<p>A question for those of you whose kids used the Blue Ribbon Application in previous years: The instructions letter states that notification of the decision occurs "by February 1st". Does this mean ON February 1st or did your child hear before that?</p>
<p>D used the Blue Ribbon App. last year. As I recall the notification then said early February and we received it on Feb. 13 or 14th complete with financial aid award letter. I also believe D got an e-mail stating the day that Brandeis had mailed the decision letters and since we live very close to Brandeis we had the packet the very next day. Our experience is that Brandeis admissions is very organized and efficient. Brandeis is an excellent school. D did not choose it instead deciding to venture further away from home. But it was a tough one to let go.</p>
<p>what is a blue ribbon app?</p>
<p>Our experience was the same as CelloMom's - Brandeis did send out an e-mail updating when the letters would be sent - I think they mailed a bit later than they had hoped, and the e-mail was both courteous and practical.</p>
<p>David, a "Blue Ribbon" app is kind of like an EA application open only to those who get a special letter or email inviting them to apply - it must be filed by Dec. 15th, the application fee is waived, and an answer is promised in February. I don't know what the criteria is to get one.</p>
<p>I think demonstrated interest is a factor. We visited in the summer and S had an interview. He received a Blue Ribbon Application but did not apply.</p>
<p>Agree with kinshasa...the Blue Ribbon App. came via e-mail, so Brandeis must have enough personal information in order to contact you. As to criteria, D's guidance counselor said that Brandeis looks at their prospective applicant list, compares it to PSAT scores and determines who will get an offer to apply this way. The blue ribbon process is streamlined, it was done online, app. fee waived, option to send a graded paper instead of an essay (d loved this) and early non-binding notification of admission and aid package. And as ohio_mom said, they were a little later than they had planned with notifications, did send two e-mails, one concerning delay and one when letters actually went out. The delay was caused by some major snow storms we experienced last year. If you are interested in Brandeis, let them know via some contact: college fair, visit, e-mail or request a view book so you may have the chance at a Blue Ribbon app. too.</p>
<p>This year the Blue Ribbon app could be submitted either on-line or in paper, and I think, did have something to do with demonstrated interest since we toured and my D interviewed last summer (and LOVED Brandeis). An essay was required (not a graded paper) since it was really just a supplement to the Common App and the letter said they would notify "by February 1st". App must be submitted by December 15th as must the CSS Profile for consideration for merit money.</p>
<p>Same experience with my D as Kinsasha had.</p>
<p>Ditto from this end. D visted and interviewed over the summer and received a hard copy blue ribbon application in the mail. She had the option of applying on line or using the hard copy and opted for the latter. Last year's blue ribbon also gave applicants the choice between submitting an essay or a graded paper; D opted for the former since her common app essay was done.
Sorry quiltguru, but I can't remember the notification date; I do recall that she received the e-mails referred to by posters above advising her when the decision letters were mailed. Brandeis has a nice acceptance letter - - they send a big blue envelope that says "CONGRATULATIONS" right on the outside, so you know you've been accepted as soon as you see the mail. Any merit aid award letter is included in the acceptance packet. (I mention this only because I think I noticed in another post that your D had been invited to apply to U of M's honors college which suggests she has the necessary stats for a Brandeis merit award.) Good luck and best wishes for a great outcome.</p>
<p>
[quote]
D's guidance counselor said that Brandeis looks at their prospective applicant list, compares it to PSAT scores and determines who will get an offer to apply this way.
[/quote]
Sorry, but my daughter didn't take the PSAT, did get the Blue Ribbon app. Demonstrated interest might be a factor - my d. tried to schedule an interview at Brandeis in October, none were available, she probably did schedule a tour & info session... but then didn't show up for it. Anyway... that's the "interest" -- she did get on the Brandeis mailing list by filling out an online req. for info at some point.</p>
<p>I wonder if being "not Jewish" Or not Long Island/Northeast figures in Blue Ribbon since I've heard Brandeis wants to diversify..</p>
<p>I can't see how this is possible, pyewacket. They have no way of knowing your religious preference at any point in the process unless the student offers it. And Brandeis prides themself on not considering any religious preference in admissions.</p>
<p>But a lot of sources say they are trying to diverisfy--this could mean URMs in the traditional sense or URM by Brandeis standards. Jewish-identified or not might be clear from some extracurrics and also a reasonable conclusion based on some geographic data.</p>
<p>Sorry to shoot you down Pyewacket, but my non-PSAT-taking daughter is also Jewish, with a clearly Jewish surname. Also, it would be so unspeakably contrary to the Brandeis history and mission to impose some kind of Jewish "quota" -- even if only for marketing purposes -- that I would think any administrator who even contemplated it would be summarily sacked. </p>
<p>On the other hand, we're in California... so we might offer something in the way of geographic diversity. </p>
<p>I think it's probably triggered by demonstrated interest alone. So far the anecdotal reports in this thread suggest that it helps to schedule a campus visit and interview, even if there are no interview slots open and the kid doesn't actually show up on the scheduled day.</p>
<p>-
OK - a little more speculation: I just checked the Brandeis web site and found that in order to use the online reservation system to schedule a campus tour or interview, the student has to set up an account with the online application system. So whether my d. showed up or not, she would have gone to the application site, entered her name and address.... and, guess what? The registration process also asks that the student provide grade & test score info -- although those particular fields are optional, it is more likely than not that my d. did fill in some of that info. </p>
<p>So now it is an easy matter for Brandeis to simply cull the names from the application software itself, using whatever screening process it wants. </p>
<p>And no, the registration form does NOT ask for the applicants religion. ;)</p>
<p>I accept your extensive "proof" calmom-- I didn't think they would ask for religion--maybe Blue ribbon is to inspire loyalty in kids that might be enticed elsewhere. But I don't see how they can become more diverse without replacing some Jewish students with something else--however identified.</p>
<p>An Asian girl gave us the tour at 'Deis. They're probably just looking for the most qualified, so they will admit non Jews with strong applications.</p>
<p>Well, I think my D will have them absolutely fooled...not Jewish but has a clearly Jewish surname!</p>