A concentration within the open curriculum
Brown says most students sample courses before choosing one of 80-plus concentrations, and that it has no set core courses.
Undergraduate · Brown
Brown Computational Biology: a concentration chosen within the open curriculum
Brown does not admit students to Computational Biology. It admits them to a university with an open curriculum, where most undergraduates sample courses before choosing one of 80-plus concentrations. The Bulletin describes computational biology as analysing biological phenomena with computational tools, offered as an A.B. or Sc.B., with Sc.B. students choosing a computer science, biology or applied mathematics and statistics focus. For an A-level or IB applicant, the questions are what the concentration is and how Brown's open curriculum and testing rules apply. This guide claims no separate application to the concentration.
Official information · read 31 October 2026, no entry-year label
What Brown says about Brown Computational Biology
Taken from Brown University's Open Curriculum page, the Brown Bulletin's Computational Biology 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.
A.B. or Sc.B.
Students may pursue either degree; Sc.B. students can elect one of three focus areas.
Courses from many departments
The concentration draws courses from departments across campus and requires a senior capstone experience.
No minimum score
Brown says there are no minimum scores required to be considered for admission.
SAT or ACT required
Brown returned to requiring SAT or ACT scores from the 2024-25 cycle.
Official sources
- Brown University: Open Curriculumbrown.edu
- Brown Bulletin: Computational Biologybulletin.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 Computational Biology 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 CCMB site, the detailed prerequisite lists, deadlines and financial aid were not read and are not stated.
The concentration
What the Bulletin says it is
The Bulletin defines computational biology as the analysis and discovery of biological phenomena using computational tools and the algorithmic design and analysis of those tools, with foundations in computer science, applied mathematics, statistics, biochemistry, molecular biology, genetics and neuroscience. Students may pursue an A.B. or Sc.B.; Sc.B. students elect one of three focus areas: Computer Sciences, Biological Sciences, or Applied Mathematics & Statistics. Both programmes need a senior capstone experience. This guide did not read the prerequisite lists.
Is it the right concentration?
Computational Biology, Applied Mathematics or Biology
Brown describes each as separate, so the choice comes after admission. Avandy's comparison is general.
Computational Biology fits if
you want computing and biology combined, with a capstone project.
Applied Mathematics fits if
your interest is mathematical modelling. Avandy's Brown Applied Mathematics guide covers that concentration.
Biology fits if
your interest is experimental life science; this guide did not read the Biology pages.
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. This guide states no score.
A decision framework
Three questions before you commit
This is Avandy's own framework, not Brown's.
Do you want to combine biology and computing?
The concentration draws on both.
Are you comfortable choosing a concentration later?
Brown's students sample courses first.
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 Computational Biology page 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 Computational Biology?
The pages read describe admission to Brown's open curriculum, where students choose a concentration after sampling courses.
Is it an A.B. or an Sc.B.?
Either. Students may pursue a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science.
What are the Sc.B. focus areas?
Computer Sciences, Biological Sciences, or Applied Mathematics & Statistics.
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 Computational Biology
Tell us about the student's curriculum, their interest in biology and computing, their mathematics 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.