Brandeis, Wellesley, and a Funky Visit

<p>Time to decide!
Well, UChicago was my dream school--until I visited. I can't explain why, but I just wasn't feeling the "vibe". I really liked the campus and the area (and the independence, by the way--just hop on a bus and there you go), but I couldn't imagine myself there for four years. I was surprised that, although I liked the architecture, I no longer think it should play a huge role in my college decision. However, I know that if that were my only choice, I'd adjust and be just fine. A couple of things that really turned me off were the core--after several seminars about the core, I realized I would find it cumbersome as I have so many random subjects I want to study, the weak music department, and the weak theatre opportunities--I am hardcore classic musicals, by the way. Concerning schools in general (and my personality), I like people who are a little quirky--not overly so; I just like a good sense of humor. I'm also not interested in partying at all, and I love reading and learning, but not to the exclusion of all else. Basically, I just want balance. In addition, I don't think I need that much nurturing, so to speak. I was surprised by how much I enjoyed exploring by myself at UChicago, catching a bus to go somewhere, etc. That in mind, I need to decide between Brandeis and Wellesley, yet my travel plans got cancelled at the last minute, for financial reasons, so I can't visit either. Ach, I'm frazzeled! Alright, here's what I think about both:
<em>Brandeis: I like the strong math/science departments, strong music department, and numerous theatre opportunities (musical especially), yet I've heard a lot about how exclusive the Jewish community can be and how the school can be really cliquish. Overall, it just seems like the students aren't crazy about the school, which kinda bothers me. Why shouldn't they love it? I heard everyone's friendly and the community is awesome, though.
*Wellesley: It's gorgeous! Basically, it feels like I'm being pulled in that direction by others just for its prestige. I mean, the name's exciting, but how much better is the school than Brandeis? I'm a little warry of this school, just because I won't be able to visit to experience the unique environment. Still, it's *Wellesley</em>!! I like the traditions and all and the opportunities--it seems like a gem, but I feel like I'm losing something by not investigating firsthand.
I'm thankful to say that I've received excellent financial aid offers from both so that's not the problem. Until now, I was leaning towards Brandeis, but I wanted to cover my bases before committing. Any help is greatly appreciated. Like most other kids my age, I am at a crossroads. ;)</p>

<p>I don't know about Wellesley, but from what you say Brandeis seems perfect. It's student body is quirky and socially concious. The students posess a unique, almost self deprecating sense of humor. Brandeis is, as you probably know, not a party school by any means, but it is there if you so desire. You can find that "balance" that you speak of. The students are there to learn and most love to do just that. Finally, Brandeis is a slightly larger school that Wellesley, so that nurtuing quality won't be as prominent, I'd assume.</p>

<p>I don't know, but from your list of desirable traits, Deis matches up quite well.</p>

<p>Prestige wise, Brandeis is highly regarded in upper academia (as is Wellesley, but the difference is small). Wellesley is, however, more known to the common person.</p>

<p>I'm a Brandeis alumna, but from so long ago that my experience may not be quite relevant. I was a non-Jewish international student. I didn't find Jews to be cliquish. There were some highly observant Jews and some who were not, and I made friends among both kinds, as well as among non-Jews, whether international like myself or not. I cannot believe that this inclusive atmosphere has changed over the years, though Brandeis has grown quite a bit since I attended.</p>

<p>One big difference between Wellesley and Brandeis is that Wellesley is an all-female school. It makes for a very different classroom experience and it also makes for a rather different social experience. It is not just that most of your friends will be other women, but also that Wellesley women tend to go into Boston for dates and other entertainment a lot more than Brandeis students do. Consequently, there's lot more happening at Brandeis itself, although there is a train that goes directly from Brandeis to Cambridge. The trip takes 17 minutes, though the train is not as frequent as one might want.</p>

<p>Brandeis was established in 1948 so its architecture is rather non-descript compared to the gorgeous gothic buildings of Wellesley. It does boast a fake "castle" that functions as a dorm. </p>

<p>Although I am very fond of Brandeis, let me mention something that might be of interest to you. Wellesley is very well endowed and has money to throw at undergraduates. Brandeis, by comparison, is less well-endowed. If you are thinking of doing research or spending summers abroad, that might be something to look into. Either way, though, you cannot go wrong.</p>

<p>Wellesley is a great school. It is not the home of "quirky". It's music department is (relative to many other LACs) mediocre, and it is not known for theater. It IS known for reading and learning, and is not a party school. (Wellesley has strong math and chemistry departments.) </p>

<p>I'm not a great fan of the Chicago core, either (and I taught in it.) But others love it. So leave it to those who do. You will generally speaking find a wider range of offerings at Brandeis than at Wellesley. </p>

<p>Wish you could visit. The cost of the visits should be amortized over the four years you'll be spending there - and then all of a sudden it isn't so expensive.</p>

<p>To offer students a better music and theater experience, Wellesley cooperates with Brandeis, if I remember correctly, and students may audition for any of the groups there. I don't know how successful Wellesely gals are at getting parts in the Brandeis plays; it's a question we didn't ask at either school when we toured, but probably should have. The science departments at both Wellesley and Brandeis are superb. Brandeis is >50% non-Jewish and, this year, offered a large amount of merit money to increase diversity by enrolling minorities and more non-Jews. Brandeis actually has chapels from 4 denominations in one central area in campus such that no building casts a shadow on any of the others. It was founded on the principle of tolerance for all, and still actively supports that belief. We were convinced that my D, not Jewish by religious faith, though with a Jewish surname, would have been quite comfortable there.</p>

<p>My D loved Brandeis and it was in her top 4. Although she has selected another school to attend, if Brandeis were the only school she had been accepted to, she would have been delighted to attend. She visited Wellesley, but did not "click". She enjoys her intellectual interactions on a daily basis with men and women and did not want to have primarily female classes, so elected not to apply. Both schools are suburban, though Wellesley is in a nicer suburb (more upscale for sure) than is Brandeis (Waltham is a middle class suburb withough too much going on for college students.) Wellesley students spend a fair amount of time socially in Boston. Brandeis students tend to do more on campus. Wellesely is DEFINITELY a nurturing place (which is the reason I recommend it to more introverted young women who tend not to "speak out" if males dominate the classroom), Brandeis provides excellent support for those who ask, but is definitely NOT maternal.</p>

<p>Best of luck!</p>

<p>Ninnykins, its a little late in the game to do this, but I'm wondering if you can call the admissions people at Brandeis & Wellesley and tell them you want to visit but don't have the finances -- one or the other may be able to provide the cost of airfare-- though the problem is that at this point you'd have to get a last-minute flight. Obviously you only need the air fare to one -- you can arrange at least a short visit to the the other while you are there. But I think that would help if possible to visit.</p>

<p>You might also ask both colleges to extend your May 1st deadline. That is, you might want to try to be totally honest with the admissions people, call up and tell them you are trying to decide between Brandeis & Wellesley and need financial help to visit and also would like a short extension of time to decide so that you can make the visiting arrangements.</p>

<p>I don't know anything first-hand about Wellesley, but I am a first-year at Brandeis and am very, very happy.</p>

<p>I see you did your research because our music and theater departments are truly top-notch. There are so many opportunities for undergrads to get good parts in shows. The Undergraduate Theater Company -- which is independent of the theater department -- has five sub-groups. Music Man and Urinetown are two of the more well-known musicals this season. Lots of quirky shows like Gingerbread lady and Arsenic and Old Lace were also excellent. The Brandeis Theater Company, run by the undergrad and grad theater programs, puts on five shows a year; it is very possible for undergrads to get big parts in these shows.</p>

<p>As to the Jewish community, it's definitely there if you want it. It's never forced upon you and you are never looked down if you don't participate. </p>

<p>There may be some truth to your assertion Brandeis kids are too cliquish-- people here definitely form very close bonds within one social circle. While students are definitely friendly toward everyone, I've noticed social groups at Brandies are probably less fluid than at other schools, which can be good or bad.</p>

<p>In recent years, there have been marked improvements in student satisfaction. Senior Vice President for Students and Enrollment Jean Eddy has made some incredible changes and large-scale unhappiness is just not true.</p>

<p>Descant made an excellent point about prestige. For people who need to know (grad school adcoms, recruiters from companies and academics) about the prestige of your school, they do know that a Brandeis education is excellent. I don't want to sound elitist, but it's true that to the "common person," Brandeis may not elicit a "wow," but an educated person knows Brandeis is a wonderful school. For example, my dental hygenist didn't seem to know about Brandeis, but the dentist was actually an alum. And other professionals who, obviously, aren't alumni are very, very impressed with the Brandeis name. I'm sure many of their peers went to Brandeis.</p>

<p>Brandeis seems like a good fit for you. You don't like a rigid curriculum, and Brandies requirements are not hard to fulfill. (You would probably meet the ten requirements by just taking what interests you, and not even thinking about it!) </p>

<p>I'm being completely genuine when I say you sound so much like a Brandeisian when you write this: "I like people who are a little quirky--not overly so; I just like a good sense of humor. I'm also not interested in partying at all, and I love reading and learning, but not to the exclusion of all else."</p>

<p>Wellesley does have traditions. But, Brandeis is known as the nation's youngest prestigious school. While Wellesley probably hit its peak, Brandeis continues to be on the upswing. I feel like a Brandeis degree will be worth even more in 10-20 years. They are building a $174 million science facility and constructing a brand-new dorm (the last dorm only opened in 2003.) The beautiful $25 million campus center was only built in 2002. </p>

<p>I think you really, really should try to visit both schools to see what you like.</p>

<p>Thanks for all the info! In the end, I decided to go to Brandeis. I received my financial info from Wellesley and realized the difference between tuitions was more than I thought and that Brandeis would be the more financially feasible option. I'm sure I'd do well at either school, though; I usually have a way of making the best out of whatever situation I'm in. ;)</p>

<p>Ninnykins:</p>

<p>I'm glad you chose Brandeis. I'm confident you will have a great education and a great time there!</p>

<p>Good point, sulsk!</p>

<p>Schools with more prestige have had hundreds of years to develop it. Brandeis is hardly over 50 years old, and is already in the top 30ish in the United States. </p>

<p>With time, a Deis degree will be associated withmore prestige, most likely comparable to the top schools in the US (just basing it off the history of rankings).</p>

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I usually have a way of making the best out of whatever situation I'm in.

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<p>What a great quality to have! You will definitely be successful at Brandeis, and in life! Good luck to you.</p>