Brown University Transfer Acceptance Rate and Requirements 2025

Brown is among the most selective institutions in the U.S. for transfer admissions. The latest available data shows that Brown’s transfer acceptance rate was 4.1% for the class of 2023, with only 114 students from over 2,700 applicants admitted. Here is the detailed data regarding the transfer applicants. 

Brown’s transfer acceptance rate has remained below 6% over the past five years, underscoring how critical a strong academic and extracurricular profile is for applicants. The common data set for the year 2024-2025 states that the Brown’s transfer rate is 7.20%

Read: 25 Scholarships for Transfer Students for 2025 Deadline

It’s critical to realise that candidates who have completed more than four semesters of college are not taken into consideration by Brown. To be eligible for a degree, admitted transfer students must enroll full-time and finish at least four semesters at Brown. Your experience at Brown must thus be both meaningful and intellectually stimulating.

Students who hope to succeed in the transfer process should begin preparing their applications well in advance. With a competitive acceptance rate, applicants must submit a comprehensive Brown transfer application that reflects academic excellence, leadership, intellectual curiosity, and a compelling reason for transferring. 

What is Brown University’s Transfer Acceptance Rate?

Brown University’s transfer acceptance rate has continuously been below 6% over the last five years.

With 114 students admitted out of 2,745 applications, Brown’s transfer acceptance rate in 2023 was 4.1%. Interestingly, the admission percentage for female candidates was 3.4%, but the rate for male applicants was 5%.

Here’s a look at recent transfer acceptance data:

To submit a strong Brown transfer application, students must meet rigorous academic standards and complete all required components, including transcripts, college recommendations, and optional test scores. Meeting the Brown University transfer requirements also means demonstrating a clear purpose for transferring and readiness to contribute to the Brown community. 

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Candidates must explain why Brown is the ideal fit for their academic and personal development since the university’s assessment process appreciates how a student’s prior academic experience fits with what Brown provides. 

Brown University Transfer Deadline

Planning is crucial when preparing your Brown transfer application. The Brown transfer deadline varies based on the term you’re applying for. 

The Brown transfer application deadline for the Fall 2026 term is March 1, 2026. The final date by which all application materials must be submitted, including transcripts, letters of recommendation, and optional test scores.

If you’re aiming for Spring 2026 enrollment, the Brown transfer deadline is October 3, 2025. Note that Spring transfer is less common, and availability may be limited. Regardless of the term, students should begin preparing well in advance to submit a complete and compelling application by the Brown transfer application deadline. Late or incomplete applications are not considered.

To keep yourself on schedule, we advise finishing your essays and gathering support materials at least four to six weeks before the specified date. This will increase your preparedness, and last-minute stress can be avoided if you match the deadlines with your academic schedule. 

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Brown Transfer Application Requirements

Submitting a strong Brown transfer application requires more than just good grades. Brown University looks for students who demonstrate academic excellence, an apparent reason for transferring, and the potential to contribute meaningfully to campus life.

Here are the key Brown University transfer requirements:

• Completed Common Application for Transfer
• Brown-specific supplemental essays
• Official college transcripts from all institutions attended
• Final high school transcript
• Two academic recommendations from college instructors
• College Report confirming your standing at your current institution
• Mid-Term Report with current course grades
• SAT or ACT scores
• An optional two-minute video introduction

To be eligible for a degree, applicants must have completed at least one full year of college-level coursework and enroll full-time for at least four semesters at Brown. The university looks for evidence of intellectual vitality and independence, which often shines through in essays, recommendations, and interviews. For students with unique experiences or non-traditional backgrounds, Brown also values diversity in perspective and thought.

Brown Transfer GPA & SAT/ACT

What GPA do you need to transfer to Brown University? While Brown University does not stipulate a minimum GPA for transfer applicants, successful candidates typically present a strong academic record. According to the official available data, admitted transfer students typically have a GPA of 3.86 on a 4.0 scale although we agree that demonstrating that competitive applicants frequently achieve almost flawless academic results in their college courses.

In summary, a strong GPA, usually around 3.86, is a common trait among successful transfer applicants to Brown University, even when standardised test scores are optional. 

Brown Transfer SAT/ACT

The data shows that you need to score between 1450 and 1580+ on the SAT and in the range of 34 to 36.

Additionally, students should keep in mind that the SAT’s Evidence-Based Reading and Writing (EBRW) part assesses grammar and reading comprehension. Wherein you need to score in the range of 740 to 770, A compelling academic narrative can be enhanced by high scores in this area, especially for applicants interested in the humanities or fields that require a lot of writing. Students must score in the range of 770-800 in the maths section to be competitive.

Read how we can help you with the  Best SAT Online Coaching for Exam Preparation.

FAQs on Brown University Transfer Acceptance Rate

1. What GPA do you need to transfer to Brown University?

A. There’s no official minimum GPA, but most successful Brown transfer applicants have a college GPA of 3.8 or higher. The estimated average GPA is around 3.86, reflecting a record of academic excellence in rigorous courses.

2. Is GPA the most critical factor for Brown University transfer admissions? 

A. GPA is vital, but it is not the only factor. Brown uses a holistic admissions review, meaning essays, recommendations, extracurricular involvement, and reasons for transferring all play a significant role alongside your academic record.

3. Can I transfer to Brown with a GPA below 3.8? It’s possible, but rare. 

A. Applicants with slightly lower GPAs must demonstrate exceptional achievements in other areas, such as leadership, unique talents, or compelling transfer goals.

4. What SAT or ACT scores do Brown transfer students typically submit? 

A. Brown is test-optional, but students who submit scores typically report: SAT: 1450–1560, ACT: 33–35

5. Which Ivy League university is most transfer-friendly? 

A. Cornell University is considered the most transfer-friendly Ivy, with transfer acceptance rates ranging from 15% to 18%, much higher than other Ivies. Brown’s rate remains highly selective at around 4–5%.

6. Is getting into an Ivy League school as a transfer student harder? 

A. Generally, yes. Ivy League transfer acceptance rates are lower than first-year admissions. However, applicants with strong academic performance and an apparent reason for transferring are still competitive.