<p>My daughter is considering all three schools. She is for a serious academic experience in a attractive, safe environment. She is not interested in partying, but is interested in establishing strong friendships. He interests include Creative Writing and English, Biology and Neuroscience.
Any advice with recent students?</p>
<p>Thanks</p>
<p>All three schools have the attributes your daughter seeks. Alas this forum seems very quiet, so for lack of other responses I will chime in.</p>
<p>Neursoscience at Brandeis is quite strong. A description of the feel of the school, consistent with other descriptions I’ve heard, was posted recently on the Northeastern forum by VirginiaDare, who visited with her daughter this past weekend:
“Brandeis (has) a strong community vibe. There’s a lot of cultural diversity and the students seem very happy with lots of positive energy. They also seem extremely bright but socially awkward. I have to say it is the nerdiest school we have visited, and I’m not saying this negatively, just giving a true snapshot. My daughter liked this aspect of the school. The students seem to take on a lot both academically and in student led club activities. The faculty and academics seemed top notch and everybody spoke of the individual attention they received. The campus is a mismatch of new modern buildings, older 70ish buildings that are a little run down, and a castle. It still managed to feel warm and welcoming.”</p>
<p>Vassar probably has a prettier campus. There are some negative comments about access to creative writing classes in the Vassar forum (from WasatchWriter). </p>
<p>Can’t speak to Oberlin. How does your daughter feel about being in the Midwest? Going to school in the Boston area was much more appealing to mine…</p>
<p>She sounds like the perfect Obie! Oberlin is noted for their English and science departments. Socially, there are groups for most kids at Oberlin. There are specifically social groups that would rather do things like bowl or go to movies than to party. Oberlin, as with every college, has its parties, but it is not a big party school. The students have told me that there is always so much going on at the campus, that they almost never leave. Whereas, the Boston schools I visited with my K did not have that much activity on their campuses and thus, the students seemed to often go into Boston to find action/entertainment.</p>
<p>Your daughter chose really well I think. </p>
<p>Suggest check the registrar’s list of courses actually given last semester, and the one before, in each of her areas of interest and see what is really available to her,</p>
<p>Perhaps where you live might make some difference. Driving to/ from Oberlin and NYC suburbs, it’s amazing just how long one finds that the state of Pennsylvania really is. I don’t miss those trips.</p>
<p>FYI, Brandeis’s programs in science, literature and history are top ranked in the US. The neuroscience program is particularly distinguished. Take a look at this article:</p>
<p><a href=“Brandeis doctoral programs rate high in national survey - Brandeis University - College Confidential Forums”>http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/brandeis-university/1025761-brandeis-doctoral-programs-rate-high-in-national-survey.html</a></p>
<p>Brandeis has an excellent Creative Writing program as well, taught by many award-winning writers.
Many novelists have emerged from Brandeis, including best-selling author Mitch Albom and award-winning novelist Ha Jin. </p>
<p>Also, for insight into the excellent teaching in the Brandeis Literature Department, see this Newsweek article featuring Professor Bill Flesch:</p>
<p><a href=“Four Great College Professors”>http://www.newsweek.com/four-great-college-professors-78703</a></p>
<p>Thank you so much for your thoughtful replies. They are very helpful. </p>
<p>Best regards</p>