Anyone here consider this?
What specifically are you asking? One is a big-city school and one is suburban.
Just impressions, not where is it better to study Latin but lots of people narrow down to very different schools. A friends S was left with Davidson and Duke.
It really does depend on personal preference, but as a resident of Waltham and a transfer student accepted to BU and awaiting a decision from Brandeis, I will say that my first choice is definitely Brandeis.
From Waltham, it’s a quick bus ride into downtown Boston, the food on Moody St. is excellent, and I’ve found that the neighborhood is safe and the residents are friendly. Brandeis also offers a shuttle into Boston for students that runs on weekends until 2-3am in the morning (not sure on the exact schedule), which is great for catching a show/shopping/whatever and not worrying about the transit schedules. Brandeis also has a van (the BranVan!) that goes into downtown Waltham along the main strip, which saves students the half hour walk between Moody St. and Brandeis’ campus. While being in the thick of Boston might sound like an endlessly good time, for a busy student, there might just not be enough hours in the day. I go into Boston several times a month and appreciate a quieter atmosphere to come home to in Waltham.
Also, Brandeis has a much smaller, community feeling on campus than BU. The campus itself is pretty, but modern-looking, with a really cool castle that is closed in places for renovations. It’s easy to navigate, but built on a hill, so get ready to hike to a few classes. Literally everyone I’ve spoken with during my three visits to Brandeis has been friendly and helpful-- and not in a fake way, but genuinely kind. It may be much easier to make friends at a place like Brandeis for less extroverted people, and there are plenty of clubs, intramural sports (bubble soccer!), and activities to facilitate connections. Also, Brandeis encourages students and teachers to bond outside of class; they have a program where students can take their teachers to lunch on campus, which I thought was cool.
Brandeis isn’t a party school; the students are friendly and like to have a good time, but still focused on academic success. As an older student, I appreciate this, but it may be a ding for those craving wild frat parties or whatever. I’m not sure about BU’s party scene-- honestly, I applied to BU for the excellent philosophy program, less for the campus feel or social scene.
Basically, Brandeis isn’t the uncool suburban soccer mom its location might suggest, and while Boston University might be like attending Hogwarts (the buildings are pretty, okay) in the middle of a bustling city, it will probably be more like studying for your O.W.L.S. all year round instead of, I dunno, facing down a Hungarian Horntail and stealing a kiss from Cho Chang all before lunchtime.
My S applied to BU and Brandeis. He is still waiting for an answer from both of them, but had a preference for Brandeis, because of the size I think.
Thanks @BelovedInfidel !
She is NOT a party animal - friendly but not extroverted. She’s looking for a challenge but not a pressure cooker. 10 miles outside a big city - similar to Haverford or Bryn Mawr.
so many decisions
I am also making this decision! Can anybody else speak to how intellectual the students are in both schools, as well as the qualities that each school has that can be found in the other i.e. research oportuntirs for undergrads at Brandeis, which seems like it can be found at BU as well?