Brown University SAT & ACT Scores
Brown's fall 2025 entering class had a median SAT of 1520, with the middle half of enrolled students scoring 1470–1550. The middle-half ACT range was 33–35. Brown admitted 6.3% of 42,774 applicants. For fall 2027 entry, the SAT or ACT is required. If you cannot take either test, Brown asks you to explain why in your application.
Where does your score land?
Compared with Brown University's enrolled first-years, fall 2025 entering class.
Is Brown University test-optional?
The rule for students applying now, for fall 2027 entry.
Brown requires the SAT or ACT from first-year applicants; students who truly cannot take either test can explain why and send other results such as AP, IB, or A-levels.
Superscoring. Brown University superscores the SAT and the ACT.
Checked October 29, 2026 on Brown University's admissions site . Policies can change each cycle.
Policy timeline
- Fall 2025 entryRequired policy begins
- Fall 2027 applicantsRequired
Brown returned to requiring the SAT or ACT for first-year applicants beginning with the 2024–25 admission cycle, the class that entered in fall 2025, after reviewing several years of data. It accepts Score Choice and superscores both tests. The SAT essay and ACT writing are optional, and so is the ACT science section. You can self-report scores on the Common Application or upload them in your Brown Applicant Portal; if you are admitted and enroll, Brown needs official scores from the testing agency. Early Decision applicants should finish testing by the last October test date, and Regular Decision applicants by the last December test date. If you could not take the SAT or ACT, explain why in the Additional Information section and send other testing, such as AP, IB, or A-level results.
Brown University SAT scores
The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 1470–1550, and the median was 1520.
SAT score distribution
Enrolled first-years, fall 2025 entering class| SAT | 25th | Median | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 1470 | 1520 | 1550 |
| Reading & Writing | 730 | 750 | 770 |
| Math | 730 | 770 | 790 |
Scores of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores, fall 2025 entering class. Source: 2025–26 Common Data Set. 77% of enrolled first-years sent an SAT score.
What your SAT means here
The median SAT among enrolled Brown first-years in the fall 2025 entering class was 1520. A quarter scored 1470 or below, and a quarter scored 1550 or above. The middle half scored 730–770 on Evidence-Based Reading and Writing and 730–790 on Math.
Brown's requirement covers students entering in fall 2025 and later. In the fall 2025 entering class, 77% of enrolled students submitted the SAT and 28% submitted the ACT; the shares can overlap because some students send both.
Brown reads scores in context, considering factors such as educational background, socioeconomic status, home and school community, and access to testing centers. It has no minimum score and says a score below its average ranges should not stop a student from applying. Still, a superscore below 1470 places you in the bottom quarter of enrolled students who sent the SAT.
Take full-length Digital SAT practice tests free, with an explanation on every question and a score report that shows what to fix.
Brown University ACT scores
The middle 50% of enrolled first-years scored 33–35 on the ACT, with a median of 35.
ACT score distribution
Enrolled first-years, fall 2025 entering class| ACT | 25th | Median | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 33 | 35 | 35 |
| English | 34 | — | 36 |
| Math | 31 | — | 35 |
Scores of enrolled first-year students who submitted scores, fall 2025 entering class. Source: 2025–26 Common Data Set. 28% of enrolled first-years sent an ACT score.
What your ACT means here
Enrolled Brown first-years who sent the ACT had a median composite of 35, and the middle half scored 33–35. The middle half scored 34–36 in English and 31–35 in Math. In the fall 2025 entering class, 28% of enrolled students submitted an ACT score.
Brown considers your highest individual section scores across all ACT test dates, as well as self-reported superscores. Report your best English, Math, and Reading scores; science and writing are optional and are worth sending only if they help you. A composite of 35 or higher matches the top quarter of enrolled students who sent the ACT.
Take full-length ACT practice tests free, with a worked explanation on every question and a score report that shows what to fix.
Brown University acceptance rate
Extremely competitive: 6.3% of first-year applicants were admitted (fall 2025 entering class).
Each dot is 1 in 100 applicants.
- First-year applicants42,774
- Admitted2,710
- Acceptance rate6.3%
- Testing for fall 2027Required
Early application plans: Early Decision (binding, November 1) and Regular Decision; no Early Action.
Fall 2025 entering class. Source: Brown University 2025–26 Common Data Set.
Brown offers binding Early Decision and Regular Decision. It does not offer Early Action.
What to aim for
A practical target for Brown is a superscored SAT of 1550 or higher, or an ACT of 35 or higher, which matches the top quarter of enrolled students who reported scores. Scores near the median of 1520 SAT or 35 ACT are typical for enrolled students. With an admit rate of 6.3%, a strong score by itself will not decide the outcome.
Brown calls test scores one factor among many in its whole-person review, and it reads them in the context of where you are applying from. Your courses and grades, academic interests outside class, your writing, and your recommendations carry weight too. Finish testing on time for your plan, then put your remaining effort into those other parts of the application.
How Brown University compares
Schools with a similar acceptance rate.
| School | Admit rate | Median SAT | SAT middle 50% | ACT middle 50% | Testing |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northeastern University | 5.6% | 1480 | 1440–1510 | 33–34 | Test-optional |
| Johns Hopkins University | 6% | — | — | 34–36 | Required |
| Dartmouth College | 6% | 1520 | 1440–1550 | 32–35 | Required |
| Brown University | 6.3% | 1520 | 1470–1550 | 33–35 | Required |
| Bowdoin College | 6.8% | 1510 | 1470–1540 | 33–35 | Test-optional |
| Pomona College | 6.9% | — | — | — | Test-optional |
Frequently asked questions
Is Brown University test-optional?
For students applying for fall 2027 entry: Brown requires the SAT or ACT from first-year applicants; students who truly cannot take either test can explain why and send other results such as AP, IB, or A-levels. Brown University superscores the SAT and the ACT.
What is the average SAT score at Brown University?
The median SAT score of enrolled first-years was 1520 (fall 2025 entering class). The middle 50% scored 1470–1550, so a quarter scored 1550 or higher.
What SAT score do you need for Brown University?
A score at or above 1550 puts you in the top quarter of Brown University's enrolled first-years, and 1470–1550 is the middle 50% (fall 2025 entering class).
What ACT score do you need for Brown University?
Brown University's enrolled first-years had a middle-50% ACT composite of 33–35, with a median of 35 (fall 2025 entering class). A 35 or above puts you in the top quarter.
What is Brown University's acceptance rate?
Brown University admitted 6.3% of first-year applicants for the fall 2025 entering class (2,710 of 42,774), which makes it extremely competitive.
How many Brown University students submit test scores?
In the fall 2025 entering class, 77% of enrolled first-years submitted an SAT score and 28% submitted an ACT score. Some students send both.
What are your chances at Brown University?
Scores are one part. Add your GPA, courses, activities and recommendations for a free reach, target or likely estimate.