<p>I would like to know about the social scene, and how much work you have to do at Brandeis.</p>
<p>I am a freshman at Brandeis now, so I can answer your questions based on my experience. Brandeis is not a party school. On the weekends, most students go and hang out in Boston. Theres frat parties off campus, and there's movies and group performances on campus. The people here are really friendly. On weeknights, there are often coffeehouses in Chums where campus groups (acapella, comedy) perform. </p>
<p>The work at Brandeis is hard, but not unmanageable. Pre-med is very difficult. People generally spend a lot of time working, but the environment is not competitive. </p>
<p>Hope this helps!</p>
<p>I would add that if you want an idea of the co-curricular life at brandeis, you should visit the myBrandeis calendar which lists many of the events happening at Brandeis every day. It is available at <a href="http://my.brandeis.edu/calendar%5B/url%5D">http://my.brandeis.edu/calendar</a>. Also remember to visit our website, which should be online soon, at <a href="http://www.brandeis.edu/orientation%5B/url%5D">http://www.brandeis.edu/orientation</a>.</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p>Joshua Simmons
Orientation Chair for New Student Orientation 2005
Brandeis University</p>
<p>Joshua - you must really love Brandeis - I see you post on every discussion concerning this school. My son has narrowed down his choices to Brandeis, Univ of Rochester and Cornell. Why should he chose Brandeis?</p>
<p>I really do love Brandeis. My experience here has been nothing but positive and it is the perfect fit for me. As I mentioned on some other postings I'm originally from Hawai'i, so my choice was very important.</p>
<p>If you are looking for a university that excells in its academics, Brandeis certainly qualifies. I can't remmeber the percentages off the top of my head but most of our faculty hold top degrees in their field and are consistantly being given awards for their work. Our faculty to student ratio is about 8 to 1, and I have never had a non-intro class larger than 30 (and that was the max). I have had several classes with 20 or lower, and about three with around 10.</p>
<p>You're probably saying, "That's great, but all of the colleges I'm looking at are small liberal arts institutions that excell in faculty research and student interaction." (or maybe not) but the other great thing about Brandeis is how young the institution is. Many people will look at the Princeton Review and think that within our teer we're in the top-middle, but what you have to remember that those statistics are based on alumni participation, endowment, and various other statistics that are easier to establish when you have 100 years of alumni. There is no where but up for Brandeis to go in those standings.</p>
<p>Additionally, being a young institution students have the chance to form the institution. Our Student Union government and its officials are well listened to by the Professional Staff and if the Student Body mobilizes around something they believe in, it will happen. That's probably why we have a such a history of social activism and propelling change.</p>
<p>I could go on and on, but it basically comes down to the students being outgoing and interested in the campus community, the faculty and staff being approachable and willing to listen to the thoughts of students, and our continual devotion to changing our campus for the better.</p>
<p>If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact me directly or visit our website.</p>
<p>Sincerely,</p>
<p>Joshua Simmons
Chair of New Student Orientation 2005
Brandeis University</p>
<p>Thanks Joshua - I'll pass this on to my son. We'll be up there on the 13th.</p>