It is hard to get into Brown’s Engineering School. TBH, it's hard to get into the Providence, Rhode Island-based Ivy League school generally. However, engineering is one of the most competitive majors at top schools. Last year, Brown’s acceptance rate was around 5.4%. While Brown doesn’t publish a specific admissions rate for their engineering school, it may even be lower. The Brown University School of Engineering has around 400 undergraduates, meaning it plans to accept only around 100 students per year. So, what do you need to do to get a shot at being one of this elite group? We are glad you asked. You need to be a highly competitive candidate, which means taking several steps.

If you recently found that that you were rejected from Brown in the Early Decision round, you’re allowed to be really frustrated, sad, and confused. You worked hard. You did all the things you felt you had to do to be a competitive applicant. And yet, it didn’t work. You aren’t alone, though. The overall Class of 2029 first year acceptance rate for Brown was only 5.65%. The ED acceptance rate for the Class of 2029 can feel sky high at 17.9%, which was the highest ED acceptance rate in over 5 years, but you need to take that number with a massive handful of salt. Let us explain why 17.9% isn’t actually 17.9%, and help you take your best next steps.

We know getting deferred stings. You set your sights on Brown, and now… well, now you’re in limbo. First, take a breath. You’re allowed to be disappointed. A deferral doesn’t feel great, but it also isn’t a no. It’s a not yet. And that means you still have work to do (but luckily, we’re here to help you figure out exactly what that looks like).

Brown is a small liberal arts school within a larger university in Providence, Rhode Island that is part of the prestigious Ivy League. While Brown is committed to the liberal arts values of exploration and a diverse education, they do something most liberal arts school don’t: they have a fully open curriculum. Outside of major requirements, students determine their own journey. If the idea of this doesn’t overwhelm you, Brown may be your dream school. The acceptance rate is 5.65%, and the regular decision acceptance rate is only 4%.