<p>I was accepted to Brandeis and Macalester. I want to double major in International Studies and (psychology or education). Which school has a better International Studies program? I also really want to study abroad for a year. That is a must. Which school is better at making this dream a reality? I really value small classes, discussion, and I want my professor to really take the time to get to know me. I want exciting classes and teachers that really care for their students. Which school provides a better class experience? Which school is more diverse? Diversity is very important to me. I don't want to feel uncomfortable. Which school will prepare me more for graduate school? My parent aren't doing so well right now. They own a small business and money is very tight. Which school has a better financial aid program? I really don't want to burden my parents or have an enormous debt on my shoulders.</p>
<p>Bosworth, I understand that this is a Macalester forum, the comments from which undoubtedly will favor Macalester. But I think you deserve a pro-Brandeis point of view as well. Both are fine schools, but very different experiences. Macalester is a small liberal arts college. Brandeis is a small liberal arts college functioning wihin a world-class research university. It’s a trick to pull that off, but they do, and the undergraduates benefit from that special combination.</p>
<p>As an admittedly biased Brandeis alum who chose Brandeis over two other liberal arts experiences, Tufts and Colgate, here’s my take. Brandeis is truly an amazing school. Its small student body- the smallest I believe (less than 800 in a class) of any top tier national research university–is matched with high-powered professors who actually teach in small classes. So, the research opportunities are tremendous. Plus, it’s very close to Boston, which is the world’s best college town, but on its own suburban campus.</p>
<p>Its intellectual environment is comparable in many ways to its University Athletic Association sister school, U Chicago (perhaps no coincidence that the President of U Chicago is a Brandeis alum). Yet its students are down-to-earth, friendly and non-competitive with one another. FYI 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>Brandeis has an excellent psychology department (formerly chaired by Abraham Maslow). Its IR/Global Studies program is very strong. One case in point is Politics Professor Robert Art (who also teaches at Harvard and MIT, but spends most of his time at Brandeis). He has trained many accomplished Brandeis alumni in that field including Robert Galluci, longtime Dean of the Georgetown School of Foreign service who recently became President of the MacArthur Foundation. </p>
<p>Despite its small size and relative youth, its 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) and Christy Hefner, former CEO of Playboy). Friedman recently returned to teach and I understand that Hefner may soon do so as well. Also, if you’re into social justice (FYI Angela Davis and Abbie Hoffman are alums as well, I could go on) or theater/music/art, it’s a very exciting place to be.</p>
<p>Finally, the school is very diverse undergraduate and graduate, with a strong international flavor (in fact the majority of its International Business School is international students). With respect to the issue for some of the school’s Jewish population, you should understand that less than 50% of its student body is Jewish. Brandeis is a non-sectarian school that embraces students from all types of backgrounds based on merit. The school has no religious affiliation, although it was founded and is funded signigicantly by the Jewish community. </p>
<p>Forgive my enthusiasm, but I loved it.</p>
<p>Good luck with your decision!.</p>
<p>Does Debra Messing possibly still hang out there? Ever?</p>
<p>no, Messing hasn’t been around, but rumor is that martha kauffman, a brandeis alum and friends co-creator, will be teaching a class soon.</p>