<p>GregOden: going back to one of your earlier posts, you should not factor the possibility of going to law school into your present thinking. It’s no longer necessary to be an attorney to enter politics and, in addition, my advice is to go to law school only if you want (or really need) to study law, i.e. mainly to become an attorney.</p>
<p>Brandeis is a fine school for what you’re seeking. I don’t know enough about those subjects at Rice to comment. Brandeis’ offer of a research stipend should stand out in your mind, as the opportunity to do research as an undergrad is not always available at many schools.</p>
<p>But in the end you need to go to a school where you will feel comfortable enough to make the experience pleasant but not so comfortable that you don’t feel like stretching your comfort zone.</p>