<p>I am an international student so cannot visit, and am pretty confused. Which of the two would be better in terms of overall prestige, repute of the Economics/Mathematics department (I aspire to go to a top grad school for economics) ? I am not a party animal, but would want to live in a happening place with good fun on weekends. Also housing and social life ? My concern with Mcgill is with the moving off campus after the first year. Doesn’t that dent the college experience somewhat ? My concern with Brandeis is the jewishness of the place and the supposedly ugly campus. Would appreciate any advice.</p>
<p>In terms of both prestige and education I would pick Brandeis. Also, FYI, the med school acceptance rates of Brandeis students are exceptionally high. </p>
<p>Brandeis is a truly an amazing school. It’s a special combination of small liberal arts college and world-class research university-with the smallest student body I believe (less than 800 in a class) of any top tier national research university matched with high-powered professors who actually teach in small classes. So, the research opportunities are tremendous. Plus it’s very close to Boston, which is the world’s best college town, but on its own suburban campus.</p>
<p>Its intellectual environment, it is comparable in many ways to its University Athletic Association sister school, U Chicago. Yet its students are down- to -earth, friendly and non-competitive with one another. FYI in a recent Forbes national college rankings survey, Brandeis was ranked 15th among research universities and 30th overall among all private univerities and LAC’s–a testament to its focus on undergraduate education. Larger schools, including some Ivies, were ranked much lower. </p>
<p>Despite its small size and relative youth,its alumni are very distinguished–e.g. nobel and pulitzer prize winners, international leaders and those accomplished in business, the sciences, academia and the arts. Also, if you’re into social justice or theater/music/art, it has very robust communities.</p>
<p>Good luck with your decision!</p>