<p>I just received a letter saying that I am on Brandeis's waitlist. This school remains my top choice, even though I haven't visited the school (I plan on doing so if accepted). To get to the point, I am not working on my "Waiting List Response" letter where it asks its applicants to describe "why Brandeis remains high on your list." From what I understand, Brandeis seeks to diversify its student body. WOuld it be a bad idea to address that one of the reasons Brandeis is my top choice is its large Jewish population? Do you suppose that doing this may hinder my chance of being accepted?
Please respond, anyone, as soon as you can because I want to send this letter ASAP!
Thanks.</p>
<p>if you’re not a jew, try not to talk about jews</p>
<p>i would definitely explain to Brandeis why you haven’t visited. Brandeis doesn’t like being everyone’s safety school so they are wary of admitting people that haven’t showed interest. there really isn’t a hard and fast rule in terms of the Jewish component. Whilbe Brandeis wants to diversify its student body it also knows wants to accept students that are a good fit. Admissions knows that one of Brandeis’ selling points is its Jewish community so I wouldn’t avoid talking about that as a reason for attending Brandeis. good luck!</p>
<p>i got accepted to brandeis and im probably (more like definitely) not going to attend. so don’t worry too much, a potential spot might go to you! </p>
<p>i dont have much to add; im dont know too much about this topic. ill just agree with sulsk and with you good luck on getting accepted!</p>
<p>Brandeis does have a large jewish population. You are correct on that. However, I don’t think you should make a note of it in your letter. Focus on the academic opportunities that the school can offer. Most colleges frown on students who like ‘homogenous’ populations. They might get the wrong idea about your ideals if you put that into your letter. Unless you BS and say that you want to make a connection to the Jewish community since you’ve been deprived of that opportunity. But then again, admissions officers might think that’s not their problem and that you should just go to temple.</p>
<p>I do not think that mentioning your attraction to the Brandeis Jewish community is a bad idea - I think you should go for it! My application was full of Jewish references, and I even overtly stated that the population was a reason why I liked Brandeis (in my Why Brandeis essay). It was just about the most cliche application you can imagine Brandeis receiving, and they gave me a merit scholarship for it, so I don’t see it hindering your chances.</p>
<p>It would probably help a lot to mention what you like about the academic program, the extracurriculars, the student body, and the Brandeis philosophy (do some research on why the school was founded and what principles they still uphold!). Make sure you are very convincing and sincere. Good luck - I really hope you get in!</p>
<p>I agree with pretty much everything sstGO27 said. BUT also try to show that your thought processes in the classroom may add diversity if you feel comfortable portraying yourself that way. Remember that diversity can be introduction of opinion - stiring the mental pot. My best friend went back east last summer and was adopted by the Jewish kids (she looks Jewish but is Catholic). She loved every minute and really got to understand the sense of community and connection that the Jewish kids built with each other so I think Brandies is very aware of that attraction.</p>
<p>BTW…she is heading back east next year because of that experience -we are on the west coast.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the comments and suggestions; I will be sure to make note of them as I revise my letter.</p>
<p>In effort to demonstrate my interest in the school, I also plan to visit Brandeis in the middle of April and perhaps schedule an appt. to meet with admissions officer(s) and the head/professors of the IR department, since that’s what I aspire to major in. This will also be a chance for them to match a face to the name on the application, and thus provide a more complete picture of me (the applicant) Do you think this is a good idea?</p>