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.