<p>the two schools are quite different… Have you visited either? BC is much bigger (about 3x) than Brandeis. Both are excellent educational environments, but have very different vibes. BC is very preppy (sporty as my S noticed) and is based in the Jesuit tradition. I happen to like the Jesuits, who are the coolest people in the whole Catholic family. But it is a Catholic school, and makes no bones about it. The student body is more mainstream and popular kids plus smart jocks style. But NICE in general. (although out tour guide was a LAX player and I thought she had a bit of a 'tude). I left feeling like you would need to work to fit in vs. being a bit different than others.</p>
<p>Here is my bias…
Brandeis is a perfect blend of academic and intellectualism, mixed with those who are seeking an education with purpose. The students were far more diverse in style than BC; diversity works in multiple ways, not just gender, race, religion, ethnicity. The history of how Brandeis was founded is amazing, and the school has fantastic vision. Being a fairly new institution, Brandeis seems more innovative and has the ability to build NEW ideas v. caught in the traditional models like BC might be. </p>
<p>I suggest you visit if possible… We thought my S would love BC because he’s such a sports fan. But it was the creative and fun environment of Brandeis that hooked his interest. There is no pressure to “be” someone other than yourself at Brandeis. I think he thought the students at BC were the same batch, or that you had to look and present yourself a certain way to fit in. Brandeis was not like this at all.</p>
<p>Academically, they are somewhat equal although some depts may be stronger at one school or the other. For law, a girl from our HS who went to Brandeis is at UPenn law. BC has a good law school (bro-in-law went there) and it is common to see a Double Eagle or even Triple eagle (BC High, BC, BC Law) in Boston. </p>
<p>Lastly, the environment at each school is different. Brandeis is not the big DivI rah rah college experience, but is like a small liberal arts college with great access to research opps of a big school. It may be a bit more freeform and Indie than BC. It also is more intellectual ( Note that both schools have smart and talented kids), while BC is a practical and means to and end kind of place. (I go to nursing school to become a nurse, engineering to be an engineer, etc.).</p>
<p>Lastly, for partying and drinking… BC will be far bigger party school. I grew up in Boston and my Boston Irish family can confirm! Brandeis is not known for being a big party campus, but rather a fun and thoughtful community. Partying is there if you want it, but it is not a peer pressure culture.</p>
<p>Hope this helps you. And I am biased towards Brandeis since my son is deciding between it and another school. </p>
<p>Hope this helps. There is a thread on the Brandeis CC that discusses this, too.</p>