Applying to Brown


Standardized Testing

SAT Reasoning Test and SAT Subject Tests; ACT
Brown requires every applicant for admission to Brown in 2009-2010 to submit results of either the SAT Reasoning Test and any two SAT Subject Tests (except for the SAT Writing Test), or the ACT taken with the Writing Test option. (Note: prior to March, 2005, the SAT Reasoning Test was known as the SAT I and the SAT Subject Tests were known as the SAT II.)

You must make your own arrangements to take the tests, registering at least five weeks before the actual test date and instructing that the results be sent directly to Brown University.

A word about the College Board “Score Choice” for Regular Decision candidates: You are welcome to take advantage of the Score Choice option, but we strongly urge you to have completed all your required testing by the December 5th SAT test date, and that you have arranged for your results to be sent directly to Brown on or before our January 1st Regular Decision deadline. We would not be able to read your application until we receive a full set of official test scores, so it is to your advantage for us to have those test results in hand by the end of December. You may still submit scores from the January administration of the SAT, and they would be added to your file.

Early Decision applicants are strongly urged to complete the SAT Critical Reasoning and Subject Tests by the October 10th test date. The November administration of the SAT may submitted and will be considered as well.

We want to emphasize that test scores are only one of the many parts of the evaluation process. Again, your application is considered in its entirety; there are no pre-set standards that must be met.

For international students it is important to note that credentials earned within your educational system cannot be substituted for these examinations. All applicants are required to take these exams. These examinations are administered in cities all over the world several times each year.

For more information about the SAT, click here.
The SAT 4-digit code for Brown University is 3094.
For more information about the ACT, click here.
The ACT 4-digit code for Brown University is 3800.

TOEFL
In addition to the SAT I and SAT II Subject Tests, foreign students are required to submit the results of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). For students for whom English is not their first language and who have moved recently to the United States, the TOEFL is recommended, as it is useful to the Board of Admission in assessing English skills. However, it is not necessary for any student who earns 600 or above on the SAT I Verbal to submit the TOEFL. Students who plan to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language in October, November, December, or January of the year before they hope to enroll.

For more information about the TOEFL, click here.


Alumni Interviews

Interviews are recommended but not required. Once your application has been received, an alumnus/a in your area is contacted. Where possible, this applies to international applicants as well. He or she will then contact you and, if you so desire, arrange a time and place to conduct an interview. Although we try to reach all of our applicants, we are not always able to do so due to the nature and demographics of this all-volunteer organization. Please keep in mind that it will not negatively affect your application if you do not meet with one of our alumni volunteers. We do not offer on-campus interviews.



Portfolio/Supplementary Material Submission Guidelines

Students who have achieved unusual distinction in some area (music, science, creative writing, art, photography, etc.) may submit examples of their best work for the Board's consideration. Music tapes/compact discs and art slides are forwarded to the respective departments for review while samples of creative writing and videos are reviewed by the Board of Admission only if time permits. While the Board accepts such supplementary materials for review, history has shown that submissions rarely affect admission decisions. You should not feel obliged to submit to the Board anything in addition to the required credentials.

If you do wish to submit any additional materials, you should follow these few guidelines designed to assure the thorough consideration of your work:

1. IMPORTANT: Supplementary materials submitted for review cannot be returned to you at the end of the admission process. Do not submit anything irreplaceable or of value.

2. We do not accept or review music or art portfolio materials submitted with transfer applications.

3. Do not enclose any of the regular application forms in a package of supplementary materials.

4. All materials submitted either singly or collectively must be clearly marked with your name and address.

5. Art portfolios should be designed to reveal and/or highlight the applicant's creative potential. Applicants are encouraged to present a diverse body of work focusing on individual artistic strengths and interests. Please do not send the original piece of art. Include one sheet of 10-20 slides, or approximately 10 color prints of your work with an accompanying list of the pieces including title, size, and medium. We encourage drawings, paintings, collage, sculpture, photography, books, and mixed media; we discourage the submission of ceramics, jewelry, and other crafts.

6. Music tapes and compact disc submissions should include an informational sheet (included in or attached to the case) with your full name, name of the composer, piece(s) performed, primary instrument and years studied, secondary instrument and years studied (if applicable), description of music theory training, description of ensemble experience (if applicable), description of most challenging repertoire studied, and if applicable, the style period, i.e., Jazz, Classical, Romantic, etc. Original compositions should be marked as such, with a score included. Do not include any supplementary music materials with any regular application forms.

7. Consideration cannot be given to any materials submitted after January 1. The work of Early Decision candidates must be received by the Admission Office not later than November 1.