Aug 3, 2026
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By Justin Neiman, Former Ivy League Admissions Officer
Brown has officially released its 2026–2027 supplemental essay prompts for applicants to the Class of 2031. Brown has introduced a substantially revised Open Curriculum essay, retained its community and joy themes with updated wording and word limits, and expanded the “teach a class” question into a longer response. Below you’ll find the official Brown supplemental essay prompts, word limits, and guidance on how to approach each response.
“There is something distinctive about Brown students. It is a blend of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and humility. A commitment to collaboration. An openness to new ideas and perspectives. A desire to make the world better. And it is resilience: the ability to recover and thrive after experiencing difficulties.”
—President Christina Paxson, 2025 Convocation Address
How will you use these characteristics or others to shape your approach to the Open Curriculum?
Suggested word count: 150–250 words
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.
Suggested word count: 150–250 words
If you could teach a class on any one thing, whether academic or otherwise, what would it be?
Suggested word count: 100–150 words
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.
Suggested word count: 100–150 words
Brown’s questions are designed to reveal both your intellectual interests and your personality. Taken together, the responses should help the admissions committee understand how you would use Brown’s academic freedom and participate in its community.
Brown’s Open Curriculum is one of the university’s most distinctive academic features. Your responses should show that you understand and are excited by the freedom and responsibility it offers. Don’t simply list subjects you like. Explain how you would approach learning with the freedom and responsibility the Open Curriculum provides. 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.
Brown’s supplemental essays give applicants an opportunity to demonstrate intellectual independence, personal perspective, creativity, and genuine enthusiasm. The revised Open Curriculum prompt places particular emphasis on how applicants approach learning and whether their qualities align with Brown’s distinctive academic culture.
The strongest responses are specific, reflective, and distinct from one another. Together, they should help admissions officers understand not only what you hope to study, but how you think, what has shaped you, and what kind of presence you would bring to the Brown community.
Selective Admissions provides personalized admissions strategy, narrative development, and essay support for students applying to Brown and other highly selective universities. Contact Selective Admissions to learn more.
Brown has officially released its 2026–2027 supplemental essay prompts for applicants to the Class of 2031. Brown has introduced a substantially revised Open Curriculum essay, retained its community and joy themes with updated wording and word limits, and expanded the “teach a class” question into a longer response. Below you’ll find the official Brown supplemental essay prompts, word limits, and guidance on how to approach each response.
“There is something distinctive about Brown students. It is a blend of intellectual curiosity, creativity, and humility. A commitment to collaboration. An openness to new ideas and perspectives. A desire to make the world better. And it is resilience: the ability to recover and thrive after experiencing difficulties.”
—President Christina Paxson, 2025 Convocation Address
How will you use these characteristics or others to shape your approach to the Open Curriculum?
Suggested word count: 150–250 words
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.
Suggested word count: 150–250 words
If you could teach a class on any one thing, whether academic or otherwise, what would it be?
Suggested word count: 100–150 words
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.
Suggested word count: 100–150 words
Brown’s questions are designed to reveal both your intellectual interests and your personality. Taken together, the responses should help the admissions committee understand how you would use Brown’s academic freedom and participate in its community.
Brown’s Open Curriculum is one of the university’s most distinctive academic features. Your responses should show that you understand and are excited by the freedom and responsibility it offers. Don’t simply list subjects you like. Explain how you would approach learning with the freedom and responsibility the Open Curriculum provides. 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.
Brown’s supplemental essays give applicants an opportunity to demonstrate intellectual independence, personal perspective, creativity, and genuine enthusiasm. The revised Open Curriculum prompt places particular emphasis on how applicants approach learning and whether their qualities align with Brown’s distinctive academic culture.
The strongest responses are specific, reflective, and distinct from one another. Together, they should help admissions officers understand not only what you hope to study, but how you think, what has shaped you, and what kind of presence you would bring to the Brown community.
Selective Admissions provides personalized admissions strategy, narrative development, and essay support for students applying to Brown and other highly selective universities. Contact Selective Admissions to learn more.
Former Admissions Officer, Harvard University
Former Assistant Dean, Stanford University
I’m a college admissions counselor and the founder of Selective Admissions. I help students navigate the college application process and position themselves as competitive applicants to top universities.
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