Hey guys, I am currently deciding between these two schools. I got presidential scholarships for both so the tuition is pretty much the same price for each. I like small and personal schools. I am an Asian female. I am also undecided in my major. Which school is better fit for me or more prestigious?
Based on your preference for small and personal schools, I think you have a very nice option with UR.
I second Richmond. We have a freshman there, and his biggest class has had 16 students. The faculty-student interaction is great. Lots of faculty mentors.
Richmond offers first Endeavor programs which are living/learning groups of 15-16 students and the faculty member becomes your advisor. The entire year is built around a course, with the 2d semester being experiential. Our S’s advisor has had them over to her house, met her family. There’s also a Roadmap to success program if none of the Endeavors interest you. With both, you move in early, have a mini class (that prof becomes your advisor), explore Richmond (museums, capital, etc) and make friends before others arrive. (no extra expense)
Richmond also offers a Scholars in residence program sophomore year, similar to Endeavors, but with travel as part of the experiential program (also at no extra expense). All kinds of interesting classes, including one where they’ve taken kids to London to interview alum about what makes a good life. You can find the classes on their website.
Lots of room to explore before choosing a major, and AP credits satisfy some of the required course areas. Also, lots of classes count toward various majors, which is nice because our S is also undecided.
Richmond is what you make of it. Some people will say it’s too preppy and focus on frats/sororities. Those are there. Not everyone participates… If you’re an active student, looking for great opportunities and close connections to faculty, you’ll get that.
A close friend of mine since high school went to U of Richmond and loved it. I also know people who went to Brandeis, all of whom also loved it. The valedictorian of my son’s high school class is at Brandeis now.
Brandeis has the distinction of being the only fully secular, non-religiously-affiliated college in the United States not to have a Christian majority. It has a plurality, not a majority, of Jews, but it boasts of having three chapels on campus of three different faiths that deliberately were built so that none lies in any of the others’ shadows, which nicely symbolizes the open and accepting environment of Brandeis. That’s pretty cool!
There also are many Asians on campus.
Brandeis has a few unofficial frats off campus, but is officially fraternity free. In fact, Brandeis is a bit known for NOT being a “party school,” although it seems like the kids are having a great time with all sorts of campus events and social events! U of Richmond has more of the fraternity, party vibe.
Between Brandeis and U of Richmond, Brandeis seems to be more intellectual and nerdy overall, with higher achieving students in terms of average SAT, etc., although of course different types of students exist at both schools. Brandeis is a “life of the mind” type of place, with lots of conversations not only in class but in dorms and dining halls.
Brandeis also is a small R1 research university, combining top levels of research (some faculty members recently won the Nobel prize) with a small size and small classes where students get to interact closely with professors and one another.
In my opinion, the worst thing about Brandeis was a sense of crowding. There are some forced triples for freshmen, and many juniors and seniors will need to find housing off-campus if they are unlucky in the lottery. And there is not much ‘open’ space on campus for building new dorms. But you may find that its many wonderful qualities outweigh these inconveniences.
U of Richmond wins hands down for beauty— much nicer architecture and green spaces!
Congratulations on having two such nice choices! Both are great. It also is impressive that you were offered scholarships to both. Good luck.
@artsydragon have you visited the campuses? They are very different as is the vibe and student body at each. What is your major or area of interest? @TheGreyKing gives a very nice summary of each.
I visited Brandeis. I have yet to visit University of Richmond but I heard its gorgeous. I am also really interested in art so that may be very important in my decision. I want to go to the school with the best opportunities for both study abroad and art whether it be art history or studio art. I love art.