Students can apply to STARS@Brown using the free STARS fly-in application. The application requires the following materials:

• A transcript with all junior year grades submitted directly on the application. This can be unofficial, and does not need to come directly from a school representative.
• ACT or SAT scores, unless the student has not sat for either test
• A complete STARS fly-in application

School officials can submit a nomination for students to attend a STARS fly-in. Nominations are optional, but recommended.

The deadline for all application materials is Friday, August 1 at 11:59 PM CT.

Students must meet the following criteria to participate in STARS@Brown:

• Entering their senior year of high school (aka a Fall 2026 college entry term)
• Live in a rural area or small town in the United States

Students who are a strong fit for STARS@Brown are likely to have the following experiences:

• A lack of familiarity with Brown University or highly selective universities
• Difficulty traveling to Brown University’s campus due to a lack of resources or easy-to-access travel arrangements
• Students who demonstrate a strong academic record in the context of their high school
• Students who are engaged in their school and/or local community

Rural and small town experiences vary greatly across the United States. We're happy to review your application if you believe that a rural area or small town would best describe your hometown or high school setting.

STARS@Brown is a selective and small program with a distinct mission to support rural and small town students. Decisions for STARS@Brown are separate from the undergraduate admission process. Students may still be competitive for undergraduate admission, and are encouraged to apply, even if they are not admitted to STARS@Brown.

All students who list Brown University as one of their programs of interest on the STARS fly-in application are eligible for a fee waiver. STARS@Brown applicants should select the "Brown Specific Fee Waiver" in the "Brown Questions" section of the Common Application.

Students will:

• Learn about the highly selective admission process from Brown’s Admission Officers
• Discover Brown University’s Open Curriculum and how we prepare you for your long-term goals
• Experience Providence, RI, Brown’s campus, and all the opportunities they have to offer
• Explore campus and connect with current undergraduates from small town and rural backgrounds about their transition to college

Brown University will fund all expenses related to participants’ travel, lodging, and meals. Students arriving at Brown will be met with a representative from the Office of College Admission at the airport, train station, and/or on-campus.

Participants will stay in a nearby hotel within close proximity to campus. A staff member from the Office of College Admission will also stay at the hotel overnight.

Admission officers, student ambassadors, and/or Rural Students@Brown volunteers will accompany STARS participants throughout the program.

All students admitted to STARS@Brown are asked to attend a virtual information session two weeks prior to the program to meet Brown representatives and their peers, and to have any questions answered in preparation for their travels. Parents/guardians are strongly encouraged to attend as well.

STARS@Brown can only fund travel, lodging, and meals for admitted students. We encourage families to support their students in having an independent experience away from home as an opportunity to prepare for their first year at college.