<p>My daughter was accepted to Brandeis (Blue Ribbon) with a $10,000 annual merit scholarship, and got a ‘Likely’ letter from Wellesley (early evaluation). While she is still waiting to hear from Harvard, Yale and Brown, I am curious what you guys think about these 2 schools.</p>
<p>Both have great academics. I think Wellesley gets more in terms of national prestige, but, in the MA/New England area at least, people usually give as much respect to a Brandeis degree as to a Wellesley degree. I don't know very much about Wellesley other than the fact that it has a good national rep. (and an art museum with some particularly snooty, ill-informed tour guides...but that was probably just my bad luck). Brandeis has an especially academic and activist culture. Students who go there generally care about learning for its own sake and are enthusiastic about their education. The faculty is supposedly amazing (according to the student reviews I've read). Given my lack of knowledge on Wellesley, the only thing I can think of that really stands out as a difference between it and Brandeis is the makeup of the student body. In regards to Brandeis, will your daughter (if non-Jewish) feel comfortable in a community that may be dominated by Jewish culture? For those who have lived their whole lives as part of the Christian majority, going to Brandeis will definitely be a change. This may be a positive or negative experience, depending on your daughter's ability/willingness to adjust to such a different environment. In the reviews that I've read, the students who rated the university negatively generally placed the prevailing "Jewishness" of the college culture at the top of their lists of complaints. I don't think that this would be a problem for me as long as my own political and religious beliefs are respected which, at Brandeis, I'm sure, they certainly would be.</p>
<p>Hope that this was helpful. You may want to check out studentsreview.com for opinions on Wellesley.</p>
<p>i'm a student at brandeis right now, and i can say that it has been one of the best decisions of my life to come here. everyone is so warm and welcome, and the professors are amazing. class sizes are small, which allows for student-professor connections and contact. it is not uncommon for professors to hold open office hours for students-- often times in the dining halls you see students having lunches with their professors. its an amazing environment, whether you are jewish or not. we recently started a program here called "Sharing Our Faiths" for students of different religious backgrounds to attend services of different religions throughout the Brandeis community. In addition, there are tons of clubs and activities open to everyone on campus- and if there isn't something for your daughter, the university is more than willing to help you start your own club (or team, like I just recently did). Brandeis seems to be underrated by many people because it is a younger university than most of the prestigious schools that most people apply too ( i also applied to Brown )--you could almost call Brandeis a "hidden treasure." at least that's my perspective on the school-- but i may be biased because i'm here and loving it!! :-) If you or your daughter have any questions- feel free to contact me -- <a href="mailto:mgluck@brandeis.edu">mgluck@brandeis.edu</a> or on my dorm phone -- 781-529-2823</p>