Brown University has proceeded with the release of its early-decision admission offers, an event delayed by a weekend mass shooting on its campus that left two students dead and nine others injured. The Ivy League institution issued the notifications online on Wednesday evening, 17 December 2025, even as police continue to search for the suspect responsible for the attack.
Notification Delay and Campus Trauma
The university had originally planned to inform early-decision applicants of their status on Monday, 15 December. However, this schedule was postponed in the wake of the tragic shooting that occurred on Saturday, 14 December. The attack resulted in two student fatalities and nine individuals wounded, casting a pall over the prestigious Providence, Rhode Island campus.
In a message to applicants on Monday, the university acknowledged the difficult circumstances. "We are faced with the reality of mourning the loss of members of our community taken from us from a terrible act of violence, even as we acknowledge that we’re on the eve of a very important day for our many talented applicants to Brown," the communication stated. The university thanked applicants for their patience as the community grieves and begins to heal.
Admissions Process Continues Amid Security Concerns
Applicants were informed via email and social media that their early-decision offers would be posted online around 7 p.m. EST (midnight GMT) on Wednesday. Under the binding early decision scheme, successful applicants commit to attending Brown if admitted.
University spokesperson Brian E. Clark addressed the potential anxiety among newly admitted students, stating the university would work individually with any student having second thoughts about matriculation. "For any admitted student who reaches out with concerns about moving forward with matriculation, we’ll work with them individually and personally to determine the right solution," Clark said.
The incident has sparked significant questions about campus security and the ongoing investigation, with the attacker still at large several days after the violence.
Student Resolve and the Broader Context of Gun Violence
Despite the shocking event, many prospective students and admissions experts suggest the shooting is unlikely to drastically alter enrolment plans. On message boards and in conversations with advisers, numerous students expressed that their desire to attend Brown remained unchanged.
Allen Koh, CEO of Cardinal Education, a college admissions consultancy, noted the sad reality of gun violence for young people. "Unfortunately, shootings have become a sad reality for young people today, and no school is completely immune, regardless of how elite or well-resourced it may be," Koh said. "At the same time, the probability of such incidents remains very low, and people still need to live their lives."
The university's student newspaper, The Brown Daily Herald, quoted applicants who echoed the sentiment that gun violence is a widespread issue, with one noting "this could happen anywhere."
Daniel Lee, co-founder of Solomon Admissions Consulting, highlighted the institutional importance of early decision applications for elite universities like Brown. He noted they help drive tuition revenue and can fill around half of the spots in an incoming freshman class, typically improving an applicant's chances of admission.
