Brandeis vs. GWU vs. University of Rochester

<p>Hi everyone, and thank you in advance for reading this,</p>

<p>I am currently deciding between the three schools listed in the title. I recently completed my revisit days at Brandeis and GWU and can say that I was not repulsed by Brandies aesthetically, but GWU and the Mount Vernon Campus was just beautiful and I could see myself living there. However, there are obviously more factors going into my decision than looks. First, I live far away; I'm only 40 minutes from Brandeis and I do like having the option to visit my family. Secondly, I am more of a science-oriented person. I am not positive about what I want to do yet, but I am pretty sure that I will do something in science, particularly in neuro, and GWU does not have that major and Brandeis does. </p>

<pre><code>I am also very into music and it seems like Brandies is great for that, but I'm not sure about GW. Also, I would prefer an intellectual atmosphere, and it appears that this is the kind of atmosphere Brandeis fosters-- not that GWU does not have intellectual people; it just seems like it's not what it's known for. I know there are a ton of opportunities in DC, but I'm pretty sure I won't be going into politics so I would love some clarification on what opportunities there are for internships outside of the political realm in DC, and if Boston compares.

  I know I should probably not being going into my undergrad thinking that I am going to transfer, but I am very ambitious, and given that I would love to end up in california, I could see myself trying to transfer to somewhere like Berkley or Stanford.  Assuming that I do well at either school, where would I have a better chance of getting into another college if I do decide to transfer?  I feel like it would be Brandeis as it seems their academics are stronger, but I could use some clarification on that.  I am planning on getting a Phd in something--not sure yet-- and would also like to know which one offers the best chances of getting into an esteemed grad school.  I am not interested in med school if that helps.

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<p>Also I forgot-- GW would pay for half my tuition. Money is not necessarily a problem, but it does have swaying factor if the decision is close.</p>

<pre><code> I really know absolutely nothing about Rochester but if I am going to travel that far away, I'd rather it be to DC and not NY as I can't stand the cold. However, Rochester may be even more in line with what I'm looking for, so if anyone has any opinions on that, that would be great.
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<p>So summary:
-like science, although I am not sure what my major will be
-like DC but am wondering if there are really more oppurtinites in DC than Waltham or NY
-like music and intellect
-GW is giving $$
-like warmth
-where would get me into a good grad school/best chance of transferring</p>

<p>Thanks for reading all this & responding.</p>

<p>I’d really suggest visiting Rochester as they seem to academically/intellectually have what you want, but you’d need to check out the fit.</p>

<p>It surprises me that you are still considering GWU based upon that same academic interest, but if it is a bit less expensive and you’d be happy with a different major, then there would be no problem getting into a grad school from there IF you do your part.</p>

<p>If money is not an issue and you’re really against checking out Rochester, then I’d go Brandeis.</p>