Do the students at Brandeis actually like being there? I’ve heard that some people love the school and some people are only there because they didn’t get into Ivys. What is it really like?
You said it yourself. Some love it and some are just there for not getting into ivies. But I think most people go there because they like it. Since the people who aim at the Ivy are usually great students, they very likely have been admitted to a similar-level school that has more name recognition outside of the northeast, like NYU, BC etc. So most people who chose to attend Brandeis should love something about it. It can be the environment, student body or the strength of a certain academic program. However, there are some Ivy rejects whose only option is Brandeis. They are probably the minority. But if money is a significant factor, it’s a different story.
My son is finishing his freshman year and absolutely loves it. He did not apply to any Ivies, but he was accepted at every school he tried (including Wesleyan, BU, Northeastern, Hampshire). Brandeis was his first choice and he hasn’t looked back. I get the impression that the majority of kids there really like it.