Brandeis University

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Rankings & Lists

Students Say - Academics
Strong academics and an activist spirit imbue Brandeis University, where "quirk and politically and socially aware students actually [go] to classes they really have a desire to attend," because they care "about learning both inside and outside the classroom, about other people, and about the world around us." No touchy-feely granola institution, Brandeis is "a top research university" as well as "a strong liberal arts school," and its students are serious about the future: "If you're thinking about business, law, or medical school, you'll fit right in with the pack" here. Brandeis' independent undergrads love that the "curriculum is flexible and allows you to do what you want." One explains: "The core curriculum is only composed of eight categories, which makes it easy for students to jump into classes of their interest, rather than get tied up in general or required courses. Not to mention that those eight requirements are incredibly flexible: I took Intro to 3D Animation last semester for my science requirement!" Brandeis' impressive academics "encourage [students] to think outside of the box and try new things," an approach that jibes with the "overall intellectual" environment created by students and faculty. Because "Brandeis is primarily an undergraduate institution," students don't feel that they need to compete with grad students for their professors' attention. "The fact that I can have such close contact on a daily basis with such incredibly talented individuals is something that occasionally astounds me," one undergrad writes.

Students Say - Campus Life
There is definitely a strong campus life at Brandeis, where "there is always something going on." Campus activity "is diverse. One Saturday you might go to a party and then the next day you might play a board game with your friends until three in the morning; or a concert one night and an art history lecture the next night." As one student puts it, "There are people who go out and party hard all week, [and] there are people who stay in on weekend nights to do work. The truth is Brandeis is a place where just about anyone can find someone like them." Students place a premium on creativity; fortunately, "there is always something creative to do." Undergrads "ice skate, dance, sing in an a cappella group, perform in a play, play a club or intramural sport, work on campus, have an internship off campus," or simply hang out in the campus coffeehouse located in "a replica of a Scottish castle." The Brandeis Shuttle allows students to "go into Boston on the weekends...the average student makes it to Boston once or twice a month" in order to "see a movie, have a meal, go to a museum or Quincy Market, [and] go to bars or clubs (only if you're over 21...Boston is strict)." Hometown Waltham isn't half bad either; we're told that "the food is great and there's a movie theater, bars, and Lizzy's Ice Cream" nearby.

Students Say - Student Body
There is no 'typical student' except that generally people are driven and creative, Brandeis undergrads tell us. Most here "are passionate about something and have many interests, though those interests are varied." Students tend to be "involved in a variety of activities" that include "community service or a peace group of some sort." Most are "probably double-majoring;" are "into dance, singing, or a musical band of some sort;" and have "frequent contact with leaders, administrators, and faculty." They're also likely to be "quirky...the reason they come to Brandeis is because they're drawn to these qualities....What other university would host a silent dance in their Campus Center where everyone's listening to their own iPod?" As one student sums up, "The typical student is studious, liberal, and passionate. Also Jewish. But not EVERYONE is Jewish. There are atypical students, but the great thing about Brandeis is that we don't care if you're different. If you're a good person who has something interesting to offer, [someone] will be your friend."

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