The Early Decision (ED) acceptance rates at Brown University (Ivy League) and Williams College, two of the top U.S. institutions, saw an unexpected increase this year. This trend is largely attributed to a significant drop in application numbers for both schools.

Brown University admitted 18% of its ED applicants this year, accepting 906 students out of a total of 5,048 applications for the Class of 2029. According to the university’s report, this marks the highest acceptance rate in six years.

Similarly, Williams College accepted 26.6% of its ED applicants, up from 23.3% last year. This is also the first time since 2020 that Williams has reported an increase in its acceptance rate.

What’s striking is the sharp decline in the number of ED applications received by both schools. Williams received a total of 964 applications, down from 1,068 last year. Brown experienced an even steeper drop, receiving 1,200 fewer applications compared to the previous cycle.

Brown attributed the decline in applications to its recent decision to reinstate standardized testing requirements for applicants. Williams, however, continues to maintain its test-optional policy through the Fall 2025 admissions cycle.