How much weight does Brown put on the SAT?

Rising junior here. I'm starting to plan for the SAT and Brown U is one of my dream schools. Just curious, does anyone know how heavily Brown weights SAT scores in their admissions process? Is standardized testing a make-or-break or just one piece of the puzzle?

Hello! For the 2024-2025 application cycle, Brown is requiring all applicants to submit an SAT or ACT score, but remember that these scores are not the sole determining factor in admission decisions.

Brown takes a holistic approach to admissions. They consider various aspects of your profile such as your high school coursework, grades, class rank (if available), extracurricular activities, leadership roles, essays, and your letters of recommendation. Your SAT score is an important element, especially considering Brown's academic rigor, but it is indeed just a part of the picture. For a highly selective school like Brown, all these components need to be strong.

That being said, an exceptional SAT score can certainly make your application stand out. Comparing your SAT score to the average scores of accepted students in past years can give you a rough idea of whether your scores fall within the competitive range for Brown.

I'd suggest preparing well for the SAT while also focusing on maintaining strong grades, showcasing a 'spike' in your interests through your extracurriculars, displaying leadership roles where possible, and preparing thoughtful, insightful essays. Good luck!