<p>Any suggestions? I am interested in math and biology, maybe premed.<br>
P.S. I am definitely not a party person, so based on its reputation, i probably wont choose BC --but feel free to convince me otherwise</p>
<p>My D is going to Brandeis, currently planning for Biochemistry (alternating also w/ Biology and Chemistry). Brandeis has a fair number of merit scholarships (vs. almost none at BC), and an excellent reputation in life sciences.</p>
<p>She was accepted to both of the above, got a great offer from Brandeis and nothing from BC (apparently, merit aid goes to EA applicants only).</p>
<p>Granted BC's location (Chestnut Hill) is more attractive than Brandeis' (Waltham), but a commuter rail stop on the edge of the Brandeis campus puts you in Boston / Cambridge in 20 minutes.</p>
<p>I can't speak to Wellesley, though.</p>
<p>I'd say go to Tufts or Wellesley, for academic reputation, and great natural science facilities and support, as well as opportunities for research.</p>
<p>I'm pre-med (Though majoring in a non-science) at Tufts, I'd go here again anytime over those schools. The resources for undegraduate research are amazing as Lola said, and the student/faculty ratio is something like 8:1 which is LAC-size but you still get all the resources of a resarch university...</p>
<p>Thanks for the replies. I am definitely leaning toward Tufts or Brandeis. Can anyone tell me about the social atmosphere of these schools?</p>
<p>Hey Pearl. The choice between Brandeis and Tufts is a common one. First off, the big one for CCers: Tufts is slightly more prestigious and has a larger endowment. However, Brandeis is a young institution, only 50 or so years old, and its small endowment is in part due to that. It is however rapidly gaining more recognition.</p>
<p>To be fair, Brandeis has a student faculty ratio of 8:1, with even more of a focus on undergrads than Tufts has, yet still has a profound research capacity. I know countless underclassmen at Brandeis who have research positions in some of the most recognized labs on campus. </p>
<p>In terms of social environments, Brandeis is a smaller school with no university recognized frats or sororities. It party/drinking culture is quite tame. However, the parties are there if you actively seek them out. At Brandeis it is common for a group of friends to play Jenga on a Saturday night in a dorm, watch a movie, drink with friends, or go to an off campus party that resembles one's idea of a "college party".</p>
<p>Brandeis has an intellectual, semi-nerdy, politically and socially aware student body. It does not have a football team and athletics do not play a large role in student life. If I were to compare it to another school, I would say it is a larger, less intense, younger Swarthmore.</p>
<p>There are student events on campus, but in my opinion they need a boost.</p>
<p>Tufts' student/faculty ratio is also 8:1. It also known for prizing undergrad research as well as funding trips and projects that most other schools don't give money for -- especially not to undergrads. </p>
<p>The social life at Tufts, my friend at Brandeis tell me, far outshines their own. It's also easier to get into Boston.</p>
<p>Tufts vs. Brandeis does seem to be a very common choice. Both close to Boston, just a few slots apart in the USN rankings, 8:1 S/F ratio at Tufts vs. 9:1 at Brandeis, both allow early application to Tufts Medical, etc.</p>
<p>Some personal insight on this particular choice.</p>
<p>My D was accepted to both in the last few weeks. She was probably leaning towards Brandeis and I was leaning to Tufts (my sister got her BA and DVM there).</p>
<p>Brandeis went all out to make her feel wanted there - full tuition scholarship, an offer to join a special research program, letters from the department heads of the two possible majors she listed on her application, etc.</p>
<p>Tufts sent a letter of acceptance and a welcome packet. Three days later she received a letter stating she's not eligible for needs-based aid, and a list of places she can apply for loans.</p>
<p>That did make the choice fairly simple. However, it does seem to point up a difference between the two schools. Brandeis is pushing to get top students in, offering a wide range of merit aid to do so. Tufts is doing the needs-only, but is not needs-blind and doesn't commit to meeting the full need. Yes, they may have a larger endowment, but that only matters if you agree where they're spending it.</p>
<p>Tufts is more convenient to the Boston subway, with vans more frequently taking you to the red line stop than the +/- hourly commuter rail train at Brandeis. However, having grown up just a few miles from Tufts, I can honestly state that Brandeis is a more pleasant location.</p>
<p>In any event, both are excellent schools. You'll do well with either.</p>
<p>Just a note as far as transportation to Boston from Brandeis. There are shuttles from Brandeis into Boston on Friday's, Saturdays and Sundays. There is also another shuttle that goes to Coolidge Corner in Brookline, and I believe they are working on another to the Riverside T stop.</p>
<p>Tufts and Brandeis are about equivalent in terms of academics, but Brandeis offers merit scholarships whereas Tufts does not. Tufts has the history and legacy of a long-time school whereas Brandeis is still making its reputation. Brandeis has a few fraternities and sororities but they are a minor factor in campus life. Most students have parties with their friends.</p>
<p>Athletics don't play a large role in Brandeis life, but that is slowly changing. They don't and won't play football but both of their basketball teams made the NCAA tournament this year (Div. III).</p>
<p>I think the views of the posters are quite accurate. Is FA an issue?</p>
<p>Just so you know, Tufts is committed to meeting full need of its accepted students.</p>