection of their interests and aspirations. To get into Brown, you'll need to demonstrate intellectual curiosity, academic excellence, and a willingness to engage with others and make a difference through service, activism, or leadership. Brown students tend to be exceptionally eager to learn and willing to accept academic challenges.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Eagerness to learn | Students should be exceptionally eager to learn and willing to accept academic challenges |
| Rigorous approach to education | Students should take academically rigorous courses and demonstrate intellectual risk-taking and creative thinking |
| Flexibility | Students should be open-minded and eager to explore new ideas and perspectives |
| Academic excellence | Students should demonstrate a strong academic record, particularly in challenging courses |
| Community engagement | Students should be committed to making a positive impact on their communities through service, activism, or leadership |
| Well-roundedness | Students should showcase their achievements and life experiences that would contribute to the Brown community both intellectually and personally |
| English proficiency | Students must demonstrate excellent skill in written English |
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What You'll Learn

Demonstrate intellectual curiosity and academic excellence
Brown University is a leading research university with a student-centred learning approach. The university is committed to academic excellence, intellectual freedom, and making an impact. Brown's Open Curriculum is a flexible yet rigorous approach to education that pushes undergraduates to be creative thinkers, intellectual risk-takers, and entrepreneurial problem-solvers.
To demonstrate intellectual curiosity and academic excellence as a Brown University student, one must embrace the Open Curriculum and take advantage of the diverse academic opportunities it offers. This means being open to exploring a broad range of subjects and disciplines, both within and outside your main area of study. Seek out interdisciplinary connections and be willing to step outside your comfort zone by taking "academic risks". Embrace the university's culture of collaboration and engage with students and faculty from different departments and schools.
Additionally, Brown University students are expected to be self-directed and proactive in their learning. Take ownership of your educational journey and seek out opportunities to deepen your knowledge and skills. This may include pursuing independent research projects, participating in study groups or academic clubs, or seeking mentorship from faculty members. Demonstrate a thirst for knowledge by attending lectures, workshops, and seminars beyond those required for your courses.
To excel academically, aim for rigorous academic preparation and a strong academic track record. While there are no specific course requirements for admission, most successful applicants have taken academically rigorous courses during their secondary school education. This typically includes a strong foundation in English, mathematics, the sciences, history, and a second language. Maintain a high level of academic achievement and strive for intellectual excellence in your chosen field.
Finally, remember that intellectual curiosity at Brown University extends beyond the classroom. Engage with the wider community, participate in extracurricular activities, and seek out real-world applications of your learning. Demonstrate a passion for learning by pursuing personal projects, attending cultural events, and embracing the diverse perspectives of your peers. By embracing Brown's unique academic philosophy and taking advantage of the opportunities it offers, you can demonstrate intellectual curiosity and strive for academic excellence throughout your time as a Brown University student.
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Rigorous approach to education
Brown University is known for its rigorous academic approach, which pushes students to be creative thinkers, intellectual risk-takers, and entrepreneurial problem-solvers. The university encourages undergraduates to take responsibility for their learning and embrace a flexible, student-centred model. This means that, unlike other universities, Brown has no required core curriculum or distribution requirements for graduation. Instead, students are expected to take an active role in shaping their education and making it a reflection of their interests and aspirations.
To prepare for this rigorous approach, prospective students are advised to take at least four academically rigorous courses each year in secondary school, with English language and literature, math, the sciences, history, and a second language being particularly useful subjects. Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) classes are also highly valued by the university. Brown students are expected to be eager to learn and willing to accept academic challenges, demonstrating intellectual curiosity and a strong academic record.
The Open Curriculum at Brown is a key part of its academic philosophy, allowing students to explore a broad range of subjects across departments while also delving deeply into their specific areas of focus. This innovative, interdisciplinary approach to education encourages students to be open-minded and explore new ideas, both inside and outside the classroom. The university offers more than 80 programs and students are encouraged to sample courses in a wide range of subjects before specialising.
Brown's rigorous approach to education extends beyond the classroom, with a strong emphasis on community engagement and extracurricular activities. The university values students who are committed to making a positive impact and demonstrates a willingness to engage with others through service, activism, or leadership. Brown's graduate programs also reflect this rigorous approach, preparing students to become leaders in their fields through collaborative, world-class research.
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Broad study and interdisciplinary learning
Brown University is known for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach to education. The university encourages undergraduates to study broadly and rigorously develop their communication skills. This is facilitated by Brown's Open Curriculum, which allows students to explore a wide range of subjects before specialising in a focused area. This curriculum is based on the principle that students should take an active role in their education and assume responsibility for the direction of their learning.
The Open Curriculum is central to Brown's philosophy of intellectual and individual development, helping students discover meaningful subjects to pursue. It is designed to be flexible and rigorous, allowing students to shape their education according to their interests and aspirations. This approach has earned Brown a global reputation for its innovative undergraduate educational experience.
To prepare for this broad study and interdisciplinary learning environment, prospective students should demonstrate a strong academic record in challenging courses. Brown values students who have excelled in areas aligned with their intended major or academic interests. Taking Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) classes is preferred, as they indicate a rigorous approach to high school education.
Additionally, students should showcase their intellectual curiosity and highlight any research projects, independent studies, or academic pursuits outside the classroom. Demonstrating a willingness to engage with others and make a positive impact through service, activism, or leadership is also important. This can be done by highlighting extracurricular activities and volunteer experiences that align with their academic interests.
Brown's flexible and rigorous approach to education pushes students to become deeply creative thinkers, intellectual risk-takers, and entrepreneurial problem-solvers. The university offers a diverse range of courses, with more than 80 programs and instruction in at least 25 ancient and modern languages. This encourages students to explore a variety of subjects and develop a broad base of knowledge.
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Student-centred learning
Brown University is renowned for its student-centred learning approach, which is core to its philosophy of intellectual and individual development. This approach is designed to help students discover their passions and pursue meaningful subjects. The Open Curriculum at Brown allows students to explore a diverse range of departments and delve deeply into their chosen areas of focus. This curriculum is flexible and academically rigorous, encouraging students to be creative thinkers, intellectual risk-takers, and entrepreneurial problem-solvers.
In a student-centred learning environment, students are engaged in deciding "what" and "how" they learn. They are treated as individuals with their own ideas and viewpoints, which are incorporated into the curriculum. This approach fosters a sense of leadership and decision-making among students, encouraging them to take initiative and be actively engaged in their education. It also helps develop essential skills such as self-direction, curiosity, creativity, and collaboration.
There are several applications of student-centred instruction, including project-based learning, inquiry-based learning, and collaborative learning. Project-based learning allows students to learn by doing, developing deep content knowledge and critical thinking skills. Inquiry-based learning sparks curiosity and encourages students to explore and uncover answers to their own questions. Collaborative learning, on the other hand, fosters deep discussions, peer coaching, and reflection, positioning students as both teachers and learners.
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Community engagement
Brown University is known for its innovative, student-centred academic training and its diverse and collaborative culture. The university offers over 80 programs and its Open Curriculum allows students to explore a wide range of subjects before specialising in a focused area. This curriculum is core to Brown's philosophy of intellectual and individual development, helping students discover meaningful subjects to pursue.
When applying to Brown, students should consider how they can contribute to the community, both intellectually and personally. The university's admissions team uses supplemental essays to evaluate how applicants might thrive and engage with the community. These essays provide an opportunity for students to showcase their well-roundedness and discuss achievements or life experiences that would not be reflected in an academic transcript.
To be a good student at Brown, it is beneficial to actively engage with the community both within and beyond the university. This could involve participating in extracurricular activities, collaborating with peers and faculty across different departments, and seeking out opportunities for personal and intellectual growth. Here are some strategies to enhance community engagement:
- Set clear goals and direction: Establish shared aims and goals for your community engagement efforts. This provides a sense of purpose and helps community members understand their roles and expectations.
- Be active and engaging: Actively participate in community activities and encourage others to do the same. Be present and engage with your community members, whether it's in person or through social media platforms.
- Create a fun and light-hearted environment: People are more likely to engage in a community that is enjoyable and upbeat. Add a touch of fun to your community engagements to make them more appealing and inviting.
- Encourage member involvement: While being active is important, leave space for other members to take the lead. Let the community answer questions and contribute their insights, fostering a self-sustaining and supportive environment.
- Utilise multiple platforms: Consider using various marketing channels such as email, social media, and in-person events to reach a wider audience and engage with community members across multiple touchpoints.
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Frequently asked questions
Brown University has a holistic admissions process that looks beyond academic performance. While there are no specific course requirements, successful applicants tend to demonstrate preparation for university-level studies through a rigorous secondary school curriculum. The university values intellectual curiosity, academic excellence, and community engagement. International students are not required to submit English proficiency exam scores, but they must have strong English language skills.
Brown University is known for its innovative and interdisciplinary approach to education, specifically its Open Curriculum model. Unlike other universities, Brown has no required core curriculum or distribution requirements. Students have the freedom to shape their education and take responsibility for the direction and intensity of their learning.
Applying early can increase your chances of acceptance. Ensure that your application showcases your unique perspectives and experiences, and intellectual curiosity. Highlight any research projects, independent studies, or extracurricular activities that demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact in your community.
Brown offers over 80 programs across a wide range of subjects, allowing students to explore diverse areas before specializing. The university encourages undergraduates to study broadly, engage in community life, and develop strong communication skills. Brown also offers graduate programs, including Master's and PhD tracks, as well as professional schools such as the Warren Alpert Medical School, School of Engineering, and School of Public Health.











































