<p>Which school should I attend? My major is psychology, and in terms of school, I like them both. Here are some pros and cons both schools:
I've been admitted to UCSD's Revelle College and Brandeis University. In case you didn't know, Brandeis is a small university in Massachusetts, and has a rep for being a jewish school, although that is to be disputed.</p>
<p>UCSD:
pros: big school, about $5000 more aid than Brandeis, top major in psychology, good weather, good research facility.
cons: competitive, public school=less personal attention</p>
<p>Brandeis University:
pros: ranked 31 best college by US Newsweek (higher than UCSD), liberal arts school, quaint, historic atmosphere, easier time in classes
cons: bad weather, religious affiliation</p>
<p>I really don't know which school is better, in terms of requirements, how hard it is to survive there, graduation rates, etc. I've heard that Brandeis doesn't accept AP credits-is that true?</p>
<p>I can’t speak to UCSD, but except for rank and weather, your statements about Brandeis (my own alma mater, and where my D and I visited three years ago) are wrong. First, there’s nothing remotely “quaint” or “historic” about the place other than one dormitory (the Castle). The rest of the campus was entirely built after WWII, and the buildings represent some of the best and worst of modern architecture of the past seven decades. Second, there is no reason to believe classes would be less challenging at Brandeis. Third, Brandeis is a secular school with no religious affiliation. It was indeed founded in 1948 by Jews with the goal of providing the opportunity for a first class education to Jewish students who were excluded from Ivys and other top colleges by quota systems. However, today I believe the Jewish undergraduate population is around 40%, and the only religious trappings you would find are the presence of a Kosher cafeteria option and vacation days that track the major Jewish holidays. Last, it’s not accurate to call Brandeis a liberal arts college, since it is a university with a full slate of graduate programs and a recently added business curriculum–though it may be correct to say the atmosphere at the school is more like that of an LAC.</p>
<p>I have no intention of influencing your decision one way or the other, but want to make sure you are operating on correct information. Your questions about graduation rates and AP credits can be answered by a single phone call to the Brandeis Admissions Office, and if you attend accepted students day, you will have ample opportunity to have all your concerns addressed. Best of luck with your decision and your college career.</p>
<p>Just to chip in UCSD is #37. I doubt that a 6 place difference (wich is totally within the margin of error in ever changing rankings) will effect the “value” of your degree.</p>
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