Pls share any personal experiences/ pros and cons.
Brandeis and William & Mary are the top two choices, possible majors are health science/ business/ computer science. Looking for a friendly, inclusive campus experience. Cost nit a factor.
Northeastern and Vassar are the next two choices, but primarily seeking feedback on the top 2 now.
Brandeis: Solid school, possibly better in business. The campus is not beautiful (understatement) and it’s located outside of Boston (can take train in via the commuter rail which runs but not late PM). Might suffer from being a very good school in an area with great schools so harder to get internships etc v. other Boston area students. Good alumni network. Cold winters.
W&M: I think it’s better academically, great campus(beautiful), not located near a city. Supposedly food is awful. Campus cohesion is there. Can be very hot. Proximity to DC can be a plus for internships.
I’d chose W&M but you have to go with your gut.
personal choice. both are excellent and have similar student vibe. both are intellectual and serious (in a good way). W&M is a little bigger and has D1 sports, but I don’t think sports are a big deal there and prob games aren’t that well attended. There are also frats there, if that’s your thing.
I wouldn’t worry about competition for internships and stuff in the Boston area- Brandeis kids are known to be good and they can hold their own with anybody.
Personally, even though it’s not really in Boston proper, I’d rather be near Boston than in a tourist town like W&M, unless you hate the cold. People do hate on Brandeis for its ugly campus, but that’s more about the buildings themselves (exteriorly).
Brandeis is definitely well known for its inclusivity which you stated is an important factor. It’s very diverse as well. Not sure about William & Mary.
Where does your child hope to work after college? If it’s in New England, NY or NJ, then probably Brandeis. If it’s elsewhere, then probably William & Mary. Based on name recognition and alumni ties.
You mentioned 3 very different possible majors. Perhaps there’s a front runner so you can try to drill down & compare strength in that major?
Funny, I’d take Williamsburg over Waltham any day of the week. Waltham is really not so nice but they do have some great restaurants. At least Williamsburg is pretty ( though touristy). Guess it’s a trade off, outside Boston or in a tourist area far from a city. Nicer weather in VA takes it for me.
I’d go for Vassar…because it’s Vassar.