<p>Status: Accepted student at both colleges, I've also visited both</p>
<p>Major: English and Music double major, although I'm pretty undecided.</p>
<p>Preferences:
-Student body: Happy, independent students who are confident without being arrogant.
-Location: It doesn't really matter, both have upsides and downsides. I love Hamilton's glens, but Boston is quite tempting...
-Social scene: I'm not a party kid, neither am I interested in drugs/alcohol, but I can deal with the presence.</p>
<p>Am I correct in thinking that Hamilton is better academically and Brandeis better musically? Any direct comparison, whether that be academically, musically, financially, etc is greatly appreciated. I'm also considering NYU and BU, but to a lesser extent, so information about those schools is appreciated but not quite as important.</p>
<p>I've also posted this in the Brandeis forum, so don't worry about bias.</p>
<p>I also applied to Hamilton (and decided to attend) but Brandeis was also a consideration before I applied. I visited it, but I was personally underwhelmed with the atmosphere whereas Hamilton blew me away. I just attended an overnight at Hamilton and the students are what sold me. Everyone was super friendly and welcoming and you could tell they truly loved where they were. I’m not sure about the music program at Hamilton but I know that the student body is amazing (even reviews tend to say so). Also, they have an open curriculum which would probably help with taking the classes you want to.</p>
<p>Yes, I visited both too, and Brandeis was admittedly underwhelming. I was wondering what was beneath the surface. But thank you for your input. I received my financial aid package recently, and a scholarship from Hamilton has made my decision for me. >_>;;</p>
<p>I used to read a blog of a prof at Brandeis- she found the students a bit entitled, and definitely not easy going kind of students- much more intense. But it was definitely an exciting and diverse academic environment which is good for the right student.</p>
<p>I’m glad you chose Hamilton! My reply would have addressed the fact that Hamilton’s English department is OUTSTANDING (really, really outstanding) and the arts on campus are great. Not many kids major in music, so you’ll be part of a very tight knit group on campus and have a lot of opportunity. The aggressively liberal approach to the liberal arts at Hamilton will allow you to design independent studies and senior projects that combine your interests. You won’t miss Boston with everything the school brings to campus, and confidence without arrogance is a really solid way to describe the average Hamilton student.</p>
<p>yay come to hamilton ! i can say that the english department is amazing, i mean, its the 2nd best in the country, so if english is your major, you’re making the right choice!</p>
<p>Not to pile on here, but given all of the factors you were seeking, I agree that Hamilton would be the better choice for you; now that you have the scholarship, even more so. In defense of Brandeis, it is a top notch academic powerhouse, and both students and faculty are first rate. The presence of several graduate programs as well adds to the atmosphere. Being close to Boston is definitely a plus, but when my son and I visited Hamilton, we, too were very impressed.</p>
<p>Just experientially, Hamilton looks and feels like someplace just this side of Heaven. Well okay maybe not in January (unless you like snow). But it’s really beautiful and the academics are strong. Brandeis isn’t so appealing imho but Boston is definitely a draw. I don’t think you’ll regret your decision though! Congrats.</p>
But thank you for your input. I received my financial aid package recently, and a scholarship from Hamilton has made my decision for me. >_>;;</p>