Brandeis University

Date: Oct 19 2009
Major: Music - Composition/Theory (This Major's Salary over time)
Ok, so I'm in my sophomore year and figured this school deserves an honest review. Here's the deal:

Academics

Courses are superb. Professor quality is the highlight. I have respected every teacher I've had. In fact, most are supremely overqualified for the courses they're teaching. Oh, and they all enjoy teaching immensely. I can only assume its like that elsewhere though. On the downside, getting into some classes can be a problem (some programs have fewer classes offered, and especially in the more creative/artsy classes they don't have room to accept everyone). In general, coursework can be challenging but if you love what you're studying its doable.

Food

The school's biggest weakness. The mealplan is overpriced, there isn't enough selection and the available hours are horrible. Its edible, but you don't look forward to eating…

Social Life

Actually, Brandeis has a really great social life if you get off your ass and look for it. There are plenty of people up for having fun (alcohol and weed are the main source, even on weekdays. Like everywhere if you really want you might find harder drugs, but its not as common as other schools). Every single weekend has parties happening in/around campus (frats, grad students, and sophmores through seniors are willing to throw parties open to anyone and everyone in their suites/mods/etc., often without a door charge). The only downside is that they tend to get shut down by 2am… There's one on campus diner to service late-night munchies (open till 2am)

Things to do

The best part about brandeis is the free shuttle into Boston and Cambridge. Sure, the campus may be a little small (3200 undergrads), but worst-case scenario, if nothings happening on campus you can grab friends and go (for free) into the heart of boston. Fantastic food, shows, museums (though the latter close in the early evening). A majority of people you'll pass in Boston are college students (there are a ridiculous amount of universities in the city) Go to Boston every weekend, there's no reason not to!

Ok, so there's more, but all-in-all this is an academically well-respected campus. Its not really known for its social life or partying (at all), which is why I was very relieved to find a 'screw life and party' atmosphere does exist if you find the right people. Hope that helped…