<p>Hello! I’m a (potential) transfer student, who would be coming in as a sophomore next year. I’m currently at UMass Amherst in the honors college here. I honestly have ZERO idea how the psych/soc programs at UMass compare to Brandeis, or anywhere. I’ve been told that the psychology program at Brandeis is well-respected and very good/rigorous, though I’m not sure how to find that out for myself. I also have no idea in what esteem the psych or sociology program is held at UMass.
Basically I know nothing aside from the fact that Brandeis is ranked #31 on US World and News Report. </p>
<p>I’ve seen a lot of people majoring in neuroscience, which is actually a program I’m trying to avoid. I have no desire to get into neuroscience, and part of what I dislike about UMass is that it feels more neurologically based for psychology. I am considering becoming a therapist (not a psychiatrist, I have no desire to prescribe medication to people) and I don’t know if in that vein Brandeis is outstanding, or if it’s mostly just the neuroscience program. </p>
<p>Also, if anyone has any insight into the sociology program, that would be awesome! I do plan on going to grad school, and I’d really love to go to a well-respected graduate school for either psychology or sociology, depending on what I decide I’d be better suited for…</p>
<p>Lastly, I’m waiting on my financial aid information from Brandeis. I assume it’ll be coming within the week (I got the acceptance notification just 2 days ago). I have no idea what to expect for FA. Are transfer students considered for merit-aid? How would I know if I’m even potentially eligible for merit-aid? Are there any minimum GPAs? I got a 3.95 last semester and a 99.7 GPA in high school. The cost is really the deciding factor in my attendance, I think. I’m assuming that I would have a much, much better academic experience (I already know I’d have a better social experience. Though Amherst is a pretty nice college town, I feel really out of place here, and like I’m still in high school, except with even more people I spent 4 years trying to avoid…) at Brandeis, as it appears to be a pretty prestigious and serious institution. </p>
<p>Any help at ALL would be so appreciated. I have no idea how to compare these schools/departments on anything more than “rankings.” </p>
<p>Thank you so much!</p>