Founded in 1764, Brown University is the seventh-oldest institution of higher education in the United States and one of the most forward-thinking members of the Ivy League. Known for its distinctive Open Curriculum, deep commitment to undergraduate teaching, and vibrant, civic-minded campus culture, Brown attracts curious, independent, and intellectually adventurous students from around the world.

But what exactly makes Brown different — and how can you stand out when applying?

Let’s take a closer look.

What Is Student Life Like at Brown? 

Located in Providence, Rhode Island, Brown is home to about 7,700 undergraduates and maintains a 6:1 student–faculty ratio, with over two-thirds of classes enrolling fewer than 20 students. That means intimate class sizes, approachable professors, and a culture where students are treated as collaborators — not just learners. With about 7,700 undergraduates and over 2,000 classes and 900 independent-study opportunities annually, students can dive deep into subjects they truly care about.

‍Student life is dynamic and socially conscious. Whether you’re involved in political organizing, acapella, community service, or dance, you’ll find over 400 student groups and initiatives that reflect Brown’s free-spirited ethos. Students often engage with the surrounding Providence community, contributing to local arts, education, and public health.

Brown is consistently ranked among the top U.S. universities for undergraduate teaching and student happiness — a rare combination that speaks to its inclusive and intellectually generous atmosphere.

The Freedom to Craft Your Own Education

Brown’s Open Curriculum is legendary — and revolutionary. Since 1969, Brown has eliminated traditional general education requirements. Instead, students choose 30 courses over four years with only a handful of constraints, such as demonstrating writing proficiency and completing a concentration (major).

Students can double-concentrate (about 20% do), design their own majors, and explore disciplines without penalty. Not feeling chemistry after one semester? Drop it. Love both economics and modern culture? Mix and match. Brown trusts students to take ownership of their education — and most rise to the challenge.

This freedom requires maturity, but it also fosters innovation. Whether you’re a data-driven scientist who loves poetry or a writer curious about neuroscience, Brown empowers you to craft a path that’s uniquely your own.

Academic Rigor Meets Collaboration

Brown is both rigorous and supportive. Students work hard, but the environment is collaborative, not competitive. There’s no dean’s list, no class rank, and no GPA on transcripts — a deliberate choice to reduce stress and encourage learning for its own sake.

Brown is also a major research university. Undergraduates often assist with faculty projects or conduct their own research through the Karen T. Romer Undergraduate Teaching and Research Awards (UTRA) program. Many students also take graduate-level courses or pursue capstone projects before they graduate.

If you’re a student who loves to ask big questions and follow ideas wherever they lead, you’ll be in good company at Brown.

A Socially Conscious, Arts-Rich Community

Brown students don’t just study. They act. The campus is known for its progressive politics, community activism, and artistic expression. The student body is diverse in background and experience, but united by a desire to make meaningful change.

Whether organizing climate action initiatives or participating in one of Brown’s art collectives, students shape campus culture and contribute beyond the university. From The Brown Daily Herald to student-run theater groups, there’s no shortage of ways to get involved.

Financial Aid and the Brown Promise

Thanks to the Brown Promise, the university eliminated loans from all undergraduate financial aid packages beginning in 2018. Brown is need-blind for U.S. applicants and meets 100% of demonstrated financial need.

Nearly half of Brown undergraduates receive financial aid, and families earning under $60,000 typically pay nothing. The average financial aid package is over $50,000, making Brown more affordable than many public institutions for qualifying families.

What Kind of Student Thrives at Brown?

Brown students are intellectually curious, self-directed, and eager to make connections between seemingly unrelated fields. They are independent but collaborative, ambitious but open-minded.

You might thrive at Brown if:

• You enjoy asking deep questions across disciplines.
• You crave academic freedom and don’t want a rigid curriculum.
• You’re interested in impact-driven work — from activism to the arts to entrepreneurship.
• You value student voice, inclusivity, and community building.

How to Stand Out in Your Brown Application

Brown’s admissions process is holistic and competitive, with an acceptance rate hovering around 5%. The most important part of your application is your voice — which comes through in your personal statement and supplemental essays.

For the 2024 application cycle, here are the longer Brown essay prompts:

• Brown's Open Curriculum allows students to explore broadly while also diving deeply into their academic pursuits. Tell us about any academic interests that excite you, and how you might pursue them at Brown. (200-250 words)
• Students entering Brown often find that making their home on College Hill naturally invites reflection on where they came from. Share how an aspect of your growing up has inspired or challenged you, and what unique contributions this might allow you to make to the Brown community. (200-250 words)
• Brown students care deeply about their work and the world around them. Students find contentment, satisfaction, and meaning in daily interactions and major discoveries. Whether big or small, mundane or spectacular, tell us about something that brings you joy. (200-250 words)

They also have some devilishly short takes that require a lot more reflection for a lot fewer words: 

• What three words best describe you? (3 words)
• What is your most meaningful extracurricular commitment, and what would you like us to know about it? (100 words)
• If you could teach a class on any one thing, whether academic or otherwise, what would it be? (100 words)
• In one sentence, Why Brown? (50 words)

When writing your Brown application:

1. Be authentic and self-reflective — not strategic or performative.
2. Tie your passions to specific opportunities at Brown (mention programs, professors, or groups).
3. Showcase your intellectual independence and ability to thrive without guardrails.

Final Thoughts

Brown isn’t the right school for everyone — and that’s exactly the point. Its flexible curriculum, emphasis on student voice, and fusion of rigor with reflection make it a haven for students who want to shape their own journey.

If you’re ready to dive deep into your passions, explore widely, and learn in a community that values ideas, action, and authenticity, then Brown might be the place for you.

Want help preparing a compelling Brown application?

At AtomicMind, we help students clarify their goals, craft standout essays, and identify the programs that match their passions. If Brown is on your list, we’d love to help you put your best foot forward — with confidence, clarity, and purpose.

About the Author: Stephanie Chen is the Director of Marketing at AtomicMind, where she leads brand strategy and outreach. She earned her B.A. from Brown University and her M.B.A. from Columbia Business School, and is passionate about expanding access to quality education through thoughtful storytelling and strategic growth.