<p>I have been accepted to both schools. BU accepted me into their Honors Program and gave me half tuition (Presidential Scholarship). Brandeis gave me $25,000 in a merit scholarship. I visited BU but never visited Brandeis. Unfortunately, I don’t have the time to visit Brandeis now because of time and distance. (I live out of state.) I plan to study liberal arts, possibly philosophy or political science (not sure yet) and go on to graduate school. Which school is better academically? Can anyone describe the campus at Brandeis? Help!</p>
<p>Hard to say. Brandeis probably has a better overall prestige rating but I don't know how that matters in real life. Are you Jewish? That still helps a lot at Brandeis. </p>
<p>The campuses aren't at all comparable. Brandeis was built not that long ago out near the inner ring highway 128. It's not terribly far from downtown Waltham, which has a number of restaurants, but is otherwise an historically blue-collar suburb (home of one of the original interchangeable parts companies, Waltham Watch). Brandeis' campus is much greener, is suburban, with a central entrance and a ring road.</p>
<p>Brandeis is predominantly and overtly Jewish. I am Jewish and still felt uncomfortable on the campus. BU has a far more diverse community than does Brandeis. Many Brandeis kids come down to Boston for the social scene here, many times visiting BU. MANY of Brandeis's population are Orthodox jews who observe the sabbath, keep kosher, etc. This creates a separation amongst students, from what I have seen. </p>
<p>I couldn't really say which has a better philosophy or poli sci department. However, I can say that I have taken a few courses in each here at BU and find them to be excellent. I personally love philosophy, and I would have minored in it if I had a few extra open spots. The professors here at great, always happy to have students stop by and debate the topic matter from class. </p>
<p>Brandeis might have a slight edge in prestige, but you really need to be happy with the environment there. It certainly isn't for everyone. In fact, it certainly isn't for most people. BU is very different in that respect.</p>
<p>I didn't want to say that so bluntly, but I agree.</p>
<p>Eh, might as well just say it like it is. People seem to think it is offensive to say it like it is. Just the facts there. No judgments.</p>
<p>I visited Brandeis over the summer, and crossed it off my list of prospective schools immediately. The buildings were all in various stages of disrepair, my tour guide was awful, and the library was virtually non-existant.</p>
<p>When we toured colleges a few years ago, we visited Brandeis and BU. S was not impressed with Brandeis. He really wanted to be in a city, not a suburb. </p>
<p>I will say this: Because of its size, BU has diverse academic offerings and extracurricular activities. S is majoring in political science but discovered he was leaning toward political communications, not law school. He was able to BUCOP (guess that's a new verb) in public relations (COM) and political science (CAS). At another school he may not have had that opportunity.</p>