About the University
Brown University is a private Ivy League research university located in Providence, Rhode Island, United States. It was founded in 1764 as the College in the English Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, and it is the seventh-oldest institution of higher education in the United States.
It has a diverse student body of over 7,000 undergraduate and graduate students, representing all 50 states and over 100 countries. The university offers over 80 undergraduate majors and over 100 graduate programs in a wide range of fields, including the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and engineering.
Brown is known for its open curriculum, which allows students to design their own academic program without specific distribution requirements. The university is also recognized for its strong commitment to undergraduate research and experiential learning, as well as for its collaborations with neighboring institutions such as the Rhode Island School of Design and the Providence VA Medical Center.
OvervieW
Location: Providence, Rhode Island, United States
Type: Private research university
Founded: 1764
Tuition: $68,230
Fun Facts
Hutchings-Votey Organ
Brown University is the proud owner of the world’s largest Hutchings-Votey organ that still exists. On Halloween of each year, a large group of people, including people from Brown and the surrounding community, will congregate around the organ to listen to eerie music being played. They get together once more around the holiday season for holiday concerts that various musical groups put on around campus.
John Carter Brown Library
One of the fun facts about Brown University, which is considered to be their pride and joy, is the John Carter Brown Library. This is because this library has seven letters written by Christopher Columbus in the 15th century. Columbus boasts about his “discovery” of the New World in these letters. The field of Americana is the library’s primary focus, and it includes approximately 50,000 early books connected to the European exploration and settlement of the continents of North and South America as well as the ocean areas surrounding them. The majority of the items in this collection are books, broadsides, maps, and prints that were first published in
Stephen Hopkins
He’s a governor of Rhode Island, and the chief justice of the state was the first person to hold the position of chancellor at the university. One of the fun facts about Brown University and John Hopkins is that he was one of the original signers of the Declaration of Independence.
The Van Wickle Gates
The iconic Van Wickle Gates open only twice a year - inward for Convocation when first-year students are welcomed by the Brown community, and outward for Commencement, where graduating seniors pass through. According to superstition, any Brown student that goes through the gates more than these two times will be cursed with bad luck.
No core requirements classes
The undergraduate curriculum changed drastically in 1970 and eventually became known as the Brown Curriculum. This new curriculum wiped out the core requirements shared by all Brown undergraduates and allowed students to craft their own course of study.
Oldest Ivy Engineering Program
Brown University's undergraduate engineering program holds the distinction of being the oldest among all the Ivy League schools.
Diversity Hub
Brown was the first Ivy that accepted all religious affiliations and racial backgrounds. You can still see the spirit of openness when you see the diverse student body!
Academics
Graduation Rate: 96%
Retention Rate: 98%
Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 6:1
Admissions
Average SAT | 1440-1570 |
Average ACT | 33-35 |
College Board Code | 3094 |
Average IELTS | 8.0 |
Average TOEFL | 100 (iBT), 600 (Paper) |
Application Deadline | January |
Application Requirements
Academic Transcripts
Standardized Tests Scores (Optional)
English Language Proficiency Scores
Essays
Letters of Recommendation
Portfolio (Arts)
Rankings
Brown University is one of the top private universities in Providence, United States. It is ranked #63 in QS World University Rankings 2023 and #13 in National Universities by the USNews Rankings.
Majors Available
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African Studies African-American/Black Studies American Literature (United States) American/United States Studies/Civilization Ancient Studies/Civilization Anthropology Applied Mathematics Archeology Architectural History and Criticism, General Architecture Art History, Criticism, and Conservation Astronomy Astrophysics
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The Headmaster Student Experience
"As a student at Brown University, I can confidently say that it is one of the most unique and intellectually stimulating universities in the United States. The open curriculum allows students to create their own academic path and explore a wide range of subjects. It's also a very diverse and inclusive campus, with students from all over the world.
The professors are top-notch and truly care about their student's success, often going above and beyond to help them succeed. The small class sizes allow for meaningful discussions and a close-knit community."
Headmaster Student
Famous Alumni
Sources
AdmissionSight. “Fun Facts about Brown University.” Admission Sight. 14 Dec. 2022. Web. 11 May 2023.
"Brown University." Brown University. 06 Apr. 2023. Web. 10 Apr. 2023.
"Brown University - Profile, Rankings and Data | US News Best Colleges." Web. 10 Apr. 2023.
"Brown University." Top Universities. Web. 10 Apr. 2023.
Staff , AdmitSee. “10 Fun Facts about Brown University.” Admit See . 17 Sept. 2021. Web. 11 May 2023.
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