All applicants to Brown use the Common Application; there is not a separate PLME application. If you are interested in applying to the PLME, there is a relevant section in the Common Application containing the PLME essay questions. You do not need to apply separately to The Warren Alpert Medical School at the same time.

Apply to Brown

Students at Brown tend to be exceptionally eager to learn and willing to accept academic challenges. The Open Curriculum allows students to explore broadly across many departments in addition to delving deeply into their areas of focus over four years, and we hope applicants will pursue a similarly broad base of knowledge prior to their arrival on our campus.

While there are no specific course requirements for admission to Brown, most successful applicants demonstrate preparation for university-level studies through a curriculum that is rigorous across academic disciplines throughout secondary school.

We understand that individual academic opportunities may vary by school and by year, and that curricular expectations will also vary around the world. With that in mind, secondary school transcripts should show that students have taken advantage of the learning opportunities available to them. 

Brown expects that students will take a minimum of four academically rigorous courses, preferably five, across a range of core subject areas each year throughout secondary school. English language and literature, math, the sciences, history, and a second language are considered to be the academic subjects best suited to help students prepare for the intellectual opportunities and interdisciplinary learning environment at Brown. More specific course recommendations are provided below:

• English: 4 years, particularly focused on literature and academic writing
• Math: 4 years, continuing through calculus when possible, particularly for students interested in STEM
• Science: 3-4 years, including 2 years of lab science and particularly biology, physics, and chemistry when possible
• History and Social Studies: 3-4 years, including courses such as history, government, economics and politics
• World Language: 3-4 years, preferably continuing with the same language when possible

Brown also encourages the study of music, art, and other electives in addition to the coursework recommended above.

After an extensive review of data, Brown has returned to its previous policy requiring standardized test scores – either SAT or ACT scores – for first-year applicants beginning with the 2024-25 admission cycle. These scores remain one factor among the many we consider in our whole-person admission process. 

We highly recommend that international applicants for whom English is not a first language or a primary language spoken at home submit the results of an English proficiency test. At this time, we accept results for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), and the Duolingo English Test. We will also accept the TOEFL IBT Home Edition. Please arrange for Brown to receive the official results. A minimum score of 105 on the TOEFL internet-based exam, a minimum score of 8.0 on the IELTS, or a minimum score of 130 on the Duolingo is expected in most cases. We do not currently accept the IELTS Indicator Examination.

You can visit the Office of College Admission's Standardized Tests page for more information.

Standardized Tests

Interviews are not part of the application process for the current application cycle. PLME applicants are very strongly encouraged to submit a video introduction as part of the application process. The video introduction provides a wonderful opportunity for us to learn more about you.

Video Introduction

PLME students are not required to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) to matriculate to The Warren Alpert Medical School. However, they must maintain good academic standing and uphold standards of professionalism within both the College and the PLME.

International students may apply to the PLME by completing The Common Application to the college. For international applicants, permanent U.S. residency or dual citizenship is strongly encouraged. More information for international students is available at the Office of College Admission.

Office of College Admission

Early Decision is designed for students who have placed Brown University as their first-choice school and acceptance into Brown during Early Decision is binding, regardless of whether you are also accepted to the PLME. Therefore, if you are applying to multiple medical or pre-medical programs, you are advised to apply during Regular Decision.

Early Decision

Regular Decision

Each incoming PLME student is assigned a dedicated PLME advising dean, who provides guidance throughout all four undergraduate years leading up to medical school. Additionally, first-year PLME students are paired with a PLME Meiklejohn peer advisor to support their transition to college life.

Yes! PLME students have access to several international summer exchange programs, including opportunities in Germany, Taiwan, and China. Additionally, many PLME undergraduates choose to spend a semester abroad, typically during their junior year.

International Summer Travel

Yes! Brown University offers a range of research grants and fellowships available to undergraduate students. In addition, the PLME administers its own Summer Research Assistantship (SRA), with exclusive opportunities for PLME students through the Summer Research Assistantship in Emergency Medicine (SRA-EM) and the Emerging Infectious Disease and HIV Scholars Program (H-EIDS).

Summer Research Assistantship