Test Optional
Frequently asked questions about the test optional policy
Brown will maintain a test-optional policy for all first-year, transfer and Resumed Undergraduate Education applicants in the 2023-2024 admission cycle. The SAT or ACT, when submitted, will continue to be considered in the context of all the other information we have about a candidate. Standardized testing is informative and often helpful to our understanding of a student’s academic preparation, but has always been one among many components that we consider in our holistic admission process.
Since Brown is test optional for all applicants in the 2023-2024 admission cycle, test scores are not a required component of the application this year. If you would like to include test scores for review in your application and are applying Early Decision, testing must be completed by the last October test date to ensure receipt of scores. If you are applying Regular Decision, testing must be completed by the last December test date to ensure receipt of scores.
We will neither require nor expect any explanation of missing test scores. For students who do not submit scores, we will look to other components of the application to assess academic preparation.
In the Additional Information section of the Common Application, you will have the opportunity to share how you may have been affected by the pandemic and any other challenging events. This is a completely optional question, and any information you share will be used to help us better understand the context surrounding your experiences. The question reads as follows: “Community disruptions such as COVID-19 and natural disasters can have deep and long-lasting impacts. If you need it, this space is yours to describe those impacts. Colleges care about the effects on your health and well-being, safety, family circumstances, future plans, and education, including access to reliable technology and quiet study spaces. For more information, check out our COVID-19 FAQ. Please use this space to describe how these events have impacted you."
As with every aspect of the admission process, our test optional policy will be evaluated again before the 2024-2025 application cycle begins. As we continue to examine the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on academic outcomes, both at the high school and college level, continued research and assessment is needed and will guide policy decisions in the coming years. We anticipate that the data we gather this year will help to provide clarity on these outcomes and inform our longer term testing policies.
Brown is test optional for transfer applicants through the 2023-2024 admission cycle, meaning that test scores are not a required component of the transfer application this year. If you would like to include test scores for review in your application, testing must be completed by February for fall entry applicants or by September for spring entry applicants to ensure receipt of scores. You may use your Brown Applicant Portal to self-report test scores that were not included on your Common Application. Please see our website for more information about our standardized testing policies.
Brown will continue to adhere to Ivy League policies regarding testing requirements for applicants who plan to participate in varsity athletics. Student-athletes with questions about these requirements should contact the Department of Athletics.