Brandeis University

Date: Jul 11 2013
Major: Philosophy (This Major's Salary over time)
The majority of the stereotypes and rumors you hear about Brandeis are false. There is an awesome club and intramural sports scene on campus that is easy to get involved in. I play tennis and am a member of a dance club, and friends I made on my freshman floor played rugby, field hockey, soccer, ultimate Frisbee, and swam. It is easy to get involved in all sorts of stuff. The academic environment is completely non-competitive, even in the sciences, although some TA's at the intro level classes can be difficult - but that is any school with more than 2,500 students.

The campus is great in the spring and early autumn, and most of the buildings are in great shape. There are a few that are getting repairs done on them, and the Castle that you may have heard about is one such building. The administration has gone to great lengths to include students in their discussions and planning, and it has really paid off with much better relationships than were previously existent.

Social life actually rears its head, despite many posts to the contrary. The school and various clubs sponsor events almost every night of the week (and weekend, from plays to lectures and concerts. Speakers come to campus regularly, and it isn't hard to become involved in political or social pursuits. The frat parties are not as sophisticated as they would be at a school that recognized frats, but they are well attended. Some of the international culture clubs throw parties each semester that devolve into orgies of Dionysian excess, and can be quite enjoyable. The free shuttle to Boston from Thursday to Sunday runs on time and efficiently, and you will not be left waiting at two in the morning. It doesn't happen. The train that comes to campus isn't the cheapest, but is a great way to get to Boston during the week or the airport for term breaks.

The dorms are fine - all are in the process of being renovated, and some sophomore and junior/senior housing has been constructed in the last five years and is beautiful. Unlike some schools, Brandeis dorms don?t have wood paneling or coffered ceilings, but they are clean, spacious (the majority - some Castle singles are 250 sq. feet), and offer ample opportunity to interact with your friends. This is college, and housing is supposed to be a universally maligned point of bonding. You will have fun no matter where you live. Also, with regard to the housing lottery: freshmen and sophomores are guaranteed four semesters of housing, which may seem to indicate that juniors and seniors are left to fend for themselves. Although some upperclassmen choose to find off campus apartments or live in a frat house, 90% of undergrads live on campus. If you want housing, you?ll get it.

The professors and classes are excellent, top quality, and challenging. The social sciences are less intense than the natural and physical sciences, and the math department is hit or miss. I had a TA in a calculus class who could barely speak English. But every professor I have interacted with has been passionate and available, and my Chinese professor is a gem ? best teacher I have ever had, hands down and period. You will get a great education here.

Many comments have been made about Jewish life and Jewish influence at Brandeis. Remember, the school was founded with support from the Jewish community as a non-sectarian institution. Today, the Jewish influence is prevalent on campus, but is never overwhelming. The student body is about half Jewish, and religious dialogue, acceptance, and cooperation are hallmarks of the school. There are no tensions between groups, and everyone intermingles. Each year, the Catholic priest leads a group to the Vatican, and many Jews and Muslims join their Catholic friends. Brandeis is not a ?Jewish school,? nor does it force any ideology down your throat.

For the most part, the students are great. I have met a few who were, for lack of a better term, completely whacked out and social incompetent, but 95% of the people are ?normal,? however you define that. But to each his (or her) own is embodied here, and the acceptance fosters heightened personal perspectives. Occasionally, feelings get hurt too easily and political correctness is emphasized to the utmost extremes, but that?s just Brandeis.

Overall, I wouldn?t trade in the experiences I have had and will have for anything. Brandeis is great, but visit if you are thinking about applying. That should be a rule of thumb for any college. Good luck with everything and hopefully this has been helpful.