Dreaming of Brown? What the Class of 2029 Reveals About Who Gets In

 
 

You’ve probably heard the numbers: thousands apply, only a few get in. But here’s the thing—behind every acceptance letter is a story. And if you're someone who sees Brown as more than just a name—if you’re already picturing yourself walking across the Quiet Green, curating your own course of study, maybe even diving into the Open Curriculum—then this post is for you.

Because the best way to plan your own path to Brown? Start by studying the Class of 2029.

The Stats (Let’s Get Them Out of the Way)

Brown received 42,765 applications this year. Out of those, 2,418 students were admitted:

  • 906 through Early Decision (from 5,048 applicants – 17.95% acceptance rate)

  • 1,512 through Regular Decision (from ~37,717 applicants – ~4.01% acceptance rate)

That’s a total acceptance rate of 5.65%.

We know—it’s tough. But these numbers aren’t meant to scare you. They’re here to help you understand what Brown’s looking for, so you can plan ahead and make smart, meaningful choices.

What Made the Class of 2029 Stand Out?

This year marked the return of required standardized testing, and while that shaped the pool, it didn’t narrow the definition of who gets in.

Brown made it clear: test scores are one piece. What matters more is how you’ve challenged yourself, what you’ve created, how you’ve contributed, and how you think.

Here’s a quick look at the students who got in:

  • They came from all 50 U.S. states, D.C., Puerto Rico, and 89 countries

  • 19% are the first in their families to attend college

  • 73% said they plan to apply for financial aid

  • Brown is now officially need-blind for international students

  • 90 QuestBridge students were admitted

  • 64 students were accepted to the PLME program (an eight-year med track)

  • 21 were admitted to the Brown-RISD Dual Degree program

That’s not just impressive—it’s inspiring. These students didn’t fit a single mold. They brought bold ideas, genuine passion, and a strong sense of purpose. And so can you.

If You’re Planning to Apply, Here’s What You Should Know

1. Early Decision? It’s Worth Thinking About.

Early Decision applicants made up just 11.8% of the total pool—but they represented 37.5% of the students who got in. That doesn’t mean ED is the right move for everyone. But if Brown is your clear first choice and you’re ready to submit your strongest application by November, it’s a strategic option to consider. In our earlier blog, Early Decision vs. Regular Decision: A Clear Advantage for College Admissions we broke down why applying early can increase your chances—especially at selective schools like Brown.

2. Strong Academics Are Just the Starting Point

Brown’s admissions process starts with academic rigor—but it doesn’t stop there. The return of standardized testing this year added another layer, but admissions officers were clear: scores are one piece of a much bigger picture.

What they’re really looking for is how you think, what you care about, and how you’ve used the opportunities available to you. A strong transcript or test score can open the door—but it’s your curiosity, voice, and sense of direction that help you walk through it.

3. Your Application Is a Window Into Your Mind

One of the most exciting things about Brown is the Open Curriculum—you don’t follow a rigid checklist. You create your own academic path. That means Brown is looking for students who are ready to think independently, explore across disciplines, and take ownership of their learning.

So when you apply, don’t just tell them what you’ve done—show them how you think. What excites you? How do you connect ideas across fields? Where do you want your curiosity to take you next? Your essays are your chance to let that shine.

At Ivy Link, we help students like you craft standout applications that reflect who you are and where you're going. Whether you're thinking about Early Decision, mapping out a testing plan, shaping a strong academic profile, or working through essays that reflect your voice—we're here to support you, strategically, thoughtfully, and with your future in mind.

EJ (Elden Joie) Gonzales