<p>I’m trying to decide between Brandeis, NEU (honours program), and WPI for a computer science major and possible physics double major. I got waitlisted from Barnard yesterday, which was my top choice because of the academics of Columbia but the small liberal arts feel of Brandeis. I’ll probably not go there if I get accepted, but I’m not sure. In any case, I’m trying to really be secure in my decision in another school just in case Barnard doesn’t pull through.
I’m leaning towards Brandeis right now, but I’m not sure how good their science programs are, and I know for certain that NEU and WPI would be more suited for computer science and physics. However, I like Brandeis for its larger campus (in comparison to WPI), its atmosphere, and its higher prestige. I know that the prestige of a school doesn’t matter and has nothing to do with your actual intelligence but, whether it’s because I grew up in a stricter family or because all my friends are going to ivies or near-ivies, the higher standing of Brandeis is attractive to me. I like WPI because of its academics and atmosphere, but it’s a really small school, and I am really not a fan of Worcester. I have no car and probably will not be getting one soon, so I wouldn’t be able to go wherever I wanted and would be stuck on a very very tiny, albeit gorgeous, campus. WPI also has a really cool pass/fail system and a lot of its academics are focused on projects as opposed to tests. NEU, of course, is right in Boston, which is a great location. I also got into the honours program, which gives me not much more except for better housing. NEU also gives me better job opportunities because of the co op program.
I’m just really not sure which to choose because all seem so equal in my mind. I think I would definitely choose Brandeis if I knew the sciences there were on par to the sciences in WPI and NEU and I could have the same peace of mind that I will have some job prospects after I graduate (I might move on to grad school, so that’s another story). I am just really really confused???</p>
<p>Oh, and I haven’t heard from WPI’s financial aid yet, but Brandeis and NEU both gave me very similar financial aid packages, so money isn’t an issue.</p>
<p>Can’t really speak for Comp Sci but Brandeis science departments (specifically talking about biochemistry and chemistry but I believe it applies to physics as well) are good at “weeding out” those that aren’t truly passionate about science. They also have a lot of well-respected professors in the science dpts with prestigious rewards that still truly care about teaching/their students.</p>
<p>Directly comparing Brandeis and NEU (in general) what I’ve noticed with their recent graduates (2012: family and friends), Brandeis students seem to have a much closer relationship with their professors and still get a liberal arts environment whereas NEU students don’t really seem to talk about their actual classroom experience, mostly their co-ops, though they do speak highly of those co-op opportunities. Oh and also for science majors Brandeis teaches you more in depth whereas NEU tends to teach you only the necessary stuff.</p>
<p>General cons for both: For NEU in general is they have a lot of cell-phone theft issues. Like hold on to your cellphone tight and don’t put it down, someone might grab it and run! For Brandeis they don’t really train you well for job interviews, for example my sister didn’t know that you’re supposed to ask for your interviewer’s business card to contact them later for finding the time to consider you for the job!</p>
<p>The three schools you have mentioned are all good schools in the sciences! I am a student at Brandeis and I can tell you that the sciences are well-funded, respected and certainly top-tier. If you enjoy the atmosphere of Brandeis and are looking for a highly respected research university that can offer a great education in the two fields you cited and beyond (for it is possible your major choice will shift), then Brandeis is a great choice. I cannot speak for the other two beyond my own personal opinions of the atmosphere at those schools. I found other universities in Boston less attractive to Brandeis’s hillside, slightly wooded, liberal arts feel. It is exciting being at a school that is well-respected in academia and so unique in its mission and structure (a liberal arts focus acting within a research university). I think the school is only rising as the years progress, it is a good year to enroll!</p>
<p>Unfortunately, tuition is high…and likewise the word is that it may be rising (3%?) in the coming years.</p>