<p>I am applying to Brandeis soon… for a huge list of reasons really such as the academics, location, etc. but one of the main things that first hit me when researching different universities was how “Jewish” Brandeis is, without officially being an “only Jewish” university (if that makes sense).
The current essay question for applications is about why you would want to attend Brandeis, and I was wondering from any current students how true my vision of Brandeis really is. I am from Israel, but I have lived in Asia most of my life so outside of my family/the very lacking, sometimes, Jewish & Israeli communities, I don’t feel very connected to that huge part which defines me. I feel like Brandeis sort of represents that Jewish culture (especially in comparison to my other choice colleges, which are diverse sure, but just don’t have that significant Jewish community/culture).
I find it really hard to even explain how I feel about the university…but I hope if you’re reading this you understand haha!
First of all, is my vision completely wrong? I know Brandeis has many other cultures, religions, races etc - that’s another huge reason why I want to go, because I know it will be diverse while there still being that significant community & culture.
Second of all, will talking about this (as well as the excellent academic programs for what I want to study) be good for my application essay? </p>
<p>Any help will be greatly appreciated… thanks in advance! :)</p>
<p>Ok, your first question...Brandeis does have a diverse campus but it is very very Jewish, way more then you would ever find at other 'nondenominational' schools. Statistically, Brandeis is half Jewish (less then Tufts) however, that covers a broad spectrum of Judaism from not practicing to extremely religious. </p>
<p>For your essay, I would be careful with the topic-it is not particularly original. I cannot imagine the number of essays they likely receive about an applicant's Jewish experience. I would strongly urge you to step away from such an obvious topic (it worked well for me)</p>
<p>I can relate a little bit as I grew up overseas in Europe as an American. In my (full) essay at the time, I wrote mainly about my experience as an American abroad with regard to distance from the culture and political events, but I also included some references about distance from Jewish-American family members, which also played into it to some extent , while also noting some of the other cultural/religious experiences I had experienced as an expat. I would try to also talk about what you have gained from your experiences in Asia and see if you can combine your thoughts about a Jewish community maybe into a larger theme or combine with other things you are seeking from the university.
I'd say your vision is pretty accurate and you would likely find your niche. Good luck!</p>
<p>Thank you so much for the help!!
My only problem is that I'm applying through the CommonApp, and my main topic for the essay for it is about my "TCK" (third culture kid) experiences - i.e. exactly all of those experiences of being an Israeli living abroad, and basically everything you just mentioned haha.
I know I can definitely incorporate some information about why Brandeis is good for me academically, with the liberal arts education and a good program for the areas I'm interested in, but I still don't think that would be enough somehow... And obviously very overdone.
Can you maybe suggest to me any other things you find really great about the university? My knowledge of it is a little lacking as well since I don't live in the US (so I don't actually get to visit colleges I'm applying to - horrible I know). I'm sure there are a LOT of really amazing things about it, but it's hard to tell unless you hear about them from current students :P</p>