Hey, I'm knee-deep in this college prep stuff and I'm seriously considering Brown as my early decision pick. Can anyone with experience applying to Brown or attending there give me a good idea of what kind of GPA they're looking for in their applicants? Thanks in advance!
Definitely! Considering Brown for your early decision option sounds exciting. Brown University, being part of the Ivy League, is among the most selective universities in the country.
The middle 50% range of unweighted GPA for students admitted to Brown typically falls between 3.8 and 4.0 on a 4.0 scale (the Brown University 2025 profile reports that 95% of incoming students had a GPA of 4.0 or above).
What that means is if you're aiming for Brown, having a high GPA in the 4.0 range is ideal. But while your GPA is certainly important, remember that selective universities like Brown look at many factors in their admissions process, and they do practice a holistic admissions approach. They consider your quality of work in school, grade trends over the years, school curriculum, and the strength of your high school. Hence, a rigorous schedule with AP, IB, or Honors classes can really complement your high GPA as it shows your ability to handle college-level coursework.
Nonetheless, an excellent GPA won't guarantee admission, and a GPA below this range doesn't entirely eliminate your chances either. They would also look at your essays, recommendation letters, extracurricular activities, and other aspects of your application. Keep in mind, though, if your GPA falls significantly below the typical range, other parts of your application need to be outstanding to compensate.
Good luck with your application to Brown! Refine those essay writing skills and keep pushing hard on your extracurriculars as the deadline gets closer.
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