WUSTL Vs. Brandeis

Colleges and Universities A-Z Washington University in St. Louis
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<p>Hi all (:</p>

<p>I got a call today around 2 EST and discovered I had been accepted to WUSTL off of the waitlist. I'm currently desposited at Brandeis University, and need some advice on where I should go (I have a couple weeks to decide). I'll be flying out to WUSTL in the next couple weeks to visit campus.</p>

<p>Some relevant information...I want to study premed, and both programs are good (Brandeis has a 76% admit rate to med school, a premed at WUSTL I talked to said theirs is low 80s). Brandeis is very close to my home (~10 miles) so it has the convenience factor for it, but I also would like to get away (St Louis is good). I am quirky/a little bit nerdy and seem to fit into the Brandeis community well (similar to the uChicago community in terms of personality) and am not sure how WUSTL is. Money is not a matter for me at either school -- thoughts?</p>

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<p>As far as school quality, WashU is definitely “better” than Brandeis. </p>

<p>But if you feel a perfect fit at Brandeis, I would stay with your deposit; you won’t get a true feel for WashU over the summer, and it’s not so much greater of a school that it’s worth it.</p>

<p>My advice: After you’ve visited WashU, go back to Brandeis, and see if anything seems to click.</p>

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<p>I don’t think WUSTL has a very “defined personality”. In that way it is a safer bet (unlike UChicago that fits a specific “type”). It has a happy and somewhat laid-back vibe, but you will have to work hard, especially in premed. I guess it is a little like Stanford (but easier to get into, and less well known to your neighbors if you are not from STL)</p>

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<p>I also don’t think they will hold your spot for you to fly out there “in a couple of weeks” will they??</p>

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<p>I think you have one week to respond.</p>

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<p>Yup, talked with the dean and I’ll be flying out Friday to visit WUSTL and will be informing them of my choice Tuesday. Thanks for your thoughts everyone (:</p>

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<p>Synny</p>

<p>By most standards, Wash U is the ‘better’ school, whatever that means. </p>

<p>As you note, the Med School acceptance percentages pretty close, and your chances of admission are probably about the same either way.</p>

<p>If it were me, edge goes to Wash U, but if you really love Brandeis and choose that school, it won’t be a mistake.</p>

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<p>I think I saw you in the facebook group for the class of '15 :slight_smile: I hope you choose WashU but you really can’t go wrong!</p>

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<p>You did indeed, and I did indeed pick WashU (: I just visited today, and it was 67 and sunny and the place was gorgeous.</p>

<p>Also, it turns out the local zoo lets penguins out from the zoo when it’s colder than 15F…so awesome.</p>

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<p>

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<p>Yes. It’s amazing to witness. (note, the zoo is also free, so double awesome)</p>