<p>So, we are down to the 'finals' here! And it seems to come down to something nuanced but important.
Brandeis vs Rochester. Has anyone considered these two schools? Both have superb sciences, dedication to undergrad teaching and research, Rochester has open curriculum (no gen eds/dist reqs) and offers more $$$. Brandeis has the Boston connection. Although we like the city of Rochester a lot, but there is no question that there is something special about Boston/Cambridge as a college town.
My question is about the student body -- clearly both schools attract very smart kids who are serious about their studies and perhaps party a bit less frenetically and less drunkenly than at other schools. I liked the slightly geeky, edgy, politically active, intellectually sophisticated vibe I picked up at Brandeis. Maybe that was just the familiarity of a predominantly Jewish community (although we aren't religious, just culturally identified.) Rochester seems a bit less politically active/radical, perhaps more mainstream. That could be a + or -. Maybe Brandeis is too intense after all.
Anyway, a second visit to Rochester is coming up, but meanwhile, thoughts, feedback, all appreciated.</p>
<p>We looked at Brandeis while my d was looking for schools. She didn't want to apply to Brandeis in the end. She didn't like the campus as much (and the caveat may have also been that we live too close!). Rochester's campus is beautiful. As far as the student body is concerned, she feels that Rochester is much more "laid back" than Brandeis. Kids work just as hard, but there's less competition.</p>
<p>Having gone to school in Boston myself, I will say that there is often an air of "inferiority" among schools that are not Harvard or MIT. (I went to BU, and we referred to H simply as "the school across the river.") That may lead to a more intense experience.</p>
<p>Rochester, though, as you say, cannot compare to Boston. D complains about the lack of top-flight art museums in Rochester, while her friends at Northeastern and BU spend their art history classes at the MFA or the Gardner Museum.</p>
<p>Jewish life - Rochester has a significant Jewish population, a very active Hillel and an active Chabad. There's no lack of "slightly geeky intellectuals", although the school as a whole may be less politically active. That could also be because it's bigger than Brandeis (4200 undergrads at UR, 3200 at Brandeis).</p>
<p>I know students at both schools and have taught at Brandeis. I think the schools are worlds apart in terms of social environment. I encourage you and child to spend at least an entire day at each school. Talk to people about what they do on weekends. Ask about fraternities and sororities or their absence. Make certain you find people who are studying whatever your child wants to study because there are some areas of study at Brandeis that have particular social cultures your child might want to participate in or avoid. Feel free to PM me if you have questions.</p>
<p>dalmatiansrock -- I tried to PM or email you but was not given those options. Are your preferences set for PMs? I can receive PMs so perhaps you can contact me and give me your contact info? I would love to speak with you further.</p>
<p>My daughter applied to both schools too (going to UR). Roch definitely has the prettier campus and more all around college experience. Brandeis has the great location, but the social life appeals to a certain type of kid. I think they are both great schools academically, so why not pick the school that is giving you better $$$ (UR).</p>
<p>Many people may think Rochester is a SUNY-type state university, given its name, but those whose opinion matters (employers, grad schools) recognize that UR is a great school.</p>
<p>When asked where our D goes to school, when we answer "Rochester" we get two reactions: a blank stare, or "wow, good school!"</p>
<p>Hey everyone! I applied to both Rochester and Brandeis, and got into both. I am going to the U of R in the fall because I received their Renaissance Scholarship, which is full tuition. Brandeis gave me nothing, and I didn't like it as much anyway hahaha. It was a very easy choice, since Rochester also happened to be one of my first choices along with Tufts and Rice (which I also got into. :P)</p>
<p>MADad,</p>
<p>When you answer Rochester do some people think RIT? Cause when I simply say Rochester (in DC) some folks think the "other" Rochester first. </p>
<p>Eastman University could of worked for UR too...</p>
<p>dudedad--</p>
<p>Yeah, we get that too, until we say "No, UNIVERSITY of Rochester",and they nod knowingly, or stare blankly.</p>
<p>Similarly, I attended Providence College, not Providence University (PU!! I don't think so)</p>
<p>After the blank stare, we also get, "Oh, is that a state school?" No, sorry, it's not.</p>
<p>Well, at least in the East, folks have a clue... out here when I mention Rochester, I get " Is that in Minnesota?"</p>