Brown will maintain a test-optional policy for all first-year, transfer and Resumed Undergraduate Education applicants in the 2023-2024 admission cycle. The SAT or ACT, when submitted, will continue to be considered in the context of all the other information we have about a candidate. Standardized testing is informative and often helpful to our understanding of a student’s academic preparation, but has always been one among many components that we consider in our holistic admission process. 

We understand that not every prospective applicant has access to robust standardized testing preparation. Additionally, we recognize that students who attend under-resourced schools often do not have access to advanced level curricula. In every case, applicants are encouraged to submit all academic information that can demonstrate preparedness for Brown. 

In addition to considering Brown’s standardized testing profile, applicants should also consider their test scores in the context of their own high school. Students who have test scores that far exceed their school’s median but are nonetheless below ours may still be highly competitive in our admission process.

For students who choose to submit test scores, these may be self-reported or sent officially to Brown. We accept Score Choice and will always consider a student’s highest scores if multiple results are submitted. We continue to recommend English proficiency testing for international applicants and non-native speakers of English. Brown will also adhere to Ivy League policies regarding testing requirements for applicants who plan to participate in varsity athletics. 

For more detail regarding our current test-optional policy, please see our dedicated FAQ.