Brown University, known for its rigorous academic standards, sets high expectations for applicants. In this article, we will dive into Brown’s specific ACT requirements and the average ACT scores for admitted students. Don’t forget to check out our article on Brown’s SAT expectations as well!
Brown University’s average composite ACT score is around 35, significantly higher than the national average of 21. The 25th percentile score lies around 34, and the 75th percentile score is a perfect 36. This means that the lowest 25% of scorers achieved below a 34. Further, the top 25% achieved a perfect composite score. These scores highlight the high standards Brown sets for its students, while also demonstrating that there is no specific score required for admission.
The average ACT English score at Brown sits between 35 and 36, with both the 25th and 75th percentiles falling at those scores. This indicates that the majority of Brown students perform exceptionally well on the English section of the ACT, with the average score being a strong 35.
The average ACT Math score at Brown lies between the 25th and 75th percentiles of 32 and 35 respectively. Therefore, a Math score of 34 would place you in the middle 50% of scorers at Brown. While these scores are slightly lower than the English section scores, they are still very high, and yet there is no specific benchmark that applicants must meet.
For the Class of 2029 onward, Brown University will uphold a testing requirement for all first-year, transfer, and Resumed Undergraduate Education applicants. This means that submitting SAT or ACT scores is necessary to apply to Brown, though scores will be considered in the context of all other application materials. Note that the ACT Writing section is not required.
Students may self-report their test scores or send them officially to Brown. Admitted transfer students who self-report scores must submit official versions by June 15..
Among admitted students to Brown University, around 27% submitted ACT scores, while 54% submitted SAT scores. Around 19% did not submit scores. There is no advantage to submitting one test over the other, and the decision should be based on individual circumstances.
Brown superscores within the ACT, so if you send multiple scores, they will evaluate only your highest scores in each individual section from all the test dates.
Brown does not have set ACT score requirements or cutoffs, and applications that do not include test scores will not necessarily be at a disadvantage. However, aiming for a score at or above the average of 35 would put you in a good position. Scores falling within the 25th to 75th percentile ranges discussed earlier should also be competitive.
| Section | 25th | 50th | 75th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Composite | 34 | 35 | 36 |
| English | 35 | 35 | 36 |
| Math | 32 | 34 | 35 |
Getting into Brown with a low ACT score is challenging but not impossible, even though Brown is no longer test-optional. While a competitive score can strengthen your application, extracurricular achievements, essays, and academic performance also play a crucial role, so your test scores won’t necessarily make or break your application.
For students planning to apply to Brown, it is recommended to take the ACT during the junior spring of high school. Note that this is at least two months before application deadlines. That said, Early Decision applicants can take standardized tests until the last October test date. Meanwhile, Regular Decision applicants must submit scores by the last December test date.
Brown’s ACT code for submitting official test scores is 3800.
Given that Brown once again requires applicants to submit ACT scores, a good score can enhance your application. That said, while Brown University values standardized testing as informative, the admissions team does not solely rely on SAT or ACT scores to make admissions decisions. If you’re interested in taking the SAT, check out our breakdown of Brown University’s SAT scores!
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