Four related concentrations
Applied Mathematics, with Biology, with Computer Science and with Economics; this guide covers the first.
Undergraduate · Brown
Brown Applied Mathematics: the most flexible of four related concentrations
Brown admits students to an open curriculum, and Applied Mathematics is one of four related concentrations they can choose later: Applied Mathematics itself, and versions paired with Biology, Computer Science or Economics. The Bulletin calls the main concentration the most flexible, with a foundation in calculus, linear algebra, differential equations and programming and room to earn credit in almost any STEM discipline. For an A-level or IB applicant, the questions are which of the four fits, what Brown says about calculus and what it asks at admission. This guide claims no separate application to the concentration.
Official information · read 31 October 2026, no entry-year label
What Brown says about Brown Applied Mathematics
Taken from Brown University's Open Curriculum page, the Brown Bulletin's Applied Mathematics concentration page and Brown's Standardized Tests and International Applicants pages, read on 31 October 2026. The pages carry no entry-year label, so for a 2028-entry application every statement below is evidence for the previous cycle and may change; check Brown's pages for the 2028-entry details.
The most flexible of the four
The Bulletin says A.B. and Sc.B. students can earn credit in advanced courses in almost any STEM discipline.
A foundation in four areas
Calculus, linear algebra, differential equations and basic programming.
Single-variable calculus
Not an enforced requirement for the concentration, but a prerequisite for many of its courses.
SAT or ACT, no minimum
Brown returned to requiring SAT or ACT scores from the 2024-25 cycle and sets no minimum.
Official sources
- Brown University: Open Curriculumbrown.edu
- Brown Bulletin: Applied Mathematicsbulletin.brown.edu
- Brown Undergraduate Admission: Standardized Testsadmission.brown.edu
Read on 31 October 2026 on Brown University's Open Curriculum page, the Brown Bulletin's Applied Mathematics concentration page and Brown's Standardized Tests and International Applicants pages, which describes 2027 entry. The pages carry no entry-year label. Brown's course catalogue entries, the other three Applied Mathematics concentration pages, deadlines and financial aid were not read and are not stated.
The concentration
What the Bulletin says it is
The Bulletin describes applied mathematics as an inherently interdisciplinary subject, with a programme that stresses but is not limited to scientific computing, differential equations, probability and statistics. The main concentration is the most flexible of four: students build a foundation, then pursue areas of mathematics and application with wide choice, earning credit for advanced courses in almost any STEM discipline in either the A.B. or the Sc.B. This guide did not read the course lists or the other three concentrations.
Is it the right concentration?
Which of the four
Brown describes each as separate. Avandy's comparison is general.
Applied Mathematics fits if
you want the most flexible route and expect to choose your own application area.
The paired concentrations fit if
you already know you want biology, computer science or economics built in; the Bulletin lists them as separate concentrations.
Computational Biology fits if
your interest is computing in biology. Avandy's Brown Computational Biology guide covers that concentration.
Admission and testing
SAT or ACT, no minimum, and A-levels and the IB named
Brown says it returned to requiring SAT or ACT scores for first-year applicants from the 2024-25 cycle, with no minimum score. International applicants should plan to sit national and international examinations such as GCE A-levels and the IB and submit predicted or actual scores. The Bulletin notes that single-variable calculus is not enforced for the concentration but is a prerequisite for many courses. This guide states no score.
A decision framework
Three questions before you commit
This is Avandy's own framework, not Brown's.
Which application area do you care about?
The flexible concentration leaves that choice to you.
Are you ready for calculus-based courses?
Many courses list single-variable calculus as a prerequisite.
Can you plan the SAT or ACT?
Brown requires one of them.
Planning for 2028 entry
Planning for 2028 entry: what carries over and what is awaiting publication
Brown's pages carry no entry-year label, so nothing on them is confirmed for 2028 entry. Use them to understand the structure of the application, then check Brown's own pages for the 2028-entry details.
The requirements and descriptions on the pages read on 31 October 2026, which carry no entry-year label
These are the best guide to what to prepare. Brown has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.
Deadlines, fees, financial aid and any department prerequisites not quoted here: not stated
This guide has not read them. Check Brown for the values that apply to your application year.
What to do now
Read the Bulletin's four applied mathematics pages and plan the SAT or ACT.
Support
Independent support with planning your own application
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with Brown University or any of its colleges or departments. Preparation sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the actual requirements of each course. Support here is limited to understanding the requirements and planning the applicant's own work; Avandy does not write or edit essays, does not submit any materials and has no partnership with Brown University. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
Can I apply directly to Brown Applied Mathematics?
The pages read describe admission to Brown's open curriculum, where students choose a concentration later.
How many applied mathematics concentrations are there?
Four: Applied Mathematics, Applied Mathematics-Biology, Applied Mathematics-Computer Science and Applied Mathematics-Economics.
Is calculus required?
The Bulletin says single-variable calculus is not an enforced requirement for the concentration but is a prerequisite for many of its courses.
Do I need the SAT or ACT?
Brown requires SAT or ACT scores from the 2024-25 cycle and sets no minimum score.
Does Brown mention A levels or the IB?
Yes. International applicants should plan to sit exams such as GCE A-levels and the IB and submit predicted or actual scores.
Are these the rules for 2028 entry?
No. They are Brown's wording with no entry-year label. Check Brown's pages again when Brown publishes its 2028-entry requirements.
Students and families
Talk to us about Brown Applied Mathematics
Tell us about the student's curriculum, their mathematics, the area of application they would pair it with and their SAT or ACT plan, the universities on the list, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.