Hey all.
How are you?
Could you give your advice here?
I would like to major in International Relations/Politics/Co-existence studies
And also would like to take either Spanish/Arabic and Chinese.
I would need to pay Wash U another $5,000.
I am an older student(23 year old)
Thank you!
Doron
Where would you rather live, Boston or St. Louis?
Assuming Washington U has all of the programs (or at least classes…) you listed – and all else being equal, like fit – I’d choose Washington University on overall reputation. This school has come out of nowhere in the last 20-30 years (right?) to become one of the most selective schools in the united states: of all schools, incoming freshmen at WUSTL had like the 8th-highest average SAT score – higher than such stalwarts as Stanford, Duke, Northwestern, Penn, Brown, Cornell and Dartmouth. The faculty are very strong and the school (thus) boasts many top-notch programs.
WUSTL is better overall.
But if you want to be in Boston, Brandeis will suit your needs just fine.
I’d spend some time at both schools, if possible. Try talking to some students: find out if their feelings about the schools fit what you want from your education and the overall experience.
Like I said, Washington U is better overall… but Brandeis is pretty good too. So make your decision based on fit and (if the money difference us large…) finances.
Not that this makes a huge difference necessarily, but I visited both schools when I was in high school, and my younger brother recently visited Brandeis. Neither of us were impressed with the campus, regarding upkeep of landscaping or buildings. It also is even more heavily Jewish school, and has a much stronger Jewish reputation. Could be a positive or a negative for you.
If you do go to Wash U, I would look to the International and Area Studies department over Poli Sci (here it’s focused on political economy and it looks like you want a more anthro/sociology approach). But take classes in both and see what you like!