United States · 2026–27
Brown supplemental essays
Brown asks first-year applicants about the Open Curriculum, where they grew up, a class they would teach, and something that brings them joy. PLME and the Brown–RISD dual degree have additional questions.
Writing format
Four required Brown essays; special programs add their own writing
Academic integrity
Brown requires the substantive content of essays and short answers to be your own work. Its policy allows AI assistance for spelling and grammar, not AI-written application content.
What to prepare
- 1Use the Open Curriculum response to explain how you would pursue a real intellectual question across subjects.
- 2Choose one aspect of growing up that shaped your perspective and show the contribution it could make to Brown.
- 3Give the class and joy answers distinct, concrete examples rather than repeating the same achievement.
How to approach the writing
- Brown's two longer responses allow 150–250 words; the class and joy answers allow 100–150 words.
- If you seek PLME or Brown–RISD, plan the extra program response separately from the four general essays.
Before you submit
Brown's page gives additional requirements for PLME and Brown–RISD. Check the questions shown for your selected application route.
Read Brown University 2026–27 application questions ↗Read Brown application integrity policy ↗Official source checked 2026-09-25.