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Brown University has officially released its supplemental essay prompts for the 2025–2026 application cycle (Class of 2030).
These questions are designed to help the admissions committee get a deeper sense of who you are beyond your transcript and test scores. By responding thoughtfully, you can show them what you’d bring to Brown’s unique academic and social environment.
1) Brown's Open Curriculum allows students to explore broadly while also diving deeply into their academic pursuits. Tell us about any academic interests that excite you, and how you might pursue them at Brown. (250 word limit)
2)Students entering Brown often find that making their home on College Hill naturally invites reflection on where they came from. Share how an aspect of your growing up has inspired or challenged you, and what unique contributions this might allow you to make to the Brown community. (250 word limit)
3) Brown students care deeply about their work and the world around them. Students find contentment, satisfaction, and meaning in daily interactions and major discoveries. Whether big or small, mundane or spectacular, tell us about something that brings you joy. (250 word limit)
Help us get to know you better by reflecting briefly on each of the questions below. We expect that answers will range from a few words to a few sentences at most.
1) What three words best describe you? (3 word limit)
2) If you could teach a class on any one thing, whether academic or otherwise, what would it be? (100 word limit)
3) In one sentence, why Brown? (50 word limit)
Brown’s supplemental essays are your chance to show the admissions committee that you're a great fit for their one-of-a-kind campus culture. These questions are your opportunity to reveal your intellectual curiosity, personal values, and how you’d thrive in a collaborative and open environment. By crafting authentic and insightful responses, you’ll help the committee imagine the kind of student and community member you'd be.
Brown is unlike any of its peers in the Ivy League. Brown’s Open Curriculum is at the core of its academic identity. Your responses should show that you understand and are excited by the freedom and responsibility it offers. Don’t just list subjects you like; connect them. Explain how you might use the Open Curriculum to blend disparate interests or explore a topic from multiple angles. This demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of what makes Brown unique.
Avoid broad generalizations. Instead of just saying you're "curious," provide a concrete example of a time you followed a question down a rabbit hole. The most effective essays tell a story and use specific details to show, not just tell, what you've done and why it matters. Brown wants to see the person behind the accomplishments.
Think about your entire application as a whole. Do your essays, activities list, and letters of recommendation tell a consistent and compelling story about who you are? A strong application has a clear narrative that ties your experiences, passions, and goals together. This helps admissions officers understand not just what you’ve done, but what motivates you and how it all points toward your future at Brown. Not sure what a narrative looks like? Check out this blog post!
This may sound obvious, but it's a frequent pitfall. Take the time to deconstruct each prompt. Does it ask for a specific experience? A reflection on your worldview? A discussion of your academic interests? Make sure your response directly and thoroughly addresses every part of the question.
Typos and grammatical errors can distract the reader and suggest a lack of care. A fresh pair of eyes can catch mistakes you’ve overlooked. Before you submit, be sure to proofread your work.
Looking for additional guidance or application review support? Feel free to reach out. We’re here to support you through every step of the process!
Brown University has officially released its supplemental essay prompts for the 2025–2026 application cycle (Class of 2030).
These questions are designed to help the admissions committee get a deeper sense of who you are beyond your transcript and test scores. By responding thoughtfully, you can show them what you’d bring to Brown’s unique academic and social environment.
1) Brown's Open Curriculum allows students to explore broadly while also diving deeply into their academic pursuits. Tell us about any academic interests that excite you, and how you might pursue them at Brown. (250 word limit)
2)Students entering Brown often find that making their home on College Hill naturally invites reflection on where they came from. Share how an aspect of your growing up has inspired or challenged you, and what unique contributions this might allow you to make to the Brown community. (250 word limit)
3) Brown students care deeply about their work and the world around them. Students find contentment, satisfaction, and meaning in daily interactions and major discoveries. Whether big or small, mundane or spectacular, tell us about something that brings you joy. (250 word limit)
Help us get to know you better by reflecting briefly on each of the questions below. We expect that answers will range from a few words to a few sentences at most.
1) What three words best describe you? (3 word limit)
2) If you could teach a class on any one thing, whether academic or otherwise, what would it be? (100 word limit)
3) In one sentence, why Brown? (50 word limit)
Brown’s supplemental essays are your chance to show the admissions committee that you're a great fit for their one-of-a-kind campus culture. These questions are your opportunity to reveal your intellectual curiosity, personal values, and how you’d thrive in a collaborative and open environment. By crafting authentic and insightful responses, you’ll help the committee imagine the kind of student and community member you'd be.
Brown is unlike any of its peers in the Ivy League. Brown’s Open Curriculum is at the core of its academic identity. Your responses should show that you understand and are excited by the freedom and responsibility it offers. Don’t just list subjects you like; connect them. Explain how you might use the Open Curriculum to blend disparate interests or explore a topic from multiple angles. This demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of what makes Brown unique.
Avoid broad generalizations. Instead of just saying you're "curious," provide a concrete example of a time you followed a question down a rabbit hole. The most effective essays tell a story and use specific details to show, not just tell, what you've done and why it matters. Brown wants to see the person behind the accomplishments.
Think about your entire application as a whole. Do your essays, activities list, and letters of recommendation tell a consistent and compelling story about who you are? A strong application has a clear narrative that ties your experiences, passions, and goals together. This helps admissions officers understand not just what you’ve done, but what motivates you and how it all points toward your future at Brown. Not sure what a narrative looks like? Check out this blog post!
This may sound obvious, but it's a frequent pitfall. Take the time to deconstruct each prompt. Does it ask for a specific experience? A reflection on your worldview? A discussion of your academic interests? Make sure your response directly and thoroughly addresses every part of the question.
Typos and grammatical errors can distract the reader and suggest a lack of care. A fresh pair of eyes can catch mistakes you’ve overlooked. Before you submit, be sure to proofread your work.
Looking for additional guidance or application review support? Feel free to reach out. We’re here to support you through every step of the process!
Former Admissions Officer, Harvard University
Former Assistant Dean, Stanford University
As a College Counselor I help students navigate the college admissions process. My goal is to help students stand out and get accepted to their top-choice schools.
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