<p>Hi all,</p>
<p>Today I was admitted from the waitlist at Brandeis, which was really unexpected since they told me I wouldn’t find out until late May. I was so surprised!!! Well, I have already put my money down at Union College in NY, but I am wondering which choice should I make. I really liked the laid back atmosphere at Union and the stunning campus grounds and facilities. While Brandeis’ campus is not as attractive, its proximity to Boston is a MAJOR plus and its academic offerings are more substantial. What should I do, especially if I want to major in political science or history and get into a top law school after my undergrad years? Do I want to go to a more competitive school (where I would be swamped with work) or one that I can get good grades and still have a life? Are the social sciences at Brandeis cut throat in competitiveness (like I heard the pre-med program was) or is it managable (and possible) to get good grades without being consumed by work?</p>
<p>Thanks in advance for any advice.</p>
<p>Can't speak about Union but I can address one item: campus beauty. Think less abut the aesthetics of the campus and more about the atmosphere created by your fellow students, indoors and outdoors. The Brandeis campus isn't as attractive as some, architecturally spaking, but it has plenty of grassy areas and trees. Once you are at a school, in a short while the campus becomes your home, even the uglier parts, and you don't notice the architecture that much.</p>
<p>If you want to get into a 'top' law school, Brandeis is probably a better option over Union. Also there are more opportunities to get involved in the political scene in Boston as opposed to New York.
I don't know about how tough 'Deis is, but I think if you love what you're studying then it will not seem like such a burden. The social sciences are probably a lot less terrifying than premed, and they have a wide variety of courses. Good luck with your decision!</p>
<p>Thanks dadofsam and Stain99...I agree that the aesthetic appeal of a campus isn't everything and that Boston probably has more action going on in terms of being able to obtain a political internship. Stain, are you planning on going to Brandeis? If you are what were your deciding factors that influenced your decision?</p>
<p>Yes...I'm still on Emory's waitlist but I'm 99.9% sure that I will be in Waltham this fall.
Deciding factors (other than the fact that academics are top notch)
1. small size = not feeling lost in the crowd, personal attention from profs as opposed to gigantic lecture halls with 600 students (a la UC Berkeley). It is a little bigger than my high school, and while you may not know everyone, you probably will get to know a good deal of people. The size is perfect for me. Also small colleges tend to have less distribution requirements, so I can take classes I want to take instead of being forced to take ones I don't.
2. Boston.
3. Brandeis is all about social justice and change, which I really like.
4. Very accepting environment
5. I will be going to school with some hella smart kids!
6. reputation in the academic world
7. Debra Messing went there (just kidding)
8. Guest policy is great
I could go on and on but the main reasons are the academics and Boston.</p>
<p>hahaha Debra Messing!!! Well, you did a great job really laying out why Brandeis is a great school and I'm starting to like it as well. Do you know what you plan on majoring in? And if Emory accepts you, what are you going to do?</p>
<p>English major but I'm still not sure about my minor-either econ, poli sci, business, or creative writing. (and I'm pretty sure Emory won't accept me lol...their applicant pool was nuts this year)</p>