<p>I know this has been discussed in earlier threads, but just wanted to see what the current thoughts are out there. S is trying to decide between the two schools (he’s visited both). He’s thinking of majoring in physics, possibly going on to graduate school (no interest in medical school) but wants a liberal arts-based education. He also wants to be able to play (& possibly study) music (violin and piano). He’s not Eastman caliber, but pretty good, and has no current sights on being a professional musician. From what I can tell, both schools are comparable academically, and students at the two schools are smart, motivated, and friendly. I do not know how the curriculum at Rochester might compare to that at Brandeis. The social scenes also seem similar, except for Brandeis having Boston nearby, and Rochester having some Greek life (at least a little more than Brandeis and not a priority for S). He’s not looking for a big party scene, but does like to hang out with friends, go to the occasional party, etc. I’m also posting this on the Univ of Rochester forum. Any guidance/opinions/thoughts much appreciated.</p>
<p>i was also choosing between rochester and brandeis. while rochester has a med school steps away from campus brandeis has an overall better science program. if your son doenst care for medical school, brandeis seems like the best fit. </p>
<p>my main reasons for choosing brandeis over rochester was that rochester is freezing. i know they have that underground tunnel, but how much of your college life do you want to spend underground? the city of rochester doenst come close to boston in any aspect. rochester is a large industrial city with little amendments for college students. boston, on the other hand, is full of stores, restaurants and colleges. i will admit that the social/party scene is better at rochester and i think other brandeisians will not dispute this. will you mentioned that they are similar academically you may want to note that brandeis ranked a few spots higher in the latest us news and world report - not a lot, but it’s something to consider.</p>
<p>USNWR is worthless ratings. There is little difference in quality of education between the #29 (Univ of Michigan) and the Ivies – the president of Stanford has repeatedly dogged USNWR for rating public uni’s like uMich and Cal so low, and playing favorites for elite east coast private universities. The rankings are used to make money, especially considering their ridiculous rating system (over 25%+ of USNWR’s money comes from college rankings when they have 50+ issues per year).</p>
<p>To be fair, Brandeis does seem to have a better science program (75% admit rate to med school, 90%+ admit rate to graduate school for sciences). However, I agree that uRoch probably has a better social life (in terms of partying/greek). But in terms of cities, Boston beats Rochester in every way. It’s one of the best college cities in the country. The quality of education you’ll receive is similar – don’t break the bank to go to one over the other.</p>
<p>Well also realize that at Brandeis your son is going to be taught by Professors in very small class sizes. I don’t know if that’s the same at URoch but it has been my experience that in state schools it is not the same.</p>
<p>^^^ rochester is private</p>
<p>I stand corrected. Ignore my previous post.</p>
<p>I have two daughters, one a Brandeis grad and the other a Rochester grad. Both are outstanding schools in which you will receive a fine education and have a great experience. They are very similar schools and there are some differences. Neither of mine were science majors but both have many friends who were and have gone on to medical school or grad school. Both offer outstanding research opportunities although Rochester does have the medical school facilities right on campus. In some areas, I think Rochester does a better job and in others I think Brandeis does a better job. Some of those experiences are major-specific. My Rochester daughter did continue her music study (vocalist) at Eastman and that was a great experience although there were issues and it could have been an even better experience in the end. You do audition and receive instruction from Eastman grad students and every year must pass a jury to continue. You do receive academic credit and you do perform in Rochester ensembles. You do get to see many fine performances at Eastman itself as they offer a full calendar. I felt that the advising and mentoring at Brandeis was superior but that was major and department specific. Brandeis has a better housing lottery. Brandeis has the Rose Art Museum on campus and that was a signficant part of my daughter’s academic experience. Rochester does have the Memorial Art Gallery although not on campus and not as cutting-edge in terms or programming or student involvement. Both my daughters studied abroad and both had great experiences with very similar university requirements and process. Both had good internships although I felt Rochester’s Career Center was better. I do prefer Brandeis curriculum over the Rochester cluster system. You can PM me for details. Both campuses are architecturally different but I do enjoy each of them. Brandeis is of course located outside Boston, really easy to get in either on commuter train or Bran Van and that provides many resources and fun things to do. Rochester has a lot to offer but not as much as Boston . Both have beautiful fall weather and long, cold winters. Both have good recreational gyms. Rochester has more of a sorority/frat presence but not a big deal. Depending on where you are travelling to, Rochester is located close to the airport making that very easy. We did not have any financial aid except for merit scholarships and Brandeis did have more department related jobs or regular campus jobs for non-work study students. Both are great schools. Congratulations and good luck.</p>
<p>Thanks everybody! This has not been an easy decision, but S leaning toward Brandeis (today). We’ll see what he’s thinking tomorrow…</p>