I am deciding between these two schools and they are still in a dead tie for me.
Do you think grad schools or employers would consider one as more prestigious?
Cost is about the same for me. I am Catholic so Holy Cross feels very familiar but I worry that it is too small and not diverse enough. I like that most classes are small and that there are no TAs at HC but I think I might get better research opportunities at Brandeis.
Both great. Congrats. If you visited both. What did you think?
Both schools are excellent, and I smile at the thought that both schools–to the layman–seem polar opposites: the Jewish-founded Brandeis and the Catholic Holy Cross. 
As I’m sure you know, HC is considered quite progressive for a Catholic school. It has a religious course requirement, but this can be satisfied by taking the class in Judaism or Islam. What I know about HC is that its academics are very strong and very intense. As for it being too small, it’s not much smaller than Brandeis (undergrad population only). HC is 2700 students and Brandeis is around 3700.
Funny, I just commented on a thread yesterday where the choice was an LAC (Carleton) or Brandeis, so I’ll give you the same advice. Even though Brandeis’s undergrad size is small, it is still very much a university. Holy Cross is a college. There is a difference (despite the fact that some LACs call themselves universities, which drives me absolutely insane, and if my alma mater ever decides to become Knox University, I will burn down the place! Okay, too much weird information!).
As a Jew, I admire Brandeis. As an LAC grad and fanboy, I normally recommend the LAC option every time. So Holy Cross gets my vote. Plus, I don’t like Brandeis’s campus at all, and its reputation is sort of like the U. of Chicago’s: the place where fun goes to die. HC has intense academics too but a much more traditional (read: fun) social scene. It might be a stereotype, but when I think Brandeis, I think, “Drab buildings. Great school. Drab people. Great academics. Drab social lives. Smart students. Drab campus.” You’re right that Brandeis is wonderfully diverse.
So…do you want a college or a university? If the pull towards Brandeis’s diversity is very important to you, it’s not like you’ll get a bad education there. Congrats on having two great–and so very different–choices.
@privatebanker - I visited both and liked both. @Hapworth - you make some very good points about uni vs. LAC. In fact, aside from a public in-state school, Brandeis was the only non-LAC to which I applied.
I know US News rankings can be artificial but since they are on different lists, it is hard to compare prestige. It sounds like you are saying I would not make a mistake either way?
When I look at pros and cons, they are tied. HC does have a nicer campus but the Waltham location beats Worcester. HC felt so comfortable that I am afraid I may limit myself more if I go there by sticking with the familiar. At the same time, having D1 sports would mean a fun social sports scene that seems to be lacking at Brandeis. But - I’m not a big partier, I tend to hang in small groups of friends.
I just keep going around in circles tying to find something to tip the balance.
@jpm1234 ,
You won’t make a mistake either way. I don’t like rankings, but even here, they are equals (#33 for HC on the LAC list, #34 for Brandeis on the university list).
Listen, I am not to be trusted. I am a big, big fan of LACs. Sure, the fact that you applied to only LACs (Brandeis excepted) could be a hint, but maybe not.
Any idea what you want to study? Do you have a feeling that you would like to attend graduate school? If so, really, there are no bad choices. Both will absolutely present a solid path to grad school. Normally, universities have better name recognition that LACs (the average person has never heard of Bowdoin or Carleton), but I’ve always heard of HC, and I knew nothing about the world of LACs until I read a book about them. I thought I was heading to the in-state public flagship! Then when I discovered LACs, I knew that was the environment for me. But for some reason I’ve always known the name Holy Cross. Again, if grad school is in your future, you literally cannot go wrong either way.
It does kind of sound that HC would be the choice if it wasn’t for the fact that it seems so safe and familiar. I get that. But it also sounds like the turnoffs that I have to Brandeis do not bother you in the least. Thus, what is ultimately more important to you: the LAC experience or the more diverse university experience (with a small undergrad population, though)?
@jpm1234: Your indecisiveness may be due to a lack of relevant information.
What do you plan to study ?
What career do you envision for yourself ?
I plan to study psychology and get a PhD but I recognize that path may change as I learn more.
I don’t know much about Brandeis, so can’t comment on that, but Holy Cross is a wonderful place to spend 4 years. You’ll work hard, but also have fun in an environment that really fosters a strong sense of community. Excellent academics with many areas of strength. What do you plan to study? For a LAC, it’s actually on the bigger side, with enrollment this year of just over 3,000. There is research available both in STEM fields as well as Humanities In fact students worked on the world’s first digital transgender archive which is a very cool research opportunity through the English department. Holy Cross students tend to be involved in a lot of community service if that interests you. Good luck!
Not very knowledgable about HC but want to comment that my D had 4 great years at Brandeis. The campus is not Gothic/Georgian gorgeous but it is very pleasant with easy access to Waltham (restaurants, an ice cream parlor, a supermarket and other amenities) and, of course, Boston/Cambridge, to which Brandeis runs a shuttle. Academics are excellent. The students are motivated and work hard, but have plenty of time for fun. There is not a big sports scene, but my D and her friends enjoyed campus social events, and–yes–parties. My D did research in a lab, headed a community service organization, played in a musical group, and did other things that I can’t remember at the moment. As parents, we were impressed with the opportunities Brandeis afforded her. A few years past graduation, she and her friends have been very successful–law school, med school, the business world, education policy, journalism, and STEM grad school. She and her friends are still in close touch, and she expects them to be friends for life. These are not drab people at a drab school!
College level work at both these schools will be very challenging and quite difficult. There is nothing wrong with having a “comfortable” feelings about your college. If anything, that’s a plus. Good luck.
It sounds like you may be leaning towards Brandeis. Trust your gut! Pick whichever feels better to you. You can’t go wrong between these two great choices.
@jpm1234 What did you decide?
I chose Brandeis.
Congratulations! Have a wonderful four years.
Our high school’s likely valedictorian also will be going to Brandeis in the fall.