Hi everyone
I am choosing between the two. I want to major in chemistry and possibly economics and maybe pursue med school. I am interested in doing research.
I received 42K merit over four years from brandeis and Im still waiting on richmond.
outside of money which one should I pick and why?
Brandeis, hands down, I think. Both chem and econ are very good there, you have tons of research opps, and med school admit rates are significantly above average. Also more prestigious. And in Boston, with hundreds of thousands of students within 50 miles of downtown. Richmond is a very fine school - and really coming into its own. If you can afford it, attend the admit student weekends. Your heart will tell you for sure. 
You should carefully evaluate the social atmosphere at each school. They are polar opposites. They are also polar opposites in terms of popular majors.
Boston would not be a reason to attend Brandeis. I doubt you would find it much of a resource.
Richmond students and Brandeis students have very similar stats but they are very different socially.
The fit and feel are very different for those schools. That should really drive the decision as they likely attract different types. Richmond is very strong for business, so econ would be good there. They do have opportunities for student research and will pay you to do a summer internship which is a nice feature. Absolutely gorgeous campus. But it all will come down to fit.
Thank you all for your help! I actually used to live in the Boston area for the majority of my life so one advantage would be my familiarity with the area. I am definitely leaning more towards chemistry/science than economics at the moment
@OnTheBubble I am well aware of the social difference among the two. However, I don’t know which would be the better fit for me. I do believe in Brandeis social justice, I just get the feeling that their social scene is a little lacking. I am not a party goer by any means but I still like to spend time outdoors and with others.
I have heard kids compare Richmond to Wake Forest, Richmond to Bucknell, Richmond to NESCAC schools, but Richmond to Brandeis is a first.
Fwiw, Brandeis is sometimes compared to Tufts, a NESCAC school