Brown Undergraduate Admission

“I chose to come to College Hill because Brown offered me the best community and the greatest freedom to explore my academic and extracurricular passions.

It's rare that a school has no academic requirements; it's a truly liberating feeling to be able to explore any and every topic you've ever been interested in. The Open Curriculum here is more than just a philosophy—it's our way of life. It means trusting that students will take the courses they need motivation in for a grade. It means allowing students the option to take courses satisfactory/no credit to open doors for exploration without worrying about the results. It means taking that one sports writing class because your friend is taking it and suddenly discovering a new passion for journalism. It's academic liberation.

Furthermore, Brown's community is one of motivated students who support each other along the way. It's not just the place—it's the people. Where else would students send me the application forms of the internships or clubs they are applying for? Brown's truly collaborative community allows me to create lifelong connections with peers and alumni alike. These are the connections that make College Hill feel like my second home. And who knows? Maybe one of those connections will become a future world leader. That's the type of place Brown is.

Brown's vast on-campus opportunities have allowed me to discover new interests and further explore the ones I had. My first week on campus, a friend convinced me to go ice skating for the first time, and now I've taught myself to skate backwards! From playing trombone on the same stage as grammy-winning jazz artists musicians to researching policy with the people you see quoted on the news, there's nothing that Brown doesn't offer.

If I had to summarize it into one sentence, Brown's Open Curriculum freedom invites and demands an introspective journey into who you are and what you are passionate about, all while you make memories of those random Jo's milkshake runs or those spontaneous Boston/NYC trips; the type of college memories that I thought were only possible in Hollywood dramas.”

Sebastian D-S. ‘28
Undecided (Leaning toward ECON/CS + IAPA)
🐻

"Call me a rebel, but I’ve never liked being told what to do (sorry, Mom!). At Brown, you get to pave your own path, supported by incredible peers and faculty who spend their entire lives doing the same.

I was born in Russia to a Kyrgyz family and later immigrated to the U.S. as a refugee. My whole life has been a journey of not fully fitting in, but after being here for a year, I've realized that this is the beauty of Brown University. Students carve their own paths to shine, coming from diverse backgrounds, different academic journeys, and unique perspectives.

The classes I choose to take span different fields, and I’ve found that this interdisciplinary approach makes the insights that my classmates and I share in class truly collaborative and unique.

Before Brown, I never even considered the possibility of engaging in research as a humanities student. Being chosen as a Presidential Scholar opened a door for me to dive deeper into the subjects I’m passionate about, beyond just reading about them at a surface level.

Being outside of College Hill is rewarding as well. I go off campus each week with friends from BRYTE, a campus organization that lets us tutor kids from refugee families like mine, and, whenever we need a break from studying, my amazing roommate and I love to go thrifting together (shoutout Natalie!!).

Brown embraces and even encourages the diverse paths each student can take. I’m grateful to be here because, for the first time, I feel like I don’t have to fit into a mold—I get to shape my own."

Ayana N. ‘28
International and Public Affairs, Sociology
🐻

"Be open and explore. Don’t worry if your interests change. When I first arrived at Brown, I was set on becoming a diplomat or journalist covering Latin America. I took classes toward International Relations but found myself gravitating toward education-related extracurriculars. It wasn’t until my sophomore year that I took my first education class—and I fell in love with it.

Looking back, I wish I hadn’t been so focused on one concentration. I wish I’d explored areas like Urban Studies, which I think I would have enjoyed. My advice: be open and take classes in unexpected areas. You never know how they’ll shape your path.

The Brown network is real and comes up ALL THE TIME for me. Brown encourages grads to pay it forward, especially in education. A year after graduation, a Brown friend visiting Houston connected me with a Teach for America alum, who later told me about a job opening at a college access organization. One of the team’s founders was also a Brown grad—someone I had interviewed for a class project!

Even when I’m not connecting with alumni from my exact time at Brown, the bond is instant. Most recently, I reached out to an MIT summer program leader, only to discover she was a Brown grad. She presented to my students last week. Another Brown grad, who directs QuestBridge recruitment, has presented to my students and shared helpful resources. These connections have been invaluable.

The activities outside the classroom had the biggest impact on me. I started with Brown SAT Prep, mentoring high schoolers, and later became coordinator. I also joined BRYTE, tutoring refugee children, and English for Action (EFA), where I taught ESOL. These experiences motivated me to get ESOL certified and fueled my passion for education.

These formative activities set the stage for my career in education. My Brown experience wasn’t confined to the classroom—it was about learning everywhere. I even got paid for two of these activities through work-study. I’m grateful for how Brown allowed me to blend my passions into meaningful experiences."

Sara Petty '12
Director of Pre-College Success, TeenSHARP
Concentrations: International Relations, Education
| Alumni

“During my first visit to Brown’s campus, I went to Sayles Hall to see the famous organ. When I walked in, Professor Steinbach, the University Organist, was preparing for a performance he had in Europe. But when he noticed I was listening, he paused his practicing and asked if I wanted to get a closer look at the organ. He invited me upstairs, gave me a tour of the mechanics of the organ (showing me all of the various pipes; reeds, and valves), told me fascinating details about the organ and taught me about its complex history.

Through this experience I understood the requirements for being a professor at Brown: true passion for their subject and eagerness to share their knowledge with others. At every university they always say that their professors are top class, but only at Brown does a professor go out of their way to give a crash course on the world’s largest remaining Hutchings-Votey organ to a prospective student.

I chose to study mechanical engineering at Brown because, at Brown, an engineer is not only someone who dives deeply into their field of interest, but also has the freedom to explore other realms of the academic world. In my first semester, I took courses as diverse as Understanding Modern Turkey through Film and Literature, Urban Politics and Policy, and Investigating the City: Hands-on Research Methods for Urban Analysis, all while staying on track to graduate with mechanical engineering, one of the more confining concentrations at Brown.

At Brown, professors do whatever they can to support your learning journey. They are often happy to overlook prerequisites if they see that you are ready for the step-up. In my first year, for example, I took two courses that were limited to juniors and seniors, but because I demonstrated my passion for the subject, they let me join the courses to get exposed to advanced concepts and a community of driven individuals."

Eric V. '28
Mechanical Engineering / Urban Studies
🐻

"Being at Brown, for me, is a story of resilience and resourcefulness. I took advantage of every opportunity: dancing with Mezcla, leading the Filipino Alliance, joining Alpha Chi Omega, competing with Esports, performing in In the Heights, serving on UCS—I even ran for UCS President! Academically, I did well and made many friends. But I also faced severe mental health challenges and went on medical leave due to my disabilities. I didn’t always agree with the administration, but I channeled these emotions into disability justice and mental health advocacy with Project LETS, Disability Justice at Brown, and the Disability Justice Student Initiative.

To me, true school spirit is pushing your community to do better—not just for yourself, but for future students and to honor alumni before you. It was a complex relationship with Brown, but one I could depend on—a place where I found community in all stages: thriving, struggling, and everything in between.

After graduation, my connection with Brown continued, especially in my career. Through Handshake, I found an internship at Rose Health (now Precise Behavioral), which became a full-time role as Product Manager. I attended networking events, gained insights into tech, and connected with alumni through Brown’s Alumni Success Coordinator. After moving to New York, I joined the Brown Club of New York, volunteering at social impact events and later joining the board. I also continued my work in disability justice as a steering committee member for Brown’s Disability and Neurodivergence Alumni Collective.

Brown will always be there for you. Take advantage of the resources Brown offers, and your relationship with the school will continue to grow. Graduation doesn’t have to be the final chapter. Stay connected, even if things don't always go according to plan."

Vanessa Garcia '20.5, ScM '22
Product Manager, Precise Behavioral
Concentration: Business, Entrepreneurship, and Organizations (BEO)
ScM: Innovation Management and Entrepreneurship (PRIME)
| Alumni 🐻

Brown University named nation’s top Fulbright-producing university For the fifth time, Brown has earned the distinction of being the country’s top producer of Fulbright winners, with 40 grants offered to students and recent alumni for the 2024-25 academic year.

"I chose Brown because of the welcoming environment. Although I was drawn to Brown for the Open Curriculum that would allow me to explore all my interests (public health, world religions, history, etc.), I knew Brown was the right fit for me when I toured campus for the first time. The welcoming and collaborative environment was a stark contrast to the competitiveness I was used to in high school, and felt like a breath of fresh air. I walked the Main Green and saw kids laughing, playing spikeball, and discussing their interests without the feeling of comparison.

Brown is allowing me to explore all my interests without feeling constrained. I am concentrating in public health, so I have had the wonderful opportunity to take classes from nationally respected public health leaders as well as participate in research at the local children's hospital. Simultaneously, I have space in my schedule to take non-public health classes that interest me. This year, I am taking American Sign Language which has already taught me so much! I also get to take courses in humanities that allow me to explore library archives, dissect the Hebrew Bible, and so much more.

I have loved my experience at Brown as a freshman in the Program in Liberal Medical Education. Even in just one semester, I've had so many opportunities to hear from physicians within the community and their patients through the Whole Patient program, as well as bond with other kids in PLME through socials. The individual support I get from my PLME Dean is so valuable and an incredibly helpful tool when it comes to picking classes and deciding what to do over the summer. I even go into the PLME office to build puzzles with my Dean (Thank you, Dr. Roth)!

What I love most about Brown is the people here. I have found so many people that I click with, that I can relate to, and that care deeply about me and their interests. Everyone has a unique backstory and passion that makes for an incredibly diverse group of friends, which is especially important in a formative time like college. I have an amazing support system here, and some of the people I've met since coming to campus are definitely going to be lifelong friends!"

Zoe W. '28
Public Health
🐻

"Use professors and staff as guides to success, not gatekeepers to your future. You know your heart’s desires best, so pursue your dreams with confidence! Brown is full of opportunities, mentorships, and resources designed to support you—seek them out and lean on them. But most importantly, never let anyone tell you that you’re not good enough!

When I was a sophomore, I applied for the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship (MMUF), a program that supports underrepresented students pursuing Ph.D.s in academia. I poured my heart into the application, secured strong recommendations—including one from my dean—and was eager to move forward. But when I met with the dean overseeing MMUF, he dismissed my candidacy outright. I left that meeting feeling disheartened, as though my ambitions were unworthy.

In another instance, a staff member I admired suggested that perhaps medicine wasn’t the right path for me—at the time I was pursuing a concentration in Human Biology, while taking the required pre-med courses. This person worried that Brown’s rigorous sciences would be too much for me. Once again, I was met with doubt.

But here’s what I learned: Despite these moments, Brown gave me the tools to succeed, but I had to claim my own potential. While some questioned my path, others—including supportive faculty and friends—helped me push forward. I tapped into Brown’s academic support, research opportunities, and alumni networks, which empowered me to defy those early doubts.

Today, I hold multiple master’s degrees—Educational Leadership (NAATE at Yale), Global Health (Georgetown), and Physician Assistant Studies (UTRGV). I practice medicine as a Physician Associate (PA), specializing in family medicine and infectious disease.

To current students: Brown offers you the keys to open countless doors—don’t let anyone convince you that you don’t belong on the other side. Walk through them with your head held high."

Marco Martinez '08
Physician Assistant, Family Medicine, and Infectious Disease
Concentration: Latin American Studies
| Alumni 🐻

"Brown’s Open Curriculum stood out as more than flexibility; it valued curiosity, individuality, and diverse thinking. At a time when life felt rigid, the idea of shaping my own education was both exciting and comforting. Knowing that Brown encouraged exploration and different perspectives reassured me it was the right place to grow—not just academically, but personally. That spirit of openness gave me the courage to embrace a new environment.

Having attended public school my entire life, I was used to limited opportunities. At Brown, I was struck by how many doors opened through its support. Whether it’s funding for projects, alumni connections, or professors who genuinely care, Brown has shown me what’s possible in a dynamic community. The peers and mentors I’ve met helped me imagine– and pursue– opportunities I never thought possible.

The Open Curriculum has let me explore a range of interests—so much so that I’ve taken classes in at least two-thirds of the concentrations here! Before college, I was set on medicine, but Brown inspired me to dive into diverse fields, from economics to visual arts, and courses on gender and race.

Eventually, I declared Environmental Science, but the freedom to explore helped me confidently start my pre-med requirements later. Now, as I prepare for a career in medicine, I do so with a rich background in environmental studies, social perspectives, and critical thinking. The Open Curriculum has shaped not only my academic path but also the kind of physician I hope to become—one who approaches health with a holistic, interdisciplinary perspective. This is the beauty of a liberal arts education, and I’m so grateful for it.

The community—hands down, is what I love most about Brown. The people I’ve met here– from so many different backgrounds– have made these years special. Whether it’s late-night talks in Keeney or basking on the Main Green on the first warm day of spring, these connections have made this place my home."

Kimmy V-S. ‘25
Environmental Science
🐻

Ready to discover what makes Brown University unique? Dive into our brand new virtual information session, broken down into chapters covering everything from Brown’s academic offerings and the Open Curriculum to research, advising, financial aid, the application process, and more. ✨

Watch the info session and explore our in-person campus visit options this spring!

Virtual Information Session Watch the series to learn more about the Brown University experience from the perspectives of admission officers and students.

"I remember taking an anthropology class in my freshman fall, taught by Professor Besky, and it completely changed my professional trajectory. I had come to Brown initially wanting to concentrate in Development Studies and work for the UN or a similar international agency, but what I learned in that class was the sheer difficulty of creating sustainable change in the Global South and how many of the interventions often imposed by the West do not create the desired outcomes. I realized that engaging in my local community might be more fruitful than a role in the UN, and I didn’t need to make a career out of my passion for social change. Social change had to become my lifestyle.

My greatest piece of advice to current students at Brown is to follow your curiosity. What are the questions that swirl in your mind? What is that thing that makes you light up whenever you talk about it? What excites you? Go in that direction. We have a tendency, and rightfully so, to think about where we want to be, how much we want to earn, and what kind of organization we want to work in after Brown because these are "practical" things. I would argue that pursuing your curiosity and joy is just as practical. Don’t settle for good enough when great is just as accessible. The difference between good and great may not make sense to anyone else, and it will require you to have conviction in yourself. You are worth betting on, so go for it!"

Alexa Chukwumah '19
Vice President of Public Finance
Concentration: International Relations
| Alumni 🐻