Thinking about applying to Brown early decision? If Brown University is your clear first choice and you’re ready to commit, early decision can be a great way to streamline your senior year – but there are rules, trade-offs, and a firm deadline you can’t miss.
Find out more about the early decision admissions process, the Brown early decision deadline, financial aid considerations, and tips for a strong application.
The Brown Early Decision Deadline
The deadline for Brown’s early decision is November 1 at 11:59 p.m. on the applicant’s local time.[1] Decisions are released in mid-December.
You can apply for early decision through the Common Application. If your application and payment or fee are in by the deadline, you can submit your supporting materials after, but not too long after! You also need to complete the SAT or ACT by the last October test date to give Brown your scores in time. Brown reinstated its testing requirement with the 2024-2025 admission cycle.[2]
If you want Brown early decision, you have to have your testing, essays, and recommendations locked by mid-October to avoid last-minute scrambling on November 1.
What Does “Binding” Mean with Early Decision?
Brown’s early decision plan is binding. If admitted, you must enroll and withdraw all pending applications – including regular decision and any open early action – at other institutions.[3] While you may not apply to another early decision program or restrictive early action plan at the same time, open (non-restrictive) early action at other schools is permissible prior to notification. You still have to withdraw those if Brown admits you early decision, however.
Does Early Decision Improve Your Admission Chances?
Brown’s official guidance states: “Do not assume your chances are improved by applying early decision. The Board of Admission makes the same decisions under early decision and regular decision.”[4]
For the Class of 2029, Brown admitted 906 early decision applications with an early decision acceptance rate of 18% (5,048 applicants).[5] Brown’s overall acceptance rate that year was 5.65%, and about half the class was filled via early decision. Generally speaking, early decision admissions appear to be higher than the overall rate.
There are a few possible reasons for this. The early decision pool is typically self-selecting with highly prepared students boasting impressive academic records, recruited athletes or artists, and applicants who have been preparing their essays, testing, and recommendations early on.
Brown still applies the same standards to applicants, however. It’s just that the early decision pool often meets them. Early decision also lets Brown shape the class early.
Though early decision correlates with higher admit rates, it’s not an automatic boost. Consider early decision only if Brown is your top choice and your application is complete by November 1. If you’re not admitted through early decision, your file will be moved to the regular decision pool. If you’re denied, you cannot reapply to Brown in the same cycle.
Financial Aid for Early Decision
One of the common concerns with early decision is being assigned a financial aid package that you can’t afford. Brown meets 100% of demonstrated financial need without loans through the Brown Promise. If your award isn’t enough, Brown’s Office of Financial Aid will re-evaluate your package. If it’s still unaffordable, you may be released from your early decision commitment.[6]
If you want provisional aid decisions with your early decision results, make sure you fill out your FAFSA and CSS Profile by November 3.[7] Aid awards are the same for students with comparable financial profiles in both early decision and regular decision.
What Brown Looks for with Early Decision
Like many schools, Brown evaluates applicants holistically and expects students to push for rigor across core subjects each year.[8] Testing is considered in context. There’s no minimum score, and Brown superscores the SAT or ACT. Brown’s essays emphasize the Open Curriculum, intellectual curiosity, and community contributions.
If you want to demonstrate Brown fit, here are some tips:
- Academic rigor plus solid grades through senior fall.
- Clear, specific alignment with Brown’s Open Curriculum in your essays – not fluff. Supplemental essays are very important and should also be considered a priority.
- Thoughtful recommendations from authoritative sources, like a math or science teacher. Brown accepts up to four recommendations.
- Diverse extracurricular activities
- Completed standardized testing by October and submitted scores.
- An optional video that adds personality and dimension to your file.
Special Programs at Brown University
Program in Liberal Medical Education (PLME)
PLME is an eight-year baccalaureate and MD program. You may apply to PLME via early decision, but some students are admitted to Brown but not to PLME in December.[9] Even if you don’t get into PLME, you still have to honor your commitment to Brown early decision.
Brown/Rhode Island School of Design Dual Degree (BRDD)
BRDD decisions are made only in the regular decision.[10] You can apply early decision to Brown, but if admitted, you’re obligated to attend Brown regardless of the BRDD outcome. You can then apply to RISD in regular decision.
Suggested Timeline for Brown Early Decision
August to September
- Finalize your college list and confirm that Brown is your first choice.
- Map out test dates, essays, recommendations, and any other supplements. Deadlines exist for certain materials, so start early.
October to November
- Sit for the final SAT/ACT if needed. This is the last October date.
- Polish your Brown essays.
- Submit your Common App and Brown supplement by 11:59 p.m. local time on November 1.
Early November
- File CSS Profile and FAFSA by Brown’s aid date of November 3 to receive your aid decision with your early decision result.
Mid-December
- Early decisions release. If you’re admitted, withdraw all other applications immediately and celebrate.
- If you’re deferred, keep your grades strong and send updates for meaningful progress for regular decision.
- If you’re denied, consider your options and prepare to strengthen your application for the future, whether it’s for Brown or another school.
Is Early Decision the Right Choice for Me?
Early decision can be exciting if you know you want to attend Brown, but it also has some restrictions.
Apply early if:
- Brown’s academic philosophy and campus culture fit you specifically.
- You can submit your strongest possible application by November 1 with authentic essays, well-chosen recommendations, and completed testing.
- You are comfortable with the risk of denial and not being able to apply again to that cycle.
Take more time to think if:
- You’re still shopping around and considering different schools.
- You need fall testing beyond October to be competitive.
- You want to compare multiple aid offers from different schools.
Things to Avoid with Early Decision
Don’t blow your chances at Brown to get an early decision. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
- Rushing essays because of the early decision deadline. With Brown, your essays need to be specific and demonstrate your cultural fit to the school.
- Assuming early decision gives you an advantage. Though there can be higher admission rates, you still need a profile that meets Brown’s selective standards.
- Skipping the aid steps. If you want an aid decision with your early decision result, submit your financial forms on time.
- Misreading early decision rules. Don’t apply to another early decision or to a single-choice early action or restrictive early action at another school. If you’re admitted to Brown, withdraw any open early action applications.
- Forgetting program nuances. Early decision to Brown doesn’t make the BRDD program come early. Early decision in PLME may be possible, but if you’re admitted to Brown and not PLME, you’re still committed to attending Brown.
Aiming for Brown Early Decision?
If Brown’s Open Curriculum, academic intensity, and prestigious community are a good fit for you, Brown early decision can simplify your senior year and give you peace of mind knowing you got into your dream school. But an early decision is a commitment that requires a lot of planning to position yourself as a strong applicant. InGenius Prep college admissions counseling can help you keep up with Brown deadlines, prepare your application materials, and make a great impression. Schedule your free consultation today!