I can never apply to Brandeis

<p>For the longest time I had considered Brandeis to be my first choice school. It boasted a fairly diverse and activist (they prided themselves on this concept of “student activism” very much) student body as well as a very well known Middle Eastern Studies program, and almost everything I read about it was essentially perfect (plus it has a castle!)</p>

<p>And then I visited. It was sometime in April, on a monday. The tour was gross to say the least. As our tour person mumbled to a crowd of forty-something people (most college tours divide crowds into smaller groups, but now I sound picky), I was surprised to see portable classrooms not far from the three chapels. My junior high school had portable classrooms, and that was only because of reconstruction. It was the first university I’ve ever visited to have them.</p>

<p>The tour continued, and we were shown a dorm room. Our tour group was greeted by a massive trashcan that had tipped over; garbage was everywhere. Students casually walked by it as if they were used to such a lifestyle. (On that note, most of the students I saw during the entire tour seemed dreadfully unhappy, with their heads bent low and frowns on their faces). Did they expect someone to come and clean it for them? (I only saw one janitor/cleaning person during the entire tour, and granted everything I had seen I doubt he comprehended the work Brandeis students cut out for him.) From there we walked to, but not inside, the library. By this time it finally occured to me that I had to be in the front of the crowd to actually hear the tour guide’s mumbling, and I heard him say something about a program at the library where you can meet certain teachers who will rewrite your papers in order to receive a higher grade (!!!). The tour progressed, and so did my disappointment. Cigarettes covered the ground. Students having lunch ate outside on the grass. When they finished eating they simply left their paper plates and plastic forks on the ground, and it was clear that many students had this habit considering the enormous amount of trash everywhere. It was something so small like that that saddened me. They’re activist students but they can’t even pick up their own trash?</p>

<p>Then the castle. That was the peak of my sadness. I’ll admit that during the tour up until this point I hadn’t quite given up on Brandeis. My parents, neat freaks by any standard, were revolted by the campus in sharp contrast to my mere disappointment. After the portables, after the dorm, after the cafeteria, I kept on saying “wait till we get to the castle.” It’s architecturally pretty, I’ll admit, I like the concept of pie shaped rooms and halls that lead to nowhere. It was a pity that the students took little care of it and that the administration never bothered to clean it up. I saw at least four broken windows, and most of the screens were ripped (many of the screens for the other dorms were ripped too). We didn’t actually go inside the castle, we just sorta went around and through a part of it that remained outdoors. Then we just sort of brushed by the gym and track without actually visiting it.</p>

<p>We went to the info session afterwards. We were told about all of Brandeis’s extra-curricular activities (shouldnt a school that prides itself on rigorous academics not brag about how students go out of their way to create a “pirate club” ?) and the “student activism” on campus. (The lady talking to us repeated this phrase often, though she provided no instances of the students actively helping the Waltham area or speaking out on a political issue, or even cleaning up their own campus.) Then she mentioned the enormous price of college tuition (well all college tuitions are enormous, but this was more so than most), and the exact price escapes my memory unfortunately. But where does all that money go? To the career services department? To keeping the school renovated and clean? To big names who come and go giving a couple of lectures without actually connecting to the students? I got the impression it was the latter of the three, as the lady seemed to adopt a defensive tone when it came to professor/student connections. She spoke of big names (Anita Hill strikes me as one that she mentioned, which impressed me), but little about actual student experiences with these big names.</p>

<p>After the tour I picked up a copy of the Justice, which was a surprisingly well-done newspaper. A long article was written (it made front page) about students being disappointed with the university’s career center (75% of students will spend their entire time at brandeis without once receiving career counseling) and that the majority of students (if I remember correctly the number was around 60%) felt that their writing skills had not improved (perhaps because they supposedly have their professors rewrite their papers?).</p>

<p>My conclusion on Brandeis, particularly after reading the Justice article, was that it isn’t the school for me. I’m not an organized person, but I prefer a school where the students respect the campus and the administration takes care to keep it clean and renovate it. Especially during the month of April, when college visitations are the highest, wouldn’t you expect the university to at least make an attempt to clean itself up? I consider myself to be an “activist” as I volunteer in many local events, political social or otherwise, and I was bothered by how the school flaunted the phrase “student activism” like an empty title. Also, I look for a school with an emphasis on actual education and career services (I wont pick a school because it has a pirate club, though pirates are really cool!)</p>

<p>My post in lengthy, I know. I’m not writing this to anger current Brandeis students, because everybody has their own priorities when it comes to finding the right college (I know that many things I have written may sound bitter, a lot of that comes from how high my hopes were for Brandeis and how much they were shot down, I apologize if anyone may be offended). Though I would love if students there could respond somehow, perhaps to justify their school? This post was written simply to detail how disappointed I was, and also to ask if anyone (anyone meaning people who are considering applying) has had the same experience while visiting Brandeis.</p>

<p>Wow, that was not our experience at all. We found the campus to be charming, well kept and attractive. We did not find any trash and the tour was very organized and informative. The group was small, maybe 10 people in November and during a second tour in May. But we were most impressed with the consistency of how HAPPY everyone seemed to be there. I'm not talking about the tour guides who you expect to be motivated sellers, but all the kids we stopped and talked to on the side. We found everyone to be profusely excited by their learning experiences at Brandeis, their interactions with their profs and by all the EC stuff, especially in the performing arts. We also spoke with several family members who go there as well as students who are alumni from my son's HS who go or went there, and the respose was the same: enthusiastic, even gushingly positive reviews of their experience there from all aspects, academic and social. So I am at a loss to explain your sad experience. Can't blame you for your disappointment however, but did you actually talk to those students who you assumed were unhappy? Was it a bad weather day?</p>

<p>collegedad,
My D and I had the same experience as you. The students there seemed genuinely happy, giving our tour group the 'thumbs up" as we walked around, even yelling things like "come here, it's great" to the group. Although we had great impressions of other schools, 'Deis students seemed the most enthusiastic. We didn't see any cleanliness issues, either.</p>

<p>audiophile</p>

<p>Glad to hear you found the same positive vibe. We will be finding out more about Brandeis first-hand soon because my son will be enrolling in a few weeks. He's pretty psyched about going. And thus far he has had some fun interacting online with some of his future classmates including his roommates via the facebook which is now all the rage. They all seem to be great kids so far.</p>

<p>Perhaps the OP (with a one post count) was writing to discourage competition or just trolling. He took the tour April 1st and is just posting this now? Seems a little suspicious to me.</p>

<p>The suspicion is understandable. I'm a rising senior in the middle of the summer, the pressure is on to be thinking of college-related stuff. But I'm not quite as passionate about any schools as I had been about Brandeis before I actually visited; my problem is either that I'm holding a grudge or I refuse to believe my own experience, considering how enthusiastic I was prior to my visit. Also, I just discovered this site yesterday, which I hope should explain to you the length of time between my tour which was in April but not on April first, and now. I have no desire to discourage competition as I doubt many people will read this (though I encourage further posting because I'm curious) and I most likely wont be applying to the school myself (your comments are making me consider visiting again, however). I don't know what "trolling" is, either. (Care to explain?)</p>

<p>I talked to three students there. One was a friend of my family's who politely said nice things about the school. Given his academic record and plans it seemed he had made the most of what Brandeis had to offer, but when it came to the subject of anything to do with careers, or anything beyond college and grad school, he felt he was basically on his own. The second was a girl who had given an earlier tour; she was happy and very friendly, and talked a lot about Brandeis's many extracurricular activities. The third was our tour guide, who I already described. Everyone else I saw were glum serious faces.</p>

<p>Thank you both for your comments, they're certaintly interesting contrasts to my own experience which I should think about. I'm glad both of you are passionate about Brandeis and I hope that in my search I can find a school I am equally enthusiastic about.</p>

<p>I'm always amazed that schools, especially Brandeis, have students tour during April. At 'Deis last year, we had a spring break in the middle of April because that's when Passover was. At this point in the year, I, along with most of my friends, had massive amounts of work. Hence any glum expressions. </p>

<p>As far as cleanliness, my hallway was generally clean and our janitor was a very friendly woman. I never saw a tipped over garbage. </p>

<p>Students create silly clubs because they're fun and you need something to break up the studying. My friend, Ben, actually started the pirate club an it seems like he's going to organize some really fun things. As far as social justice, there are 25 political/activist clubs and 21 service groups including the massive Waltham group. Personally, I'm a member of RSA, SEA, and Students for Peace, which drove a bus down to DC to protest Bush's policies at the inauguration.</p>

<p>The writing center doesn't rewrite your papers for you. They work with you to help you edit it. I, personally, haven't been, but I know people who have and they definitely did not have their papers written for them. I also know my writing has improved in the past year. </p>

<p>The "big name" profs at 'Deis are also not just people who pop in and out and don't connect with the students. Robert Reich is a beloved professor who is, unfortunately, leaving after this semester and Anita Hill's classes are considered some of the best. </p>

<p>The Brandeis tuition is a little higher (but not much) than most, but they offer a ton of merit and need based aid. </p>

<p>As far as the architecture and upkeep of the buildings...not Brandeis' strong suit. But not the most important thing. I experienced a much different Brandeis than you did during my tour as a senior. I fell in love with the school and have not been dissapointed.</p>

<p>I visited Brandeis last spring as well and really, really liked it. Although I have heard that some people dislike the campus, I found the architecture to be quite aesthetically pleasing. I also liked that Brandeis has its own isolated campus (with plenty of grass) while still being very close to the city of Boston.</p>

<p>I also think its kind of ridiculous to be dissappointed in a school because of seeing a flipped over garbage can. Tragedies of this sort do occur at other schools, and one must learn to deal with them. When I visited, the garbage cans were all standing perfectly upright. I like to think that I have a high level of hygiene and Brandeis certainly met my standards.</p>

<p>Brandeis was a school that I initially was not particularly excited about, but after visiting and learning more about it, I am considering it very seriously. The academics at Brandeis are very strong and research opportunities are plentiful. Its location is also hard to beat.</p>

<p>Perhaps visit again?</p>

<p>I'm planning to visit again in September; I've heard a lot of great things about their academics so I'm starting to think I should give it another shot.</p>

<p>Yeah, I agree that it is ridiculous to dismiss a school solely because of its campus. My biggest concerns remain that their own student newspaper admitted that most students dont feel that their writing skills have improved and that 75% of students receive no help or guidance from their career center. It's easy to elaborate on trash and cigarette butts on the ground everywhere and portable classrooms, but numbers speak for themselves.</p>

<p>Then again, if you go you <em>will</em> be living on campus, and if its one that doesnt agree with you, your mood/attitude will suffer. So you shouldn't dismiss your anxieties just yet. Visit again and see if your feelings have changed.</p>

<p>I think its great that you're going to give Brandeis another shot. As a tour guide at Brandeis I think you happened to have come at an unfortunate time. During most of April and into May they usually try and split the tours in half or into thirds so the groups are smaller; maybe you came on a day before they started doing that. Anyways, its pretty trivial.</p>

<p>As far as the statistic about career counseling, I think many students haven't taken advantage of the resources the career center has available. While that doesn't make it completely better, it is different then saying the students haven't recieved counseling- its there for them, all they have to do is call or walk in and make an appointment. I don't really know anything about the writing improvement comment but on a personal note, my writing has improved tremendously after just one year at Brandeis-- but I wasn't asked to be part of the survey. Honestly, I hadn't heard of the survey which makes me wonder how representitive it actually is?</p>

<p>In regards to some of your other points, though they have been touched on by others:
- They always show the first floor of Shapiro (that's the dorm you went in) because it fits in well with the path of the tour and its coed so no one on the floor should feel uncomfortable with men and women walking through it. Therefore, the way it looks really depends on the people that live there. The school didn't try and find the most perfect floor or show you a fake room that would never look like the one you'd actually live in. They, instead, showed you a floor which last year happened to be filled with messy students. That doesn't mean its reflective of the rest of the dorms.
- I agree with Shoshie about the clubs. Students are so active at Brandeis, it always amazes me. Everyone is involved in something. On the tour we're just trying to give you an idea of the breadth of the clubs- many serious but also some lighthearted.</p>

<p>I realize that Brandeis isn't for everyone and that it may not be right for you, but many of the things you mentioned aren't nearly as bad as they may have seemed at the time. I'm so glad you'll be visiting again.</p>

<p>We actually visited Brandeis 3 different times-- twice in March-April-different years-- and once in Summer. Garbage and glum students were not in evidence --tour guides were enthusiastic, as was a student we arranged to meet privately for a personal tour. Campus was less than thrilling on a cool,damp March day but was really quite lovely on a beautiful summer's day. Randomly addressed students responded positively about their experience at the school and all seemed intelligent, articulate and engaged in what they were studying.</p>

<p>Ok, here's what you asked for. I'm a new freshman at Brandeis, so I don't know the school incredibly well yet, but I can help you on a few points. </p>

<p>One of the things the strikes me the most, very contrary to what you picked up, is the faculty/student interaction. Just by the numbers, the ratio is very good and there are a lot of small classes...but even more, the professors are very open and eager to meet and help students. From meeting with faculty at freshmen receptions/academic fairs/my classes, I have had all great interactions. That would actually be my selling point for the school. Just to add on, there is a writing center in the library, but it's not at all what you were told or what you picked up. There are graduate students who are available to help undergrads edit their papers if they chose to use the service. It's not rewriting or doing work for them...everyone needs an editor.</p>

<p>In terms of the dorms, I was really happy with mine. It is a really comfortable space, with lots of drawer/closet space. The campus definately isn't the prettiest, but there are some nice spots, and I haven't noticed the messiness you described. The quad I'm in, which is one of two freshman quads, is definately one of the nicest spots on campus, with four dorms and a dining hall surrounding a small pond.</p>

<p>I didn't like the campus at all the first trip I made, but I gave it another chance and I'm glad I did. Definately consider it still and try to approach it with a fresh start.</p>

<p>Eric</p>

<p>Don't listen to one word. I am a new freshman, but I have been here for almost a month now. I have seen the portables near the Chapels (there are three Chapels, and they surround the most picturesque and peaceful pond ever), and there are 4. Only 4 in the entire campus!</p>

<p>About the library program that is mentioned: never heard of it.</p>

<p>About trash on campus: there is none. I also heard this rumor about Brandeis, how it is not clean and stuff. So far everything from the sidewalks to the dorm bathrooms are kept clean. I rarely see any trash at all on the paths. I NEVER see cigarette butts on the ground, I don't know what Heritic is talking about.</p>

<p>About the lack of activism: of course, there is no lack. Just yesterday some students were yelling outloud "stop genocide, join our group ___" (I forgot the name). This same group is having an event coming up to raise money for relief efforts in Sudan (currently a lot of people are dying right now, check the news and you'll see it).</p>

<p>The Castle: Of course it is a beautiful castle, but I don't go there that much. As far as I know, everybody loves it and keeps it clean.</p>

<p>About the Gosman Gym: It is an almost brand-new state of the art complex with just about every sport you can think of. It is huge! They just finished a brand new soccer/football field which is amazing. I play intramural soccer and I had a game on it last weekend. I also am taking a fencing class btw.</p>

<p>The most important thing that Heritic gets wrong: the people here are happy!!! I am one of them!!! I never see anyone looking sad at all. Of course, during midterms and finals, I am sure everyone will be stressed.</p>

<p>Well anyways, I have to tell you that I am so happy that I came to Brandeis. I absolutely love it. I was talking to this hot girl (a sophomore)one time and she told me she applied to Brandeis as her safety school. She was waitlisted at 2 ivies, but wasn't accepted, so she went to Brandeis. She told me Brandeis was her "blessing in disguise" and that she loves Brandeis. And yes, she used the word "love."</p>