<p>Please allow another Brandeis alum–living in Atlanta–to raise his hand. I think you will find the academic qualifications of the student bodies of both schools to be comparable, and, from an undergraduate perspective, the faculty as well. What is indisputable is that Brandeis is a more LAC-like experience but with the benefit of a world-class research faculty that teach in small classes. And the research opportunities are tremendous. So if you stand out, it will not be because of your academic superiority (I know others who have turned down Emory and, indeed, Harvard, to attend Brandeis), but because of the opportunity to shine in a nurturing environment. </p>
<p>I like to think of Brandeis as an LAC on steriods, because it is the smallest of all the top tier research universities. Emory is not huge but its total student body is more than twice as big, and, in my opinion, it’s resources are dominated by its hospital system and graduate schools. As for undergraduate reputation, I believe Brandeis’s is stronger in the Northeast and, paticularly in New York where it sounds like you’re headed for business. While Emory has more recognition in the South than does Brandeis, UGA and Georgia Tech have greater name recognition there than Emory , again, with the exception of Emory’s health care system. </p>
<p>As for the Brandeis experience, the school has an exciting intellectual environment that I would compare to its UAA sister school, U of Chicago (FYI its President is a Brandeis alum) only Brandeis’ is more relaxed and more undergraduate-oriented. Despite their intellectual bent, Brandeis students are down-to-earth, friendly and non-competitive with one another. </p>
<p>As you may know, in a recent Forbes national college rankings survey, Brandeis was ranked 15th among research universities and 30th overall among all private univerities and LAC’s–a testament to its focus on undergraduate education. Larger schools, including some Ivies, were ranked much lower. </p>
<p>Despite its small size and relative youth, Brandeis alumni are very distinguished–to name just a few: Nobel Prize winner for chemistry Rod Mackinnon, Fields Medal winning physicist Edward Witten (often called “Einstein’s successor”), 3-time Pulitzer Prize winner Tom Friedman of the NY Times, The Earth is Flat etc; Mitch Albom of Tuesday’s with Morrie (about his Brandeis professor), the Creators/Producers of Friends; actress Debra Messing; Robert FX Sillerman (billionaire businessman–currently owner of American Idol and Graceland), Jeff Lurie, billionaire owner of the Philadelphia Eagles and Christy Hefner, former CEO of Playboy). I understand she may teach at the Brandeis business school in the near future, just as Tom Friedman returned to teach undergrads. Also, if you’re into social justice, Brandeis is a very exciting place to be (Angela Davis, Abbie Hoffman, I could go on, are alums as well) and the theater/music/arts scene is tremendous.</p>
<p>As far as location is concerned, if you’re interested in being near a big city, it’s Brandeis hands down. As a Brandeis alum, its proximity to Boston was one of the reasons I originally selected it. I live in Atlanta now, and can tell you that Atlanta is a sunbelt city without a thriving downtown; it’s not a cultural and student mecca with the feel of almost a European downtown as is Boston. Although the climate is much warmer in Atlanta, I’d suggest living there at later stage of life, not the student years. Just my opinion.</p>
<p>Forgive my enthusiasm, but as an alum, I think Brandeis is great. Good luck with your decision.</p>