Ivy League
Brown University Transfer Requirements
Open Curriculum — flexible but academically rigorous.
Overview
Open Curriculum — flexible but academically rigorous.
Very low transfer admission rate
GPA and units
Minimum units: One year full-time college enrollment
Realistic GPA range: 3.7+
Competitive GPA: 3.8–3.9+
SAT / ACT and testing
Test optional (scores considered if submitted)
| Test | Typical range (if submitted) |
|---|---|
| SAT (ERW + Math) | 1440–1560 (if submitted) |
| ACT composite | 33–35 (if submitted) |
Most selective privates are test-optional for transfers, but strong scores can still help borderline applicants. Policies change each cycle — confirm on the official site before registering for tests.
Application
Portal: Coalition Application or Common Application
Deadline: March 1
Essays typically required
- Coalition/Common App essay
- Brown supplement
- Open Curriculum fit
General requirements
- Typically 1–2 years of full-time college coursework (often 60+ semester units or equivalent)
- Strong college transcript GPA — high school record carries less weight for transfers
- College courses in your intended major and strong writing ability
- Extracurricular impact, leadership, and a clear reason for transferring
- School-specific essays and often a college report / dean's statement
- Two recommendations
- Test policies change by admission cycle. Always confirm on the school's official transfer page before applying.
Recommended courses & subjects
| Course / subject | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Writing-intensive courses | Required | — |
| Courses showing breadth across disciplines | Recommended | — |
| Major interest courses | Required | — |
Major-specific notes
- No formal major declaration at admission — show academic direction in essays.
Transfer tips
- Explain how Brown's Open Curriculum fits your nontraditional path.