Brown University brings together talented students from every part of the country. We feel strongly that where you grow up does not define your potential, and that the different perspectives students bring to Brown are essential to our community. As the number of rural and small town students on campus continues to grow, we want to make sure you have the resources needed to learn more about Brown and imagine what your college experience in Rhode Island might look like. It doesn’t matter whether anyone else in your high school has attended or even applied to Brown; every student who comes to campus will be exploring new academic opportunities, broadening their horizons and discovering new ways of thinking about the world. We hope these resources will help you get a better sense of all that Brown has to offer.
Rural and Small Town Students
Brown University recognizes the academic contributions and valuable perspectives that students from rural and small town high schools add to our community.
Rural and Small Town Students
Brown University recognizes the academic contributions and valuable perspectives that students from rural and small town high schools add to our community.
STARS College Network
Brown is proud to be a founding member of the Small Town and Rural Students (STARS) College Network. The STARS Network started in 2023 as a group of 16 universities dedicated to connecting students to resources and programs that will help them discover, apply to, and attend their perfect college match. No matter where students are, the STARS Network aims to provide them with what they need to succeed. With the generous support of Trott Family Philanthropies and our partnerships with the rootEd Alliance, Khan Academy, and Schoolhouse, the STARS Network offers assistance with the college search and the application process, as well as with academics in the high school setting. We have increased college access programming available for students from small towns and rural communities in the form of free on-campus programs, internship opportunities, and additional information sessions.
Given the initial success of the STARS College Network, we are happy to announce that in 2024 the network has doubled its membership to include 32 of the nation’s most prominent institutions.
In its inaugural year, the STARS College Network opened doors to higher education for more than a quarter-million students. The expansion this summer will add flagship state schools, historically Black colleges, an additional Ivy League university, and other selective institutions, spreading STARS’ reach to more students and regions across the nation.
For more information, a schedule of upcoming events, and opportunities to get in contact with STARS Network counselors, please visit starscollegenetwork.org.
Schoolhouse Portfolios
Are you a Schoolhouse tutor? If so, please submit your Schoolhouse portfolio as part of your application to Brown. Portfolios may be submitted as an external document via email to documents@brown.edu. Please email your portfolio as a PDF document and include your full name and applicant ID in the email.
Fly-in Programs at Brown
In 2019, Brown became the first school in the country to offer a fly-in program specifically designed for rising seniors from rural and small town communities. In 2023, we were able to continue and expand our rural fly-in program in partnership with the STARS College Network. This shift has allowed us to offer programs during the academic year with a focus on current juniors.
Each year, Brown and the STARS College Network will host a series of no-cost fly-in opportunities for students through the STARS College Network.
Several STARS fly-in programs will be offered during the 2024-25 academic year, for both current high school students and high school administrators, covering the same content in different locations. Most programs will provide an opportunity to learn more about the college application process from admission and financial aid experts, explore a college campus and life in the surrounding city, and meet current students at the host institution to learn more about their college experiences. More information about each program can be found on the STARS College Network Event page and Brown University’s programs are listed below:
Brown University STARS Fly-In Programs
Hosted by Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island
Counselor Fly-in: September 12-14, 2024
Student Fly-in: October 20 – 22, 2024
Application information for the counselor and student fly-in programs hosted at Brown University and other STARS Network partners is available on the STARS College Network website.
To apply for the student program hosted at Brown University, you must be a current junior in high school and receive a nomination from a school official. After being nominated, students are encouraged to submit an application and will be considered with a primary focus on academic preparation. We invite any and all educators in rural areas to nominate as many high-achieving students as they see fit. School officials should visit the STARS College Network events page to nominate students. Applications for the 2024-25 school year will close on August 23, 2024.
Connect with Us
You can learn more about Brown through our recorded information session and virtual events. Have questions? Email admission@brown.edu with any questions about the admission process, and financial_aid@brown.edu to learn more about Brown’s generous financial aid program. You can also email askastudent@brown.edu to connect with our best representatives - current students! Finally, make sure to join our mailing list to stay updated on everything related to Brown’s admission process.